The 2015 DTM season reaches its climax in September. But even before the final three race weekends of the year at Oschersleben, the Nürburgring and Hockenheim, the Mercedes-AMG DTM Team are providing an insight into what lies ahead for the race series, revealing the new car that they will enter for the 2016 campaign.
Design adaptations to the 2016 Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM first began last year. The dynamic-looking headlights and the twin blade grille typical of the AMG are two of the car’s most striking features. The first tests with the new vehicle will take place during the winter as part of preparations for the 2016 season.
Mercedes-Benz, DTM, Mercedes-AMG DTM Team, Mercedes-AMG Edition One
Long list of previous successful models
The 2016 DTM car to be deployed by the Mercedes-AMG DTM team follows on from successful predecessors that include the most successful car in DTM history – the AMG Mercedes C-Class with which Mercedes-AMG drivers secured 85 victories in 159 races.
“The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupé will again set new standards for driving dynamics and design. So, the vehicle provides the ideal basis for our DTM car,” said Head of Mercedes-AMG DTM Ulrich Fritz. “I’m already looking forward to seeing the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM compete in 2016. Our aim with this vehicle is, of course, to continue the Mercedes-Benz success story in the DTM.”
Gary Paffett is contesting his twelfth DTM season in 2015. Over the years, the 2005 champion has raced the AMG Mercedes CLK, the AMG Mercedes C-Class, the DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé and the Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM. Paffett: “The 2016 version of the Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM looks really good. Obviously, many parts are similar to those on the current car, but the new shape is really cool and simply shows that the Mercedes-Benz and AMG road versions are getting better and more beautiful with every stage in their evolution. I’m already looking forward to climbing into the new car. Hopefully, we can fight for lots of wins and maybe even win the title with it.”
The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupé will again set new standards for driving dynamics and design
Edition 1: Inspired by motor racing
The graphic design of the IAA-launch version of the 2016 DTM car has also served as inspiration for special models of the new Mercedes AMG C 63 Coupé and the C 63 S Coupé which are available as Edition 1 market launches. Customer demands are catered for by two different treatments of the exterior. The first design is particularly striking and available only on the S model – an exclusive colour combination of designo selenite grey magno and yellow foil treatment with black wheels and rim flanges picked out in yellow. Yellow sports stripes are to be found on bonnet, roof, boot lid and on the sides above the sill trims. The special model comes complete with performance seats and aerodynamic package, emphasising its motor racing pedigree.
The AMG aerodynamic package in high-gloss black adds to the race-inspired look of both models. The extra large front spoiler, AMG-specific side skirts and fins to the sides on the rear apron, AMG-specific rear diffuser and spoiler lip on the boot lid not only reduce lift but also sharpen the visual appearance.
That unmistakeable racing feel continues in the interior. The AMG Performance seats are upholstered in nappa leather. In addition, the seats are contoured to give added lateral support, particularly under fast cornering. The flat-bottomed performance steering wheel in DINAMICA microfibre enables the driver to always have the C 63 Coupé safely under control.
The Edition 1 offers impressive driving dynamics at the highest level. All the right technical elements are there. Striking flared wheel arches to front and rear, a wider track and larger wheels give the new the C 63 Coupé a powerful appearance and also serve as the basis for highly responsive longitudinal and lateral dynamics. The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, producing either 350 kW (476 hp) or 375 kW (510 hp), guarantees spectacular performance, aided by the technologically advanced AMG RIDE CONTROL-specific suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, AMG DYNAMIC SELECT-specific driver programmes, a locking differential on the rear axle and the dynamic engine mounts of the C 63 S Coupé.
2016 Mercedes-AMG DTM Race Car
Positive innovation during the 2015 DTM season
There have been many innovations in the DTM already this year. The touring car series began the season opener at Hockenheim with a new race format. The return to two races per weekend (one on Saturday and Sunday) was well received by fans. Overall, 367,000 spectators were at the track to watch the first six race weekends of the year, while 123,000 spectators came through the gates over the weekend to watch the two victories of the Mercedes-AMG DTM team in Nuremberg.
Live broadcasts on ARD’s Sportschau also proved very popular during the first half of the season with some 13.8 million viewers tuning in to watch qualifying and the race live on ARD TV over the first five race weekends – that’s 23% up on the previous year.
Ulrich Fritz: Five questions about the Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM
What are the most striking features of the new DTM car?
Ulrich Fritz: We have used the unique, sporty design language of the street version of the new C-Class Coupé on the DTM version. Striking features like the dynamic design of the headlights and also the typical AMG twin blade grille of the C 63 AMG Coupé stand out immediately.
When did development work on the new design first begin?
Ulrich Fritz: The DTM car again takes its design and technological cues from the AMG line of the new C-Class Coupé. We took the first steps in adapting designs for the new DTM car last year.
How much development work has gone into the new car?
Ulrich Fritz: The regulations severely limit areas for development, so a large number of components have been taken from its tried and tested predecessor. Obviously, in the DTM, we seek to continuously optimise the overall package and, consequently, the vehicle passes through various development processes and stages during the course of its entire life cycle as deemed necessary.
What changes have been made to the aerodynamics, or do homologation needs perhaps dictate that nothing can be altered?
Ulrich Fritz: Due to the regulations, changes to the aerodynamics below what is known as the design line are not permitted. The vehicle’s aerodynamics above the design line will, of course, be adapted to the new shape.
When will the first test runs with the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM be held?
Ulrich Fritz: We plan to undertake the first test outings with the car as part of winter testing in preparation for the 2016 DTM season.
Inspired by motor racing
Mercedes-AMG are launching the special Edition 1 C 63 Coupé. The exclusive colour combination in designo selenite grey magno with yellow foil treatment and black wheels with rim flanges picked out in yellow reflects the graphic design of the IAA-launch version of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM racing coupé which will contest the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) next year. The special model’s equipment with performance seats and aerodynamic package emphasises its motor racing pedigree.
The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupé and the C 63 S Coupé are also available as Edition 1 specials to mark their launch. The unusual combination of exclusive design and equipment are inspired by the look of the future Mercedes-AMG racing coupé which will compete in 2016 in the internationally acclaimed German Touring Car Masters (DTM).
Customer demands are catered for by two different designs for the exterior. The first design, exclusively available on the S model, is particularly striking. The colour scheme in matt designo selenite grey magno with yellow foil treatment adopts the look of the 2016 C 63 DTM IAA launch version, emphasising the brand’s motor racing pedigree. Yellow sports stripes are to be found on bonnet, roof, boot lid and the sides above the sill trims.
The ultra-light, matt-black AMG Performance forged wheels of 5-twin-spoke design with yellow painted rim flanges are also highly distinctive. At the front, 9.0 J x 19 rims with 255/35 R 19 tyres are used, while the car is equipped with 10.5 J x 20 rims and 285/30 R 20 tyres to the rear. The special sports tyres offer a noticeably increased level of grip on dry roads. The Edition 1 C 63 S Coupé is fitted as standard with the AMG ceramic composite high-performance braking system which provides the highest possible deceleration values and a lower unsprung mass, while also increasing racetrack performance.
The exterior of the second model of the Edition 1 is more conservative. The sport stripes are in matt graphite grey and the rim flanges of the matt black forged wheels of cross-spoke design have a high-gloss finish. Sport tyres and a ceramic composite high-performance brake system are an option on this model. Furthermore, this version is available in all exterior paintwork finishes.
On both models, an AMG aerodynamic package in high-gloss black adds to the race‑inspired look. The extra large front spoiler, the AMG-specific side skirts and fins to the sides on the rear apron, the AMG-specific rear diffuser and spoiler lip on the boot lid not only reduce lift but also sharpen the visual appearance.
The AMG Night package with chrome tailpipes is also part of the standard range of equipment on the Edition 1 and features the following:
- radiator grille with twin blades in silver chrome
- A-wing on front apron and A-wing trim strip in high-gloss black
- inserts on side-skirts in high-gloss black
- window door edge trim strip and window trims in high-gloss black
- rear skirt trim strip in high-gloss black
- exterior mirror pods in high-gloss black
- insulating dark-tinted glass from B-pillar
- exhaust system with two twin chromed tailpipes
That unmistakeable racing feeling continues in the interior. The AMG Performance seats are upholstered in nappa leather and yellow is again used in the contrast stitching of the unique diamond pattern. In addition, the seats are contoured to give added lateral support, particularly under fast cornering. Yellow contrast stitching can also be found on the door centre panels, armrests, on the steering wheel rim and on the door edge mouldings. More distinctive yellow is used on the instrument binnacle, on the AMG-exclusive, IWC-design analogue clock and on the floor mats. The flat-bottomed performance steering wheel in DINAMICA microfibre enables the driver to always have the C 63 Coupé safely under control. The matt-carbon decorative trim in the centre console finally sends out a clear message: The Edition 1 represents impressive driving dynamics at the highest level.
All the right technical elements are there. Striking flared wheel arches to front and rear, a wider track and larger wheels give the new the C 63 Coupé a powerful appearance and also serve as the basis for highly responsive longitudinal and lateral dynamics. The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, producing either 350 kW (476 hp) or 375 kW (510 hp), guarantees spectacular performance, aided by the technologically advanced AMG RIDE CONTROL-specific suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, AMG DYNAMIC SELECT-specific driver programmes, locking differential on the rear axle and the dynamic engine mounts of the C 63 S Coupé.
The development of the Mercedes-Benz DTM cars
1988-1993: AMG Mercedes 190 E (2.5-16 Evo 2)
Mercedes-Benz posted 50 DTM victories with the 190 between 1988 and 1993. In the 1992 season, the 190 E 2.5-16 Evo 2 won 16 of 24 races and took the top three places in the drivers’ standings. Klaus Ludwig won the first DTM championship for Mercedes-Benz with it. Ellen Lohr in the 190 E 2.5-16 Evo 2 remains the only woman so far to win a DTM race.
2000-2003: AMG Mercedes CLK
In the year 2000, Mercedes-Benz lined up in the ‘new DTM’ with the AMG Mercedes CLK. Mercedes-Benz drivers took the CLK to 30 DTM victories between 2000 and 2003. The CLK won eight out of ten races in the 2001 season. During the 2003 season, it managed to post nine wins from ten races.
1994-1996 & 2004-2011: AMG Mercedes C-Class
The AMG Mercedes C-Class is the most successful car in DTM history, having achieved 85 victories in 159 races (1994/1995 and 1996 in the ITC International Touring Car Championship which is an offshoot of the DTM, and since 2004 in the DTM). So far, around half of all Mercedes-Benz victories since 1988 have been achieved by the C-Class, of which three generations of the model saw duty, starting in1994.
2012-2014: DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
In 2012, the DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé secured a one-two win in its very first race at Hockenheim. Overall, Mercedes-Benz achieved eight wins, 22 podiums, seven poles and ten fastest laps with the C-Coupé.
Since 2015: Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM
Since the start of the 2015 DTM season, the Mercedes-AMG DTM team has lined up with the Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM in the most popular international touring car series. Mercedes-AMG drivers posted three victories, twelve podiums, one pole position and three fastest race laps with the car at the first six race weekends.
