DTM: First tests of the �new� Audi A4 DTM

[Plex]

Since the start of the 2004 season, Audi has been involved at factory level in the DTM. Despite the restrictive regulations, which give the technicians little room for manoeuvre, a great deal has been undertaken since then: The latest generation Audi A4 DTM, which bears the project name "R13� within Audi Sport, has very little in common with the "R11� 2004 Championship winning car.

The basic principle remains: The A4 DTM is a pure-blooded race car sporting the Audi A4 silhouette. The chassis is constructed from approximately 28 metres of aircraft quality steel tubing. The driver sits in a carbon-fibre cell which closely resembles the monocoque of a Formula 1 car. This combination guarantees the highest-level of safety. The Audi A4 DTM is assembled from approximately 6,000 parts - excluding engine and gearbox components. If all of the parts are available, the high-tech jigsaw puzzle requires about 50 hours to complete.

The Audi A4 DTM is powered by a four-litre, 90-degree V8 engine. The engine has been further refined for 2007. The peak power remains unchanged, but more power and torque is available across the entire rev range - mainly due to the reduction of internal friction. Compared to 2006, the centre-of-gravity has been lowered again. The airbox has also been modified.

"It�s not possible to make big leaps in the DTM because of the regulations,� emphasises Ulrich Baretzky, Head of Engine Technology at Audi Sport. "For these reasons it�s even more astonishing that small improvements are found year after year.�

This is also the case for the aerodynamics and the suspension. The new generation A4 DTM that completed its roll-out at Almeria (Spain) at the end of February and has just completed a 3-day test at Barcelona (Spain), is at first glance, easily distinguishable from the 2006 model from the front. The modified air ducting around the front-end is the reason.

The air flow was modified to suit the new front-end. The Audi Sport technicians spent many hours in the in-house Wind Tunnel Centre to further optimise the A4 DTM car�s aerodynamic configuration. "The 2007 A4 DTM generates more downforce, but at the same time, has a better drag coefficient,� explains Wolfgang Appel, Head of Vehicle Technology at Audi Sport.

The front suspension was also subject to extensive development; among the improvements is a new damper. Furthermore, the new Dunlop tyres require a different suspension set-up.

In spite of the comprehensive list of modifications implemented, 2007 is nevertheless a transitional year for Audi: Audi Sport is already working on the new DTM version of the A4, which should be seen in competition next year.

Touringcartimes

[worksux101]

Used to be a big fan of the DTM but in recent seasons i haven't been into it as much as its become pretty watered down...this article just proved that
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