 The
CLR was more than a revised CLK-LM. Compare the 1999 CLR (left)
with the 1998 CLK-LM (below).
The main points of difference
are the longer rear overhang, the completely revised nose shape, the
revised belt line profile (area between the wheels), and the shorter
(length) and narrower
cockpit. The tail has also
been lowered though it retains the integral trailing edge
spoiler.
Interestingly, the front over
hangs seem about the same; long. The revisions to the cockpit
certainly
improved the airflow to the rear wing. Though in this top view
the lack of any breaks (louvers, vents) in the body surface is
striking. How does the car generate front downforce?
Primarily via that very long, and notoriously pitch sensitive,
front overhang.
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The
narrow nature of the cockpit is pretty evident here with its outer
limits being within the wheel arches. On the CLK-LM the cockpit
width extended out to about mid-tire. Note the position of the
engine intake; at the time the photo was taken it hadn't been fixed as
later (see above) it would move forward and start at the top of the
windshield split line.
