Photo: DTM

DTM set to use smaller engines by 2016

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The DTM is set to adopt two-litre turbo engines for the 2016 season as it seeks to become a global formula.

The plan to drop the current V8 engines mirrors the decision taken by the Japanese Super GT series, which as of 2014, will take on smaller four cylinder turbo engines in its GT500 class.

According to AUTOSPORT, the plans come in the aftermath of the rules accord signed with the Super GT organizers in October last year; an agreement which will see the series use the DTM’s technical blueprints from 2014-‘18 as well as the possibility of Japanese manufacturers, Toyota, Honda and Nissan, joining the DTM as of 2014. Furthermore, the plans fit in with DTM America, which is set to begin in either 2015 or ’16.

DTM chairman, Hans-Werner Aufrecht commented to AUTOSPORT: “We want two-litre turbos in Europe and America, no question. We want the same regulations everywhere.”

Aufrecht also stated the uniform engine regulations are a cost cutting measure and will mirror the manufacturers’ engine downsizing in their road-car ranges.

“The important point that all the manufacturers have accepted is cost reduction. This will allow them to run around the world with the same car and engine.”

He also commented that KERS, or an energy retrieval unit, could possibly be introduced in the DTM for next season, and the series is currently working with German electronics company Bosch on a uniform system to be used by all the manufacturers, as it will be adopted by Super GT as of next season.

“We are thinking about KERS,” said Aufrecht. “But it would have to be one system for everyone.”

The decision to downsize the engines has also been supported by the manufacturers, with BMW Motorsport director, Jens Marquardt, suggesting it’s the right decision for the future.

“A four-cylinder direction-injection engine is the right path to follow,” he said. “We only need to define what is the best timescale to develop a new engine.”

Audi development boss, Wolfgang Durheimer also echoed his enthusiasm for the plans for the Global Racing Engine idea.

“I am a fan of the GRE,” he said. “If we can achieve a format where you can transform you basic race engine for serial applications it would save a lot of money for the manufacturers.”