2011 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG DTM Safety Car

The new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is being used as the Safety Car for the 2011 DTM season. Following the DTM presentation in Wiesbaden on 10 April 2011, the new Safety Car makes its debut on 1 May 2011 at the opening race of the German Touring Car Masters season at the Hockenheimring in Baden-Württemberg. The V8 Sports Saloon only had to be modified slightly for its demanding DTM task. Responsibility for development and production of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Safety Car was entrusted to the specialists in the AMG Overall Vehicle Development department and the AMG Performance Studio.

Decisions regarding the deployment of the Safety Car are taken by the Deutsche Motorsportbund (DMSB) - German motor racing's governing body - which assumes responsibility for safety implementation and compliance as well as performing official sports functions in accordance with the DTM regulations. Piloted by racing driver Jürgen Kastenholz (43), the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Safety Car has the job of ensuring maximum safety for the racing drivers and spectators in the event of dangerous situations such as extreme weather conditions, accidents or other incidents. When radioed by Race Control, the Safety Car positions itself at the head of the DTM field and leads the cars around the circuit until normal racing can be resumed.

The new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG being used for the 2011 DTM season scales new heights in terms of design and technology: the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine has an exceptionally high output of 358 kW (487 hp) and a peak torque of 600 Nm. The increase in output versus the standard 336 kW (457 hp) engine is due to the AMG Performance Package, which is optionally available for any C63 AMG model and enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds (Estate 4.4 seconds). For the AMG Performance Package the engine specialists have placed their trust in a technology transfer from the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: the forged pistons, connecting rods and lightweight crankshaft have been adopted from the gull-wing model. The lower inertia of the three-kilogram lighter components allows the naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine to rev freely and respond even more promptly. Distinguishing features of the Performance Package include the variable intake manifold painted in titanium grey and the AMG high-performance braking system with compound brake discs at the front axle.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 2011
• Mercedes-Benz
• C63
• AMG
• DTM
• Safety
• Car