Mercedes-Benz CLR
The Mercedes-Benz CLR is a sport prototype of the German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz, which participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1999. Three units would take the start, each driven by three drivers as usual in this test of resistance. It was a prototype that theoretically should be able to fight for victory in the legendary French test, but due to serious design flaws, it crashed dramatically several times.
aerodynamic problems
The CLR’s aerodynamic design had been taken too far, at high speeds it was too sensitive to any turbulence, causing it to fly three times during the test. Apparently, the front end tended to lose grip when driving alongside other cars, causing the car to lift its nose. From then on it was just the laws of physics that had to be followed. Said aerodynamic problem was attributed to the front bumper, which, due to its wedge design, with its lower part slightly raised.
irst takeoff
The first incident occurred during Thursday night practice when Mark Webber, driving the number 4 car, went airborne near the Indianapolis corner. The CLR was wrecked, but the mechanics managed to rebuild it in time for the run of full tanks.
second takeoff
In the batch of full tanks on Saturday, the second flight took place. When approaching the Mulsanne curve, the prototype lifted its nose and took flight, the event being captured by the photographers present.1
CLR units displayed in 2009.
take off on the run
Car number 4 was ruled out of the race, therefore only two units started the competition. Four hours into the race, the number 5 CLR, driven by Peter Dumbreck, repeated what happened to his twin on the straight while fighting against a Toyota GT-One, landing the car in the trees surrounding the track. This time the flight was recorded by television cameras and broadcast live worldwide.
V8 engine (GT 108 C), 5721 cc, 600 hp
Weight 921kg
The surviving unit then withdrew for safety reasons. Fortunately, none of the incidents resulted in casualties. The CLR did not participate in any competition again and is not exhibited in the Mercedes Museum.
Mercedes blamed these accidents on potholes on the track, which were later removed. Two other vehicles in the same category, the Porsche 911 GT1 and the BMW V12 LMR also took off in 1998 and 2000 respectively.
