Stuttgart, Germany - 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.

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."

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.

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.

Technical Data: Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM  

Chassis: Carbon fibre monocoque with steel roll cage, front, lateral and rear crash structures, bonnet, doors, side panels and wings in carbon fibre
Length: 5,010 mm
Width: 1,950 mm
Height: 1,210 mm
Wheelbase: 2,750 mm
Fuel tank: 120 litres
Minimum weight: 1,120 kg
Aerodynamics: Aerodynamic modifications to front splitter and side panels, flat bottom, front and rear diffusers, rear wing
Engine:
Capacity: 4.0 litres
Cylinder head: 4 valves per cylinder
Cylinder arrangement: V8, 90°
Performance: 360 KW at 7500 rpm
Maximum torque: 500 Nm
Air intake restrictors: 2 x 28 mm diameter
Transmission: Standard 6-speed transverse-mounted gearbox, rear-wheel drive, pneumatically operated sequential gear shift on steering wheel, mechanical differential lock without traction control, carbon fibre driveshaft, 3-plate carbon fibre clutch operated by foot pedal
Suspension: Double wishbones with spring/damper units to front and rear axles, actuated via pushrods
Brakes: Standard carbon braking system without ABS
Steering: Rack and pinion steering with power assistance
Wheels / tyres: Aluminium wheels, control tyres
Front: Wheels: 12x18
Tyres: 300 / 680 R18
Rear: Wheels: 13x18
Tyres: 320 / 710 R18

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.  

Statistics: Mercedes-Benz cars in the DTM/ITC

Year Series Wins Poles Cars
1988 DTM 6 2 190 E 2.3-16
1989 DTM 8 4 190 E 2.5-16 Evo (190 E 2.3-16)
1990 DTM 5+1 4 190 E 2.5-16 Evo
1991 DTM (+ ITR Cup) 6 (5) 5 (4) 190 E 2.5-16 Evo 2
1992 DTM 16 9 190 E 2.5-16 Evo 2
1993 DTM 8 5 190 E Class 1
1994 DTM (+ Gold Cup) 11 (9) 8 (10) C-Class Class 1 / 190 E Class 1
1995 DTM/ITC 16 8 C-Class Class 1
1996 ITC 7 2 C-Class Class 1
2000 DTM 8 5 CLK-DTM
2001 DTM 8 6 CLK-DTM
2002 DTM 5 3 CLK-DTM
2003 DTM 9 7 CLK-DTM
2004 DTM 5+1 4+1 C-Class DTM / CLK-DTM
2005 DTM 8 8 C-Class DTM
2006 DTM 6 6 C-Class DTM
2007 DTM 7 4 C-Class DTM
2008 DTM 5 3 C-Class DTM
2009 DTM 6 2 C-Class DTM
2010 DTM 9 7 C-Class DTM
2011 DTM 3(+1) 4 C-Class DTM
2012 DTM 3 2 DTM C-Coupé
2013 DTM 2 2 DTM C-Coupé
2014 DTM 3 3 DTM C-Coupé
2015 DTM 3 1 C 63 DTM