So there I was putting the finishing touches to a PH fleet update on our C63 AMG estate, when
appeared from nowhere with
an update on his SEAT Cupra
. Surprised? You could have knocked me down with a feather... They must finally have installed wi-fi at the golf club.
Still, while rummaging through the M-B media site to remind myself of some key C63 facts, I fell over these pictures of a Frankfurt show debut we've managed to overlook. If you're prudish look away now, because it's slightly pornographic.
More specifically, it's the new for 2012 DTM AMG C-Coupe that M-B will race in the footsteps of the successful AMG C-Class, which scored 84 victories from 156 races to become the winningest (yes, we hate that word too. Ed) vehicle in nearly three decades of DTM racing.
Constructed to latest DTM specs
the new racer is built around a carbon-fibre monocoque and steel roll cage, with all its safety-related bits like fuel tank and fire extinguishers built inside the monocoque.
With cars like this dicing for honours in a three-way battle between Audi, BMW and Mercedes, it's not surprising that the DTM series attracted 2.4 million viewers on race weekends last year.
M-B motorsport boss Norbert Haug reckons it's going to be even more exciting in 2012, and promises spectators 'will get their money's worth'.
DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé Technical Data
Chassis: |
Carbon fibre monocoque with steel roll cage,
front, lateral and rear crash structures,
bonnet, doors, side panels and wings in carbon fibre
Length: |
5.010 mm |
Width: |
1.950 mm |
Height: |
1.210 mm |
Wheelbase: |
2.750 mm |
Fuel tank: |
120 litres |
Weight: |
1050 kg (with driver) |
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Aerodynamics: |
Aerodynamic modifications to front splitter and side panels, flat bottom, front and rear diffusers, rear wing |
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Engine: |
Capacity: |
4.0 litres |
Cylinder head: |
4 valves per cylinder |
Cylinder arrangement: |
V8, 90 ° |
Performance: |
approx 500bhp at 7500 rpm |
Maximum torque: |
500 Nm |
Air intake restrictors: |
2 x 28 mm diameter |
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Transmission: |
Standard 6-speed transverse-mounted gearbox, rear-wheel drive, pneumatically operated sequential gear shift on steering wheel, mechanical differential lock without traction control, carbon fibre driveshaft, 3-plate carbon fibre clutch operated by foot pedal |
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Suspension: |
Double wishbones with spring/damper units to front and rear axles, actuated via pushrods |
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Brakes: |
Standard carbon braking system without ABS |
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Steering: |
Rack and pinion steering with power assistance |
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Wheels / tyres: |
Aluminium wheels, control tyres
Front: Wheels: 12x18
Tyres: 300 / 680 R18
Rear: Wheels: 13x18
Tyres: 310 / 710 R18
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