Mercedes-AMG gears up for 2016 DTM with new C63 Coupe
Presented alongside the Edition 1 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new touring car is based – stylistically at least – on the new C63 AMG Coupe, but is designed specifically for the race track. Underneath the largely carbon-fiber bodywork sits a 4.0-liter V8 engine driving 483 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed sequential gearbox to the rear wheels. It's suspended by pushrod-actuated by double wishbones and features a mechanical diff (but no traction control) and carbon-ceramic brakes (but no ABS).
In short, the new C63 is all business. And it looks about ready to take on Germany's most famous racing circuits and those of some of its neighbors – from Hockenheim, the Nurburgring, and the EuroSpeedway Lausitz to Zandvoort, the Red Bull Ring, and the Moscow Raceway. Audi and BMW had better watch their mirrors. Show full PR text Mercedes-AMG DTM Team present 2016 race car
- Looking ahead to the 2016 season: How the new DTM car fielded by the Mercedes-AMG DTM Team will look
- Inspired by the DTM: AMG launch Edition 1 Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe
- Five questions to Head of Mercedes-AMG DTM Ulrich Fritz
- Overview: How Mercedes-Benz DTM vehicles have evolved
- Ulrich Fritz: "Our aim with this vehicle is, of course, to continue the Mercedes-Benz success story in the DTM."
The 2015 DTM season reaches its climax in September. But even before the final three race weekends of the year at Oschersleben, the Nurburgring and Hockenheim, the Mercedes-AMG DTM Team are providing an insight into what lies ahead for the race series, revealing the new car that they will enter for the 2016 campaign.
Design adaptations to the 2016 Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM first began last year. The dynamic-looking headlights and the twin blade grille typical of the AMG are two of the car's most striking features. The first tests with the new vehicle will take place during the winter as part of preparations for the 2016 season.
Long list of previous successful models
The 2016 DTM car to be deployed by the Mercedes-AMG DTM team follows on from successful predecessors that include the most successful car in DTM history – the AMG Mercedes C-Class with which Mercedes-AMG drivers secured 85 victories in 159 races.
"The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe will again set new standards for driving dynamics and design. So, the vehicle provides the ideal basis for our DTM car," said Head of Mercedes-AMG DTM Ulrich Fritz. "I'm already looking forward to seeing the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM compete in 2016. Our aim with this vehicle is, of course, to continue the Mercedes-Benz success story in the DTM."
Gary Paffett is contesting his twelfth DTM season in 2015. Over the years, the 2005 champion has raced the AMG Mercedes CLK, the AMG Mercedes C-Class, the DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupe and the Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM. Paffett: "The 2016 version of the Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM looks really good. Obviously, many parts are similar to those on the current car, but the new shape is really cool and simply shows that the Mercedes-Benz and AMG road versions are getting better and more beautiful with every stage in their evolution. I'm already looking forward to climbing into the new car. Hopefully, we can fight for lots of wins and maybe even win the title with it."
Edition 1: Inspired by motor racing
The graphic design of the IAA-launch version of the 2016 DTM car has also served as inspiration for special models of the new Mercedes AMG C 63 Coupe and the C 63 S Coupe which are available as Edition 1 market launches. Customer demands are catered for by two different treatments of the exterior. The first design is particularly striking and available only on the S model – an exclusive colour combination of designo selenite grey magno and yellow foil treatment with black wheels and rim flanges picked out in yellow. Yellow sports stripes are to be found on bonnet, roof, boot lid and on the sides above the sill trims. The special model comes complete with performance seats and aerodynamic package, emphasising its motor racing pedigree.
The AMG aerodynamic package in high-gloss black adds to the race-inspired look of both models. The extra large front spoiler, AMG-specific side skirts and fins to the sides on the rear apron, AMG-specific rear diffuser and spoiler lip on the boot lid not only reduce lift but also sharpen the visual appearance.
That unmistakeable racing feel continues in the interior. The AMG Performance seats are upholstered in nappa leather. In addition, the seats are contoured to give added lateral support, particularly under fast cornering. The flat-bottomed performance steering wheel in DINAMICA microfibre enables the driver to always have the C 63 Coupe safely under control.
The Edition 1 offers impressive driving dynamics at the highest level. All the right technical elements are there. Striking flared wheel arches to front and rear, a wider track and larger wheels give the new the C 63 Coupe a powerful appearance and also serve as the basis for highly responsive longitudinal and lateral dynamics. The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, producing either 350 kW (476 hp) or 375 kW (510 hp), guarantees spectacular performance, aided by the technologically advanced AMG RIDE CONTROL-specific suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, AMG DYNAMIC SELECT-specific driver programmes, a locking differential on the rear axle and the dynamic engine mounts of the C 63 S Coupe.
Positive innovation during the 2015 DTM season
There have been many innovations in the DTM already this year. The touring car series began the season opener at Hockenheim with a new race format. The return to two races per weekend (one on Saturday and Sunday) was well received by fans. Overall, 367,000 spectators were at the track to watch the first six race weekends of the year, while 123,000 spectators came through the gates over the weekend to watch the two victories of the Mercedes-AMG DTM team in Nuremberg.
Live broadcasts on ARD's Sportschau also proved very popular during the first half of the season with some 13.8 million viewers tuning in to watch qualifying and the race live on ARD TV over the first five race weekends – that's 23% up on the previous year.
Ulrich Fritz: Five questions about the Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM
What are the most striking features of the new DTM car?
Ulrich Fritz: We have used the unique, sporty design language of the street version of the new C-Class Coupe on the DTM version. Striking features like the dynamic design of the headlights and also the typical AMG twin blade grille of the C 63 AMG Coupe stand out immediately.
When did development work on the new design first begin?
Ulrich Fritz: The DTM car again takes its design and technological cues from the AMG line of the new C-Class Coupe. We took the first steps in adapting designs for the new DTM car last year.
How much development work has gone into the new car?
Ulrich Fritz: The regulations severely limit areas for development, so a large number of components have been taken from its tried and tested predecessor. Obviously, in the DTM, we seek to continuously optimise the overall package and, consequently, the vehicle passes through various development processes and stages during the course of its entire life cycle as deemed necessary.
What changes have been made to the aerodynamics, or do homologation needs perhaps dictate that nothing can be altered?
Ulrich Fritz: Due to the regulations, changes to the aerodynamics below what is known as the design line are not permitted. The vehicle's aerodynamics above the design line will, of course, be adapted to the new shape.
When will the first test runs with the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM be held?
Ulrich Fritz: We plan to undertake the first test outings with the car as part of winter testing in preparation for the 2016 DTM season.
Technical data: Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM
