 Work on designing a new car to meet LMGTP regulations began in September 1998 as Mercedes was closing out its second FIA GT Championship season . Development was led by HWA GmbH , the motorsports division of AMG , which became an independent company the following year . The LMGTP rules did not require road versions of the cars to be built , so Gerhard Ungar , chief designer for HWA , was free to develop the CLR without concern for road legality issues or the inclusion of driver comforts . The transition from GT1 to LMGTP also allowed a decrease in the minimum allowed weight , from 950 kg ( 2 @,@ 090 lb ) to 900 kg ( 2 @,@ 000 lb ) . The new design had a much smaller cockpit monocoque made from carbon fibre and aluminium honeycomb . The monocoque derived the design of its lower half from the CLK LM 's combination of carbon fibre and steel tube frame , but required a full carbon and aluminium upper half because of new load tests mandatory for LMGTP cockpits . The bodywork of the CLR was also 10 cm ( 4 in ) shorter in overall height compared to the CLK LM , while the nose was substantially lower and flatter than its predecessor due to a shorter wheelbase allowing longer overhangs . Aerodynamic development on the design was carried out at the University of Stuttgart 's wind tunnel and assisted by the aerodynamic specialists Fondmetal Technologies . Aerodynamic emphasis was placed on low drag for maximum top speed . Mercedes @-@ Benz 's brand image was also retained with the reuse of CLK @-@ Class tail lights from the CLK LM and a front grill and headlights based on the then @-@ new CL @-@ Class . 
