Audi unveil new RS 5 DTM at Geneva
Audi Sport took the covers off their new contender for the DTM at the Geneva Motorshow, presenting the 2017 version of the RS 5 DTM.
The DTM has new technical regulations coming into force this season, with the homologation cycle having started on the 1st of March, when the three manufacturers officially involved submitted their final designs to the DMSB, the German motorsport authority.
The series is looking moving towards Class One regulations, already adopted by their Japanese counterparts Super GT.
Dieter Gass, head of Audi Sport, said: “This is a special day for me and everyone involved in the DTM project. For the first time, we developed a new DTM car in parallel with the production model.”
The new RS 5 DTM presents a more aggressive aerodynamic design, with a revised front end, including higher wheel archers and a single-frame radiator grill. The rear wing will now have two flaps, with only the top one moving in order to increase the effectiveness of the DRS system.
The ride height has been increased according to the new regulations which, together with a reduced aerodynamic downforce and softer tyres, will put more emphasis on the performance of the drivers.
The two-litre engines have been postponed until 2019, but Audi engineers have modified the air intake and cooling system of the current four-litre V8 engine to boost power to over 500 hp, 50 hp more than last season.
The suspension now becomes a standard part for all three manufacturers in order to reduce costs, but still with a variety of set-up options.
Six RS 5 DTMs will be on the DTM grid this season, managed by Team Abt Sportsline, with drivers Mattias Ekström and Nico Müller, Team Phoenix with Loïc Duval and Mike Rockenfeller behind the wheel and Team Rosberg, with René Rast and Jamie Green.
“The new DTM regulations reflect a major effort aimed at achieving further cost reductions while enhancing the sport and making the cars more attractive,” said Dieter Gass. “These are exciting times for the DTM. We have more power, softer tires and less downforce. Combined with the best drivers, we expect to see even more thrilling racing. I can only invite everyone to come to Hockenheim at the beginning of May to personally witness the first race of our new baby,” Gass concluded.
The DTM teams will head to Vallelunga, Italy, next week for the second pre-season collective test.
