Following the sketches presented to the public, Audi revealed their 2012 A5 DTM at the Frankfurt Motor Show, rivaling with Mercedes’ version which was unveiled at the same event.
This new model, known internally as the R17, will replace the four-door A4 DTM with which Audi has won the prestigious DTM title four times since 2004.
“In 2012 new Technical Regulations will come into effect in the DTM,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “We’ve got exactly the right model for that in the A5. We’re convinced that we’ll be able to continue Audi’s success story with it in the DTM.”
Being built to be a “DTM,” the new Audi A5 DTM sports a high-strength carbon-fiber monocoque combined with a steel tube cage. The racing model adopts the current A4 DTM’s V8 engine with a power output of about 460 hp (340 kW) will be adopted from the successful A4 DTM nearly unchanged.
The proven six-speed transmission will continue to be used as well. Characteristic features of the 2012-generation of DTM vehicles are a larger rear wing and a reduction of the permitted aerodynamics components.
“In 2012 new Technical Regulations will come into effect in the DTM. We’ve got exactly the right model for that in the A5. We’re convinced that we’ll be able to continue Audi’s success story with it in the DTM”, said the head of Audi Motorsport, Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.
Based on the refreshed 2013 version of the A5, the first prototype of the R17 is currently being built at Audi Sport in Ingolstadt. The new upgraded A5 that is will be arriving at dealerships shortly provides the basis for the new DTM car.
