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Mercedes CLK GTR and Porsche 911 GT1, the iconic hyper sports cars of the 90s

In the late 1990s, two iconic German manufacturers made automotive history with exceptional models. The Mercedes CLK GTR and the Porsche 911 GT1, born from competition, embodied the pinnacle of performance and exclusivity. A look back at these mechanical gems that still make enthusiasts around the world dream.

The genesis of two legends

The story of these two hyper sports cars begins on the racetrack. To homologate their racing cars in the FIA โ€‹โ€‹GT Championship, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche had to produce limited-edition road versions. This regulatory constraint gave birth to two exceptional vehicles, combining cutting-edge technology and extreme performance.

The Mercedes CLK GTR StraรŸenversion was launched in 1997. True to the competition version, it featured a more luxurious interior, offering equipment worthy of a high-end production car. Under the hood, an impressive 6.9-liter naturally aspirated V12 developed 612 horsepower, propelling the machine to 320 km/h.

That same year, Porsche unveiled its 911 GT1 StraรŸenversion. Based on the controversial 996 generation of the legendary coupรฉ, it adopted a new mid-engine configuration. Its 3.2-liter twin-turbo flat-6 produced 544 horsepower, allowing it to reach a top speed of 310 km/h.

Outstanding performance

These two mechanical monsters offered astonishing performances for the time. The Mercedes CLK GTR was slightly faster, going from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds compared to 3.9 seconds for the Porsche 911 GT1.

The star-spangled car benefited from more generous horsepower, with 68 additional horsepower and 170 Nm more torque. This advantage translated into a higher top speed, with the CLK GTR reaching 320 km/h compared to 310 km/h for its Stuttgart rival.

The Porsche 911 GT1 made up for its slight power deficit with its featherweight. At just 1,150 kg, it weighed almost 400 kg less than the Mercedes. This lightness gave it exceptional agility, particularly appreciated on the racetrack.

Exclusivity at its peak

These two hyper sports cars were also distinguished by their extreme rarity. Mercedes-Benz produced only 28 examples of the CLK GTR StraรŸenversion, including 20 coupรฉs and 6 roadsters. The convertible version stands out as one of the most exclusive Mercedes ever built.

Porsche has taken exclusivity even further with just 21 units of the 911 GT1 StraรŸenversion. This ultra-limited production run makes it one of the brand's most sought-after models today, alongside the legendary 959 and Carrera GT.

The stratospheric prices achieved at rare auctions are evidence of the popularity of these two cars. The Mercedes CLK GTR recently crossed the โ‚ฌ10 million mark, while the Porsche 911 GT1 sold for nearly โ‚ฌ8 million in 2017.

Technological heritage

Beyond their raw performance, these two hyper sports cars played a crucial role in the technological development of their respective manufacturers. The Mercedes CLK GTR served as a rolling laboratory for AMG, foreshadowing the brand's future supercars like the SLR McLaren or the AMG One.

The Porsche 911 GT1, meanwhile, allowed the company to explore new technical solutions. Its mid-engine architecture paved the way for iconic models like the Carrera GT and the 918 Spyder. The technologies developed for the GT1 also benefited future generations of 911s.

A duel without a winner

Choosing a winner between these two sacred monsters is impossible. The Mercedes CLK GTR impresses with its raw power and top performance, while the Porsche 911 GT1 seduces with its lightness and devilish agility.

These two hyper sports cars each embody the philosophy of their manufacturer in their own way. The Mercedes exudes excess and opulence, faithful to the star's brand image. The Porsche, more sober in appearance, hides a fiery temperament beneath its sleek lines.

Today, the Mercedes CLK GTR and the Porsche 911 GT1 are icons in the world of collector cars. Their extreme rarity and their status as witnesses to a bygone era make them objects of desire for the greatest collectors. These mechanical gems continue to fascinate enthusiasts, perpetuating the myth of hyper sports cars approved for the road.

Ultimately, these two automotive legends symbolize the golden age of road-going racing cars. They embody an era where the ingenuity of manufacturers allowed them to push the boundaries of what was possible, offering unparalleled driving sensations to the most fortunate of thrill-seekers.