DTM: 2012 Mercedes

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Mercedes unveils 2012 DTM AMG C-Coupé

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: 12x18
Tyres: 300 / 680 R18
Rear: Wheels: 13x18
Tyres: 310 / 710 R18


Touringcartimes

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Press Release

Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg unveil DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé at the Frankfurt Motor Show

MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg unveiled the new DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé for the 2012 DTM season at the IAA in Frankfurt, alongside Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management at Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division, and Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport.

The new car is based on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé, which was launched worldwide in the summer of 2011, and is the first DTM car from Mercedes-Benz to be built around a new, improved safety concept, developed in collaboration with the ITR e.V, the DMSB (Germany's motor racing governing body) and the DTM manufacturers. The new car incorporates a state-of-the-art carbon fibre monocoque with a roll cage made ??of high-strength steel. Moreover, each vehicle is equipped with six energy-absorbing crash structures, giving the driver additional protection to the front, rear and sides.

The DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé will succeed the AMG Mercedes C-Class, which is the most successful vehicle in the 27-year history of the DTM, having scored 84 victories in 156 races and five driver's titles.
Development, design and manufacture of the new car began in June 2010 at HWA headquarters in Affalterbach, near Stuttgart, Germany. HWA is responsible for production of the cars, including engines.

Michael Schumacher: "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."

Nico Rosberg: "I was pleased to take part in unveiling the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé for the 2012 DTM season at its Frankfurt Motor Show world premiere. It looks really cool and I particularly like the chrome finish. The car is certainly an important step forward for the DTM, which is a great series - I began my career racing on the same weekends as the DTM, and it will attract even more fans in 2012 when the third manufacturer arrives. Whenever possible, I still follow the races on TV, and always enjoy going to local DTM events. I will of course keep my fingers crossed next year for my Mercedes-Benz DTM colleagues and hope they can bring the title home to Stuttgart with the new C-Class Coupé."

Gary Paffett: "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. 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."

Norbert Haug, Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: "This new-generation vehicle, based on our Mercedes-Benz C- Coupé, 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."





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