Audi Sport presented the DTM racing version of the all-new Audi RS 5 Coupé at the Geneva Motor Show, which previews the new RS design language.
“This is a special day for me and everyone involved in the DTM project,” said head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass. “For the first time, we developed a new DTM car in parallel with the production model. This underlines once again how closely motorsport and production work together at Audi.”
“It appears even more progressive and is even more extreme in terms of aerodynamics,” added project leader Stefan Gugger. “In many areas of aerodynamics, we explored further detailed options.”
Audi states that this is evident ‘particularly in the area of the front end and around the rear wheel arches’. On the race car, the distinctive single-frame radiator grill of the new Audi RS 5 consists of a very thin film. The restrictive DTM regulations allow the engineers the greatest latitude around the rear wheel arches. Accordingly, they have been trimmed for maximum downforce.
“In addition, we’ve improved the components in terms of accuracy of fit once again,” says Gugger. “As far as gap dimensions are concerned, Audi has always stood out from the competition. Still, we’ve made another step that enhances aerodynamic performance.”
The rear wing is also all-new and now consists of two flaps. To increase the effectiveness of the Drag Reduction System (DRS), the entire wing is no longer lowered but, like in Formula 1, the top flap flattened – which is intended to produce even more overtaking maneuvers in future DTM events.
The objective of the new regulations is to make the cars more challenging to handle in order to put greater emphasis on the drivers’ performance. Among other things, aerodynamic downforce of the DTM race cars has been reduced by regulation, which required modified geometries of the specification front splitters, underfloors and rear diffusers. Ride height has increased due to the regulations as well.
The four-liter V8 engine of the Audi RS 5 DTM now delivers more than 500 HP. The base of the engine used in the Audi RS 5 DTM has remained unchanged. To achieve the power increase, Audi has modified the air intake system and the cooling system.
Another change resulting from the regulations concerns the suspension, which is now identical on all DTM cars as well. While this avoids costly further developments, the variety of set-up options has remained unchanged.
“The new DTM regulations reflect a major effort aimed at achieving further cost reductions while enhancing the sport and making the cars more attractive,” concluded 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.”
