2006 Mercedes-Benz ART CLS GTR review

Mercedes-Benz ART CLS GTR review:

Based on the Mercedes-Benz CLS 55/63 AMG, the sports car from ART covers all wishes concerning a hot-blooded sports car with formidable performance and subtle, elegant design.

The developers from ART in Nuremberg, Germany succeeded in launching the GTR into the segment of top-class sports cars. Comprehensive, tightly focused upgrades transformed the basis CLS 55/63 AMG into a sports tool with brilliant performance. At the same time its appearance displays an air of diplomatic elegance, without drifting into the harsh design lines of its class competitors.

A shift into a higher level for the 4-door CLS coupe from Mercedes-Benz concerning performance, exterior and interior. During the “Middle East Motor Show” Dubai in December 2005 the refined sports vehicle had its first introduction to the public. Next official introduction step will be the “Special Import Car Show” at Tokyo in April 2006. Customers in Europe are able to order it from April 2006 onwards with the following technical details and equipment options:

Engine and Exhaust System

At this time, the GTR is available in two different motor performance versions, based on the Mercedes-Benz CLS 55 AMG with 469 bhp and 516 lb-ft of torque.

* GTR 560: performance is increased to 560 bhp / 583 lb-ft, 0-62 mph in 4.4 s
* GTR 620 (export version): performance is increased to 620 bhp / 657 lb-ft, 0-62 mph in 4.0 s

The performance upgrade for the recently introduced CLS 63 AMG is still in the development process.

Sport exhaust system is made of stainless steel with metal catalytic converters and 4 double-walled 4 inch end pipes.

Wheels and suspension

* 4 link front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension with track widening of front/rear 70 and 80 mm, electronically adjusted and lowered, height adjustable
* Semi-active air suspension with torsion bar stabilizer
* Front tires: 255/30 ZR20
* Rear tires: 305/25 ZR20
* Wheels 9,5J x20 3-piece, type ARTstar2 at the front, 10,5J x20 3-piece, type ARTstar2 at the rear
* Wheel stars on request painted in the color of the GTR

Body

* Wider body with exclusivelly developed front wings, wider sills, door applications on the rear doors as well as wider rear wings
* Front spoiler bumper with double lip and additional double light system
* Additional carbon-fiber front spoiler lip
* Lamella grill without MB star
* Rear bumper with integrated diffuser
* Additional carbon-fiber diffuser
* Big tilted trunk lid wing with direction flaps on the side
* Direction flaps on the trunk lid wing in carbon-fiber
* Carbon-fiber mirror housings
* ART and GTR vehicle lettering with replacement of the MB stars
* Special paintings, also in multi-color

Interior

* Bespoke interior trims in carbon-fiber, leather and alcantara according to customer specification
* Sport airbag steering wheel and shift knob on request in carbon-fiber, leather and/or alcantara
* ART velour carpet with logos, on request with the initials of the owner
* Entry ledges with illuminated ART-Logo
* Steplights on the sills End of Mercedes-Benz ART CLS GTR review.