Audi A5 DTM renderings

Funny how that on the day BMW took the wraps of its M3 DTM Concept, Audi also decided to issue some preliminary details about its 2012 DTM challenger. Very coincidental, indeed…



But it’s not as if Audi even has a car to show yet, because the new A5-based racer won’t have its public debut until September’s Frankfurt International Motor Show. So, all there is to look at for the time being are a few ‘concept study’ sketches.

The A5 DTM, which has an internal codename of ‘R17’, replaces the four-door A4 that Audi currently uses in the championship. And like other DTM competitors, it won’t have much in common with its road-going equivalent.



Its bodyshell, for example, will be built from carbon fibre with a hefty steel safety cage. Revised regulations for next season mean that driver safety standards are to be improved further, especially in the areas of side impact protection and fire suppression systems. Other changes include fewer permitted aerodynamic components on the car, although the rear wing will actually be larger.



One element that is going to be carried over from the A4 DTM is the powertrain, which comprises a V8 engine producing around 450 bhp (340 kW / 460 PS) and a six-speed gearbox.



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BMW M3 DTM Concept

BMW M3 DTM Concept

Ahead of a keenly anticipated return to the DTM in 2012, BMW has unveiled its M3 DTM Concept Car.

During a launch event held at the BMW Welt facility in Munich, it was announced that three teams - BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG - will be campaigning the cars next season.



Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus were also confirmed as the first two drivers, although it has yet to be decided which teams they’ll be allocated to.

Three-time World Touring Car Champion Priaulx said, “The DTM will be a big challenge for us all. Together with BMW, I have celebrated success in many different disciplines and behind the wheel of some fantastic racing cars in recent years. I am more than confident that this will also be the case in the DTM. The BMW M3 DTM looks fantastic. I can hardly wait to get to know the car better in the coming tests, to contribute to its development, and ultimately to sit in the cockpit for the first DTM race in 2012.”



Powered by a V8 engine producing around 473 bhp (353 kW / 480 PS), the M3 DTM should be able to accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in about three seconds, before going on to a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h).

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Audi A5 DTM renderings