In 2012, the DTM not only enters its 13th season since the series was revived in 2000 but also a new era with revised technical regulations and new cars. The preparations and test drives for the new DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé are already in full swing.

“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," says Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Norbert 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.”

New car: DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé

The new DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé is the successor model to the AMG Mercedes C-Class – the most successful vehicle in the 27-year history of the DTM with 85 victories from 159 races – and is based on the Mercedes-Benz C Class Coupé which received its world premiere in summer 2011.

Development, design and construction of the new DTM racing car began in June 2010 at the HWA AG works. The first chassis was assembled in June 2011, and the first complete vehicle rolled off the line in August. The first test of the C-Coupé took place at the Lausitzring in early September 2011 with Gary Paffett at the wheel.

“The biggest difference between the cars is that we’re no longer competing in a four-door model but in a coupé,” said Paffett. “In contrast to previous years, the car is lower-slung, wider-bodied and looks even sleeker.” Starting next season, the DTM drivers will be changing gear using shift paddles on the steering wheel, just like in Formula One.

New safety concept

The DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé has been designed to comply with the new, improved safety concept for 2012. This includes an optimised carbon-fibre monocoque and a roll cage made of high-tensile steel. In order to afford the driver better protection in an accident, all safety-relevant components such as fire extinguishing system and fuel tank have been incorporated into the carbon-fibre chassis.

In addition, all vehicles are equipped with six crash absorbers to protect the driver from front, rear and side impact. These carbon-fibre crash structures absorb the energy in stages, so that the driver is not exposed to high deceleration forces.

New races

The race calendar for the 2012 DTM season once again has ten DTM championship rounds and a show event in Munich. You can get tickets for all DTM races at the Mercedes-Benz Online Ticket Shop or via the Ticket Hotline on 0180 5 97 22 67. The 2012 DTM calendar at a glance:

29 April    Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg (D)
06 May     Lausitzring (D)
20 May    Brands Hatch (GB)
03 June     Red Bull Ring Spielberg (A)
01 July     Norisring (D)
14 - 15 July     Show event at the Olympic Stadium in Munich (D)*
19 August     Nürburgring (D)
26 August    Circuit Park Zandvoort (NL)
16 September    Motorsport Arena Oschersleben (D)
30 September    Valencia (E)
21 October    Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg (D)

* No championship points to be awarded