Photo: DTM Media

Mercedes unveils 2012 DTM AMG C-Coupé

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Mercedes launched their 2012 DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé at the Frankfurt Motorshow Today.
“This new-generation vehicle signals the introduction of an even more spectacular racing car from the start of 2012. I am certain that the spectators will get their money’s worth from the three-way fight between Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the DTM next year,” said Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport.

Mercedes Formula One driver Michael Schumacher unveiled the car at the Frankfurt Show and was enthusiastic.

“The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz DTM car looks fantastic, but what I find even more impressive than the car’s visual appearance is the new safety concept with its innovative safety cell and more advanced carbon-fibre crash structures. This safety standard is exemplary and constitutes, in my opinion, the benchmark for touring car racing. I’m looking forward to seeing the new C-Class Coupé in action and hopefully winning lots of races. I’ve got my fingers crossed for everyone in the Mercedes-Benz DTM team,” said Schumacher, who is scheduled to test the car.

The very first work of the new car started already in June 2010, with wind tunnel work starting in January 2011 and the first completed vehicle ready in August 2011.

Current DTM Mercedes driver Gary Paffett was one of the first drivers to test the new car.

“The first test of a new car is always an exciting moment. After getting a feel for the handling and performance of the DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé around the Lausitzring, I can say I’m very pleased with it. Of course, we still have a lot of development work ahead of us before the 2012 season opener at Hockenheim,” said Paffett.

The new DTM cars for 2012 differ quite a lot from the current cars, meaning many new impressions for the drivers.

“The driving experience is quite different to that of previous DTM cars. The new Hankook tyres for 2012 are wider and have taller sidewalls, providing more mechanical grip. Also, the gear lever has disappeared for 2012 – we will change gear using paddles on the steering wheel instead – and that’s something I’m already used to from Formula One,” said Paffett.

Technical Data

Chassis: Carbon fibre monocoque with steel roll cage,
front, lateral and rear crash structures,
bonnet, doors, side panels and wings in carbon fibre

Length: 5.010 mm
Width: 1.950 mm
Height: 1.210 mm
Wheelbase: 2.750 mm
Fuel tank: 120 litres
Weight: 1050 kg (with driver)

Aerodynamics:

Aerodynamic modifications to front splitter and side panels, flat bottom, front and rear diffusers, rear wing

Engine: Capacity: 4.0 litres
Cylinder head: 4 valves per cylinder
Cylinder arrangement: V8, 90 °
Performance: approx 500 bhp at 7500 rpm
Maximum torque: 500 Nm
Air intake restrictors: 2 x 28 mm diameter

Transmission:

Standard 6-speed transverse-mounted gearbox, rear-wheel drive, pneumatically operated sequential gear shift on steering wheel, mechanical differential lock without traction control, carbon fibre driveshaft, 3-plate carbon fibre clutch operated by foot pedal

Further information:

Suspension: Double wishbones with spring/damper units to front and rear axles, actuated via pushrods

Brakes: Standard carbon braking system without ABS

Steering: Rack and pinion steering with power assistance

Wheels / tyres: Aluminium wheels, control tyres

Front: Wheels: 12×18
Tyres: 300 / 680 R18
Rear: Wheels: 13×18
Tyres: 310 / 710 R18