Even though Ralf Schumacher is a Mercedes DTM driver, for some reason the company chose ‘F1 superstars’ Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg to unveil its 2012-spec C-Class Coupé DTM car in Frankfurt today.
Mercedes is following in the footsteps of Audi and BMW by choosing to base its DTM car on a Coupé model, rather than the current C-Class saloon.
The stunning Coupé is based around a carbon fibre monocoque with steel roll cage, and comes equipped with equipped with six – front, lateral and rear – energy-absorbing crash structures. The bonnet, doors, side panels and wings are all constructed from carbon fibre.
Power comes courtesy of a 4.0L V8 unit (fitted with two 28 mm air intake restrictors), which develops 500 bhp and 500 Nm of torque. Drive to the rear wheels is via a six-speed transmission with the driver enjoying the benefits of a pneumatically operated sequential gear shift, allowing split-second changes facilitated by the steering wheel-mounted flappy paddles.
Involved in DTM and ITC since 1988, Mercedes-Benz has secured an impressive 33 titles: nine in the drivers’ championship – five with Bernd Schneider, two with Klaus Ludwig, one with Gary Paffett and one also with Paul Di Resta – plus ten in the manufacturers’ championship.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
