Mercedes’ go-faster AMG division is going to be very busy at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show. Not only will the SLS AMG Roadster be there, but the wraps will also come off the SLK55 AMG, and this, the new Mercedes C-class Coupe DTM AMG.
Mercedes won’t reveal its new DTM-spec race car until next week, but our artist’s impression shows exactly how the beefed-up C-class Coupe will look.
What’s so special about the new Mercedes C-class Coupe DTM AMG?
New rules and regulations for the 2012 DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) season are designed to cut costs and improve safety. It’s the former reason that has seen BMW enter the series for the first time in 20 years – and BMW is back with an M3 because not only is the two-door body cooler than a 3-series saloon, but it helps meet the new, tougher side impact tests too. Audi has also announced a switch from the A4 to saloon to the new facelifted A5 Coupe, so it was only Mercedes left that to confirm its new car. And it wasn’t going to be the only manufacturer on the grid with a four-door saloon…
Thus the C-class saloon is being retired, and replaced by the new C-class Coupe. Mercedes F1 drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg will unveil the car next week, alongside Merc boss Dr Dieter Zetsche, and Mercedes motorsport chief Norbert Haug. ‘This new-generation vehicle, based on our Mercedes C-class Coup, will mark the introduction of an even more spectacular racing car from the start of 2012,’ said Haug. ‘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.’
DTM rules mean all the cars are rear-wheel drive, and use 4.0-litre V8s with over 450bhp. There are more standardised parts to reduce costs next year, but the racing will still be spectacular.
>> Click here to see a digital preview of the current issue of CAR, in which we join Mercedes DTM driver David Coultard for a weekend of (very wet) racing in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters