匠人 – POP RACE Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR D2 1997 FIA GT

自從鐵模曝光後，圍繞POP RACE這台Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR D2 1997 FIA GT的討論從未間斷，儘管有其他車廠採用磁鐵技術來組裝車身，但POP RACE從根本著手，以最簡單的做法處理頭尾車身的組裝，實非易事。

Mercedes-Benz與AMG在1997年僅用128天開發出CLK GTR GT1賽車，為重返頂級賽車運動的經典之作。這款賽車採用碳纖維蜂窩結構底盤，搭載專門開發的Mercedes-Benz LS600 (GT112) 6.0升V12自然吸氣引擎，最大馬力達600hp，扭力高達700N·m。搭配6速序列式手動波箱，車重僅1,000kg，展現出驚人的性能表現。在空氣動力學設計上，CLK GTR採用大型前分流器與後擾流翼，配合寬體車身設計，確保高速行駛時的穩定性。避震採用雙A臂推桿式設計，搭配碳纖維煞車系統，提供出色的操控性能。值得注意的是，為符合FIA GT1組別規定，Mercedes-Benz還推出了25輛道路版本，香港都有一部。

在1997年FIA GT GT1級別賽事中，CLK GTR由Bernd Schneider、Klaus Ludwig等車手駕駛，在賽季13場比賽中創下輝煌戰績：4勝、2個亞軍、5個桿位和5個最快圈速，同時奪得車隊與車手雙料冠軍，為品牌重返賽車運動寫下輝煌一頁。

在相同價位下，POP RACE今次的確打遍天下無敵手，車頭及車尾可以輕易地對準插在車架上而不礙眼，車頭位置處理幾乎連線位都寮覺不到，車尾條線略見明顯但屬接受範圍。開頭尾車身的缺點是要將引擎、避震、風箱等一一還原，成本更高，POP RACE在這一方面交足功課。惟一要挑剔的是銀色車輪，由於質素不明顯，感覺比較入門，但瑕不掩瑜，這台CLK-GTR毫無疑問成為同級車的新指標。

Craftmanship – POP RACE Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR D2 1997 FIA GT

Since the reveal of the metal mold, discussions surrounding POP RACE’s Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR D2 1997 FIA GT have been constant. While other manufacturers use magnetic technology for body assembly, POP RACE took a fundamental approach by implementing a simple yet challenging solution for front and rear body assembly.

The CLK GTR GT1 race car, developed by Mercedes-Benz and AMG in just 128 days in 1997, marked a legendary return to top-tier motorsport. This racing machine features a carbon fiber honeycomb chassis powered by the specially developed Mercedes-Benz LS600 (GT112) 6.0L V12 naturally aspirated engine, producing 600hp and 700N·m of torque. Paired with a 6-speed sequential manual transmission and weighing only 1,000kg, it delivers extraordinary performance. Aerodynamically, the CLK GTR employs large front splitters and rear wings, complemented by wide-body styling to ensure stability at high speeds. The suspension utilizes a double wishbone push-rod design coupled with carbon fiber brakes, providing exceptional handling characteristics. Notably, to comply with FIA GT1 regulations, Mercedes-Benz produced 25 road-going versions, with one example in Hong Kong.

In the 1997 FIA GT Championship GT1 class, the CLK GTR, piloted by drivers including Bernd Schneider and Klaus Ludwig, achieved remarkable results across 13 races: 4 victories, 2 second-place finishes, 5 pole positions, and 5 fastest laps. The team secured both the constructors’ and drivers’ championships, writing a glorious chapter in the brand’s return to motorsport.

At its price point, POP RACE’s model stands unrivaled. The front and rear body sections align perfectly with the chassis without visual compromise. The front section’s assembly lines are nearly invisible, while the rear lines, though slightly noticeable, remain within acceptable limits. While opening front and rear body panels requires detailed recreation of the engine, suspension, and air boxes – increasing production costs – POP RACE has done their homework thoroughly. The only minor criticism might be the silver wheels, which appear somewhat basic in quality. However, this minor flaw doesn’t detract from the model’s overall excellence, undoubtedly setting a new benchmark in its class.