Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Iron Man takes over Audi DTM racing team [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/iron-man-takes-over-audi-dtm-racing-team-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/iron-man-takes-over-audi-dtm-racing-team-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/iron-man-takes-over-audi-dtm-racing-team-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



The producers of Iron Man 3 undoubtedly have the No. 24 Audi RS5 DTM car driven by Adrien Tambay at last week's Hockenheim round to thank for the movie's record-breaking global opening. Not only was Tambay's car wrapped to be a high-speed billboard for the movie, the entire team dressed in Iron Man-themed race suits made by partner Alpinestars and wore themed helmets from Uvex. What other reason could there be?

To make sure that all of Earth's residents at least get to hear about the movie, Tambay's team will be donning the livery again at the Brands Hatch round on May 19. There's a miniature press release below, along with a video of the crew hamming it up - as you would do when you get the chance to drive one of the few Audis that might be cooler than Tony Stark's.

Continue reading Iron Man takes over Audi DTM racing team [w/video]

Iron Man takes over Audi DTM racing team [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 May 2013 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adrien tambayaudi rs5audi rs5 dtmbrands hatchdtmhockenheimiron maniron man 3Sat, 11 May 2013 19:07:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564097/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/11/iron-man-takes-over-audi-dtm-racing-team-w-video/20564097/article-detail.xml 20564097 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-dtm-iron-man_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-dtm-iron-man.jpg <![CDATA[Watch two championship-winning DTM cars from BMW go head-to-head]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/watch-two-championship-winning-dtm-cars-from-bmw-go-head-to-head/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/watch-two-championship-winning-dtm-cars-from-bmw-go-head-to-head/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/watch-two-championship-winning-dtm-cars-from-bmw-go-head-to-head/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DTM Champion Faceoff Video

BMW recently had a little fun with two of the company's past DTM champions. Roberto Ravaglia and Bruno Spengler, winners of the 1989 and 2012 championships, respectively, both showed up at the world-famous Hockenheimring with their title-winning cars. The two swapped seats, with Ravaglia taking the helm of Spengler's BMW M3 DTM racer and Spengler sliding behind the wheel of Ravaglia's first-generation M3 racer in the classic BMW Bank livery, and headed for the track. Spengler got a 23 second head start in the first-gen M3 with Ravaglia chasing behind.

It didn't take long for the older hotshoe to sort out his new ride and close the gap. The short clip below follows the two as they make their way around the circuit, but the really interesting portion comes when the pair begin discussing what they like and don't like about each other's machines. You can check out the full video below for yourself.

Continue reading Watch two championship-winning DTM cars from BMW go head-to-head

Watch two championship-winning DTM cars from BMW go head-to-head originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw m3bruno spenglerdtmdtm champions videoraceroberto ravagliavideoMon, 06 May 2013 17:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558410/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/watch-two-championship-winning-dtm-cars-from-bmw-go-head-to-head/20558410/article-detail.xml 20558410 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dtm-champ-faceoff-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dtm-champ-faceoff-628.jpg <![CDATA[GRAND-AM, IMSA announce deal to bring DTM racing to US]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/grand-am-imsa-announce-deal-to-bring-dtm-racing-to-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/grand-am-imsa-announce-deal-to-bring-dtm-racing-to-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/grand-am-imsa-announce-deal-to-bring-dtm-racing-to-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi A5 DTM racer - profile view

It won't be until 2015 at the earliest, but the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), Grand-Am and the Internationale Tourenwagen-Rennen have agreed to a licensing and cooperation deal that could bring a version of Germany's DTM series to the US.

When the American Le Mans Series and Grand-Am are officially combined next year, the resulting body will be called United SportsCar Racing (USCR). IMSA will be the sanctioning body for that series, and DTM races could be run as support events. It was also suggested by an ALMS chief that DTM races could be standalone or join NASCAR and IndyCar weekends.

With the so-called DTM America finally agreed to, there is now a way for manufacturers to run the same DTM-type cars in Europe, the US and Japan - last year Japan's Super GT series agreed to adopt "the basic technical regulations" of DTM for the GT500 class, the top class in the series. That already puts six manufacturers in play: Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW that run in Germany's DTM and Honda, Nissan and Lexus that run in Super GT. The DTM oversight body has invited American brands to Germany for the opening round of the 2013 season, and will begin actively courting their participation in the US series. Check out the press release from Audi with comments on the deal below.

Continue reading GRAND-AM, IMSA announce deal to bring DTM racing to US

GRAND-AM, IMSA announce deal to bring DTM racing to US originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsaudibmwdtmgrand-amimsamercedesmotorsportstouring carunited sportscar racinguscrFri, 29 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20520541/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/grand-am-imsa-announce-deal-to-bring-dtm-racing-to-us/20520541/article-detail.xml 20520541 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/dtmamericadeal_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/dtmamericadeal.jpg <![CDATA[BMW celebrates DTM win with limited edition M3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/07/bmw-celebrates-dtm-win-with-limited-edition-m3/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/07/bmw-celebrates-dtm-win-with-limited-edition-m3/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/07/bmw-celebrates-dtm-win-with-limited-edition-m3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition

In just its first season back in DTM race series, BMW pulled off a trifecta of wins (driver's title, manufacturer title and team title), and the automaker is celebrating with a limited-production commemorative version of the M3 called the DTM Champion Edition. BMW said that only 54 of these cars will be produced starting in February, but it did not say in which markets the car will be available. Included in the car's 99,000 euro (about $130,000 in the States) price is the chance to attend the BMW M Fascination Nordschleife driver training course at the Nürburgring.

Designed to look like and celebrate the Team Schnitzer BMW DTM racecar driven by Canadian Bruno Spengler in the 2012 season, the M3 DTM Champion Edition comes exclusively in a Frozen Black metallic paint with matte black wheels and BMW's M stripes running across the carbon roof and decklid. There are fender and rear-quarter-window decals to give it an authentic racecar look. Inside additions include door sill elements that replicate Spengler's helmet design, and his signature and the car's sequence number can be found on the instrument panel's carbon fiber trim.

BMW says the car will be sold in "various international markets," but we doubt we'll ever see it on sale in the US. Scroll down for BMW's press release.

Continue reading BMW celebrates DTM win with limited edition M3

BMW celebrates DTM win with limited edition M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m3 dtm champion editionbmwbruno spenglerdtmfrozen blackm3Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20394760/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/07/bmw-celebrates-dtm-win-with-limited-edition-m3/20394760/article-detail.xml 20394760 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/bmw-dtm-m3-1354854225_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/bmw-dtm-m3-1354854225.jpg <![CDATA[David Coulthard retires with one last DTM race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/david-coulthard-retires-with-one-last-dtm-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/david-coulthard-retires-with-one-last-dtm-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/david-coulthard-retires-with-one-last-dtm-race/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The BBC reports David Coulthard has officially retired from competitive racing after this weekend's DTM event in Hockenheim. The driver wrapped up three seasons and 33 races with Mercedes-Benz, but saw his final professional event cut short by contact with Timo Schneider. The collision spun Coulthard and put him out of the race. Schneider received a drive-through penalty for his part in the dust-up.

Coulthard has won 13 F1 grand prix events during his 15-season career, though his efforts in DTM have been somewhat less fruitful. The driver only managed to bring home 16 points during his time behind the wheel, but that doesn't seem to be the reason behind his departure. The 41-year-old Coulthard has said he intends to take time to focus on his family, though he will continue to work with Mercedes-Benz as a brand ambassador moving forward.

David Coulthard retires with one last DTM race originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david coultharddtmf1formula onemercedes-benzmotorsportracingMon, 22 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20355961/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/22/david-coulthard-retires-with-one-last-dtm-race/20355961/article-detail.xml 20355961 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/gyi0058736610_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/gyi0058736610.jpg <![CDATA[Today's 'Race Car Driver Freaking Out His Wife On A Track' is BMW's Augusto Farfus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/todays-race-car-driver-freaking-out-his-wife-on-a-track-is-bm/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/todays-race-car-driver-freaking-out-his-wife-on-a-track-is-bm/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/todays-race-car-driver-freaking-out-his-wife-on-a-track-is-bm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BMW DTM driver Augusto Farfus takes his wife Liri around the 'Ring in an M3

Augusto Farfus isn't even 30 years old yet, but he already has a certain commanding precision on many of the world's greatest racetracks, including Germany's famed Nürburgring. In the latest installment of the "Scare Your Wife At The Track" internet video meme, the BMW DTM driver takes his wife, Liri, for a high-speed tour of the Nürburgring in a BMW M3 Coupe.

When Liri agreed to hop in the passenger seat for a hot lap with her husband, we have a feeling the two had different meanings of "slow" and "exciting" driving. While most of us would have a hard enough time just staying on the challenging track, Farfus tackles the Green Hell while explaining elements of the track and dealing with his wife screaming in fear for most of the nearly 10-minute video. At one point (around the 5:02 mark) it looks as if Mrs. Farfus even starts to pass out a little just before saying that she's going to be sick, but she still handles the ordeal better than the respective wives of Riccardo Patrese and João Barbosa, the reigning queens of the Scare Your Wife meme.

Farfus, who we learn early in the video has a nickname of "Ninho" from his wife, is having fun the entire video commenting on a classic Mercedes-Benz as they blow past it, an Audi driver who Farfus comments "probably thinks he knows the track" as they pass it in a turn and numerous other cars and motorcycles.

Check out the video below to see whether or not Ninho will end up in the dog house for his antics.

Continue reading Today's 'Race Car Driver Freaking Out His Wife On A Track' is BMW's Augusto Farfus

Today's 'Race Car Driver Freaking Out His Wife On A Track' is BMW's Augusto Farfus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2012 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 seriesaugusto farfusbmwbmw dtmbmw m3dash camdashcamdtmliri farfusnürburgringnurburgringvideoTue, 25 Sep 2012 12:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20332041/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/25/todays-race-car-driver-freaking-out-his-wife-on-a-track-is-bm/20332041/article-detail.xml 20332041 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/augusto-farfus-wife-bmw_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/augusto-farfus-wife-bmw.jpg <![CDATA[Paralympic gold medalist Zanardi trying to get BMW DTM ride]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/20/paralympic-gold-medalist-zanardi-trying-to-get-bmw-dtm-ride/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/20/paralympic-gold-medalist-zanardi-trying-to-get-bmw-dtm-ride/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/20/paralympic-gold-medalist-zanardi-trying-to-get-bmw-dtm-ride/#commentsFiled under: ,

Alex Zanardi

Alex Zanardi just can't get racing out of his system. Despite losing both of his legs in a CART crash back in 2001, Zanardi has stayed competitive in auto racing (as well as Paralympics cycling), and according to Auto123.com, the Italian racer is now looking to join BMW in the DTM racing series.

BMW has confirmed that Zanardi is interested in the series, but it was vague as to the possibilities of him joining the team. The report says that nothing is likely to happen for this season, and even after that, there is plenty of variables that will play into whether this becomes a reality... especially safety.

This wouldn't be Zanardi's first stint behind the wheel of a BMW racecar as he won four races between 2004 and 2009 for the automaker in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) using a car with hand-controlled brakes and throttle.

Paralympic gold medalist Zanardi trying to get BMW DTM ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex zanardibmw dtmbmw racingdtmgerman touring cartouring carzanardiThu, 20 Sep 2012 11:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20327442/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/20/paralympic-gold-medalist-zanardi-trying-to-get-bmw-dtm-ride/20327442/article-detail.xml 20327442 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/zanardi-indy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/zanardi-indy.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this Mercedes-Benz DTM pit crew's dramatic air line accident]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/watch-this-mercedes-benz-dtm-pit-crews-dramatic-air-line-accide/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/watch-this-mercedes-benz-dtm-pit-crews-dramatic-air-line-accide/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/watch-this-mercedes-benz-dtm-pit-crews-dramatic-air-line-accide/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz DTM pit accident in Zandvoort

During a DTM practice session in Zandvoort, Holland last weekend there was an accident in the pit lane that left four men injured. Ralf Schumacher had finished pitting his Mercedes-Benz racer and the pit crew in front of his had wheeled out and untied their air line, and a man in the adjacent crew was holding the air line on his shoulder.

As Schumacher left his pits, his rear wing caught the air line in the adjacent pit, where it looped down from its elevated rod. Between the hose itself and the whipping metal jack at the end of it, it sent four men to the ground and then to the hospital. All of the injuries were minor, thankfully. Three of the men have been released, one is still under observation. You can watch the incident in the video below.

Continue reading Watch this Mercedes-Benz DTM pit crew's dramatic air line accident

Watch this Mercedes-Benz DTM pit crew's dramatic air line accident originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentdtmhollandmercedes-benzmotorsportsnetherlandsralf schumacherschumachertouring carvideozandvoortMon, 27 Aug 2012 12:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20309592/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/27/watch-this-mercedes-benz-dtm-pit-crews-dramatic-air-line-accide/20309592/article-detail.xml 20309592 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/dtmhoseacc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/dtmhoseacc.jpg <![CDATA[BMW celebrates return to DTM after 20-year absence]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/bmw-celebrates-return-to-dtm-after-20-year-absence/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/bmw-celebrates-return-to-dtm-after-20-year-absence/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/bmw-celebrates-return-to-dtm-after-20-year-absence/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW DTM racer at Hockenheim

This past weekend, BMW celebrated its return to DTM racing after a 20-year embargo of its home series. On the first practice day of the weekend at Hockenheim, Andy Priaulx was the best BMW in tenth, almost a second off the pace. By Saturday morning's second free practice just before quallifying, BMW pilot Bruno Splengler, who was 20th on Friday, topped the time sheets. In the end, it was Priaulx who was the top-finishing BMW, registering a sixth-place finish behind a spate of Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and Audi A5 racers. Not a win, but not a horrible start for being out of the series for 20 years.

In case you need to get more in the mood for the rest of the season's racing action, BMW's got one of those amuse-bouche teaser vids of the sinister M3 DTM in action. All you need to do is scroll down to check it out.

Continue reading BMW celebrates return to DTM after 20-year absence

BMW celebrates return to DTM after 20-year absence originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 seriesbmwbmw m3 dtmdtmhockenheimm3m3 dtmmotorsportsvideovideosyoutubeTue, 01 May 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20226438/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/01/bmw-celebrates-return-to-dtm-after-20-year-absence/20226438/article-detail.xml 20226438 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/bmwm3dtmhock_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/bmwm3dtmhock.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series launched as DTM safety car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/mercedes-c63-amg-black-series-launched-as-dtm-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/mercedes-c63-amg-black-series-launched-as-dtm-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/mercedes-c63-amg-black-series-launched-as-dtm-safety-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series DTM Safety Car

The latest hotted-up safety car for DTM is the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series. If we'd been in a racing accident, we're not sure we'd trust the men who stepped out of a car that's half steroids, half Satan, but after 12 years of providing the safety cars (along with Audi) for the German touring car series, we'll assume Mercedes-Benz knows what it's doing.

The most powerful C-Class ever will rush to the scene with 517 horsepower, an "aerodynamically optimised light bar" and other Christmas lights, AMG Track and Aero packages and an AMG-specific exhaust.

The safety car is more powerful than the 500-horsepower Mercedes actually racing in the series, so if it weren't for the extra weight it's carrying, it might even beat the other cars to the scene of the accident. You can read all about it after the jump and peep it in the high-res gallery of images.

Continue reading Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series launched as DTM safety car

Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series launched as DTM safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz c63 amg black seriesblack seriesc 63 amgc-classc-klassec63c63 amgc63 amg black seriesdtmmercedes-benzpace carsafety carThu, 26 Apr 2012 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20223649/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/26/mercedes-c63-amg-black-series-launched-as-dtm-safety-car/20223649/article-detail.xml 20223649 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/c63-amg-black-series-dtm-safety_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/c63-amg-black-series-dtm-safety.jpg <![CDATA[2012 BMW M3 DTM race car looks fast sitting still]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/2012-bmw-m3-dtm-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/2012-bmw-m3-dtm-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/2012-bmw-m3-dtm-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 BMW M3 DTM

BMW is keen to get as much impact from its decision to enter the DTM racing series as possible, and to that end, has decided to showcase its German touring car in full factory racing livery for all the world to see at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Underneath its high-tech composite skin lurks a 480-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine that sends power to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. It'll hit 60 in about three seconds on its way to a top speed of somewhere around 186 miles per hour.

Judging from all the splitters, intakes and wings, we'd say the Bavarian team is more concerned with making the M3 DTM racer stick to the road like glue than hit ludicrous speed on the straights, and if nothing else, make the machine look awfully menacing to its rivals. Check out the full gallery of live images above.

2012 BMW M3 DTM race car looks fast sitting still originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 dtm seasonbmwbmw dtmdtmgenevageneva 2012geneva motor showgerman touring carm3 dtmTue, 06 Mar 2012 23:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20186966/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/06/2012-bmw-m3-dtm-geneva-2012/20186966/article-detail.xml 20186966 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2012-bmw-m3-dtm-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2012-bmw-m3-dtm-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[BMW sharpens its Edge with first M3 DTM livery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/bmw-sharpens-its-edge-with-first-m3-dtm-livery/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/bmw-sharpens-its-edge-with-first-m3-dtm-livery/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/bmw-sharpens-its-edge-with-first-m3-dtm-livery/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW M3 DTM (Castrol/Aral livery)

With six cars joining the grid this year in the DTM series, BMW is sure to present wildly different liveries - largely determined by the sponsors brought on board - for each one. And this is the first.

Based on a sponsorship deal with BP, this particular M3 DTM is decked out in the bright green color of Castrol Edge motor oil and the light blue of German gas station network Aral. This car's unveiling is the first time we're seeing the new touring car in anything but flat black or BMW's trademark striped white color scheme.

To pull of its entry into the competitive German racing series and take on its rivals at Mercedes-Benz and Audi, BMW is bringing in four of its proven factory drivers (including three-time World Touring Car Championship winner Andy Priaulx) and has poached longtime Mercedes AMG driver Bruno Spengler and Audi's reigning DTM champ Martin Tomczyk.

All eyes will be focused on Hockenheim where the season kicks off in late April.

Continue reading BMW sharpens its Edge with first M3 DTM livery

BMW sharpens its Edge with first M3 DTM livery originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aralaral ultimatebmwbmw m3bmw m3 dtmbpcastrolcastrol edgedtmgerman touring carm3m3 dtmtouring carWed, 01 Feb 2012 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160323/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/01/bmw-sharpens-its-edge-with-first-m3-dtm-livery/20160323/article-detail.xml 20160323 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/m3-castrol_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/m3-castrol.jpg <![CDATA[BMW hooks DTM up with new M3 safety car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/bmw-hooks-dtm-up-with-new-m3-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/bmw-hooks-dtm-up-with-new-m3-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/bmw-hooks-dtm-up-with-new-m3-safety-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW M3 DTM Safety Car

Choosing a safety car to pace a racing series is tricky business that almost invariably results in either a constant flux of vehicles called into duty or playing favorites between the manufacturers taking part in the series. NASCAR changes its pace cars about as quickly as it changes tires. Formula One sticks with Mercedes-Benz machinery, and nobody seems to complain very much. But DTM bridges the gap with a slightly different approach.

In the German touring car series, each of the participating automakers provides safety cars to the series organizers, which alternate between them from one race to another. That was simple enough when it was just Audi and Mercedes-Benz, but now that BMW has thrown its proverbial hat into the ring, DTM is putting a third car into the rotation. And this is our first look at it.

Revealed with a handful of crude snapshots on the BMW Motorsport fan page on Facebook, the BMW M3 DTM Safety Car looks closer to the standard, roadgoing M3 than the DTM racer, but with some extra modifications. Those include special wheels, an emergency light bar and a stripped-out cockpit with full roll cage and Recaro buckets. But there could be something special going on under the hood as well, where a bright orange engine cover lurks under a unique louvered hood. That could mean a more powerful version of the outgoing M3's high-revving V8 engine to help it stay out in front of all that racing machinery.

We'll have to wait for BMW to release additional information to find out, but for now you can check out the low-res images in the gallery above.

BMW hooks DTM up with new M3 safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m32012 bmw m3 dtm safety car3 seriesbmwbmw m3bmw m3 dtmbmw m3 dtm safety cardtmm3pace carsafety cartouring carMon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20154032/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/bmw-hooks-dtm-up-with-new-m3-safety-car/20154032/article-detail.xml 20154032 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/m3-dtm-safety-web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/m3-dtm-safety-web.jpg <![CDATA[DTM steps into new era (and maybe America) as new racers debut at Hockenheim]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/dtm-steps-into-new-era-and-maybe-america-as-new-racers-debut-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/dtm-steps-into-new-era-and-maybe-america-as-new-racers-debut-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/dtm-steps-into-new-era-and-maybe-america-as-new-racers-debut-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 DTM preview at Hockenheim

DTM is one of Germany's best-kept secrets. The series features (ostensibly) production-based touring cars piloted by a mix of up-and-coming talents and retired Formula One drivers around some of Europe's finest racing circuits. But the series won't be a secret for long as a number of developments aim to up its profile.

First of all, with the 2011 season now complete, the German touring car championship is about to switch to a new formula that will see a new generation of racing coupes replace the older sedans. The new crop just made their track debut this weekend at Hockenheim for the DTM season finale, and we've put together a little gallery of high-res images for you to check out.

The 2012 field is also growing thanks to the arrival of BMW, which is joining the series as of next season to take on Audi and Mercedes-Benz, which have been dueling it out mano-a-mano for the past few seasons. Having only shown the new M3 DTM in matte black until now, BMW has finally showcased its new racer in full regalia, packing the marque's signature striped white livery.

BMW is eager to leverage its new DTM program beyond Germany's borders. This year's calendar included races in Austria, Holland, England and Spain, in addition to those within Germany, and has in recent years raced in such locations as Italy, France, Belgium, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Turkey and even China. However, a closing gap in regulations between DTM and Japan's Super GT series could soon see the two competing on common fields.

More intriguing, however, is a development BMW is keen to pursue that would see DTM come to the United States. Touring car racing - as distinct from stock cars - is not very popular in America, and the organizers of the German series have been working at filling that gap by pairing an American version of the series as support races for series like NASCAR, Grand-Am or IndyCar. Sources indicate the move could happen as soon as 2013 - in other words, the racing season after next. Follow the jump for press releases from Audi and BMW on the track debuts of their new racers.

Continue reading DTM steps into new era (and maybe America) as new racers debut at Hockenheim

DTM steps into new era (and maybe America) as new racers debut at Hockenheim originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audibmwdeutsche tourenwagen mastersdtmhockenheimmercedes-benzWed, 26 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20088647/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/26/dtm-steps-into-new-era-and-maybe-america-as-new-racers-debut-a/20088647/article-detail.xml 20088647 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/web-dtm-trackdebut_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/web-dtm-trackdebut.jpg <![CDATA[Audi takes DTM title in spectacular style]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/audi-takes-dtm-title-in-spectacular-style/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/audi-takes-dtm-title-in-spectacular-style/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/audi-takes-dtm-title-in-spectacular-style/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Martin Tomczyk's 2008 Audi A4 DTM

This season marks the end of an era for DTM. Next year the German touring car series switches to new regulations, the new cars will all be coupe-based (or at least look like coupes) and BMW joins in on the action. And with this chapter in DTM history closing, Audi has gone down in history as the undisputed champions. Or at least one of its drivers has.

With one round still to go, Martin Tomczyk holds such an unassailable lead in the standings as to be crowned champion a race early. The death blow was dealt to his rivals when Tomczyk came in third place this past weekend at the penultimate round in Valencia - one of a handful of DTM races held outside Germany - as part of an Audi-dominated 1-2-3-4-5-6 finish that relegated Mercedes-AMG drivers Bruno Spengler and Gary Paffett to seventh and eighth place.

Perhaps most surprising is that Tomczyk - 29 years old from Bavaria - was not even driving the latest car which two-time former champion, Audi poster boy and winner of the race in Valencia, Mattias Ekstrom, has at his disposal. No, Tomczyk managed to beat out everyone else with a car that's three years old.

Tomczyk will presumably be driving the new A5 DTM next season, and it'll be worth watching to see him defend his title against the returning challengers from Mercedes and the new contenders from BMW, not to mention his own Audi-driving rivals. Follow the jump for the pair of press releases.

Continue reading Audi takes DTM title in spectacular style

Audi takes DTM title in spectacular style originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi a4 dtmdtmmartin tomczyktomczykTue, 04 Oct 2011 17:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20072210/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/04/audi-takes-dtm-title-in-spectacular-style/20072210/article-detail.xml 20072210 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/audimotorsport-111002-5440-1317731934_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/audimotorsport-111002-5440-1317731934.jpg <![CDATA[Audi A5 DTM makes us long for tin-tops that can also turn right]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/audi-a5-dtm-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/audi-a5-dtm-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/audi-a5-dtm-frankfurt-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Touring car racing isn't big in the States, which could be in part due to the popularity of NASCAR. But whatever the reason, it's a bit of a shame, because the cars can be wicked cool. Like the new Audi A5 DTM.

Though powered by the same 460-horsepower V8, the racer internally dubbed R17 is set to replace the long-serving A4 DTM (and the V8 Quattro that preceded it) when the new regulations take effect next season. Then it will line up on grids across Germany alongside the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM Coupe and the fresh M3 DTM entry from BMW in the German touring car series. But while development is still ongoing, we got a good look at the A5 DTM here in Frankfurt.

Follow the jump for the press release, and check out the car in the live gallery for a closer look, because while rumors are afloat of the series potentially making the U-Boat trip across the Atlantic, for the time being this is as close as we're likely to get.

Continue reading Audi A5 DTM makes us long for tin-tops that can also turn right

Audi A5 DTM makes us long for tin-tops that can also turn right originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurta5a5 dtmaudiaudi a5audi a5 dtmdtmfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showThu, 15 Sep 2011 19:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20041557/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/15/audi-a5-dtm-frankfurt-2011/20041557/article-detail.xml 20041557 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/04audi-a5-dtmiaa11-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/04audi-a5-dtmiaa11-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe DTM AMG OMG]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/mercedes-benz-c-class-coupe-dtm-amg-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/mercedes-benz-c-class-coupe-dtm-amg-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/mercedes-benz-c-class-coupe-dtm-amg-frankfurt-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe is going racing, and it has its eyes set on conquering the DTM series. That means the standard C-class Coupe gets the typical DTM outfit of a massive front splitter, seductively wide fender flares and a wing large enough on which to throw a party fit for Dance-centrum in Stuttgart.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe DTM AMG was introduced to the Frankfurt Motor Show crowds by racing greats Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg. It is a fitting reception considering the amount of wins Schumacher has, and just how German Rosberg is. The new C-Class DTM AMG racer will have to live up to both of those men on the racetrack, while also carrying on an impressive history set forth by Mercedes DTM cars of the past.

In 27 years, Mercedes DTM racecars have secured 84 victories in 156 races. Those wins also saw five driver's titles handed to the tri-star-backed teams. The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe DTM AMG begins defending its heritage in 2012.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe DTM AMG OMG

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe DTM AMG OMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurtc-classc-class coupe dtm amgdtmfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showmercedes-benzmercedes-benz c-class coupe dtm amgmercedes-benz dtmmichael schumachernico rosbergThu, 15 Sep 2011 19:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20042426/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/15/mercedes-benz-c-class-coupe-dtm-amg-frankfurt-2011/20042426/article-detail.xml 20042426 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/05-2012-mercedes-benz-c-class-coupe-dtm-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/05-2012-mercedes-benz-c-class-coupe-dtm-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz's heavy hitters to unveil new C-Class DTM in Frankfurt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/11/mercedes-benz-bringing-out-the-big-guns-to-unveil-new-c-class-dt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/11/mercedes-benz-bringing-out-the-big-guns-to-unveil-new-c-class-dt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/11/mercedes-benz-bringing-out-the-big-guns-to-unveil-new-c-class-dt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Gary Paffet previews 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM Coupe

Mercedes-Benz fields no shortage of F1 drivers in the DTM touring car series these days. In fact, up-and-coming F1 star Paul di Resta earned his stripes driving Silver Stars in the series. But while the likes of David Coulthard and Ralf Schumacher can be found in the Mercedes paddock at tin-top events around Germany and across Europe, it will be the latter's older brother Michael taking the spotlight once again, together with his junior teammate Nico Rosberg, when the company unveils its latest DTM challenger at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week.

While the current C-Class DTM racer was based on the sedan, the new vehicle is based on the new C-Class Coupe. Or at least in appearance, anyway, as the underpinnings are likely to largely carry over from the existing machine. The announcement follows the previews given by BMW and Audi back in July of their new challengers, the A5 coupe replacing the previous A4-based machine and the M3 joining the paddock for the first time in decades.

We don't have long to wait now until we see the new C-Class DTM coupe up close and personal on the floor of the Frankfurt Messe, but for those who just can't wait, we've got a preview clip with 2005 DTM champion (and perennial McLaren test driver) Gary Paffet for your viewing pleasure after the jump.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz's heavy hitters to unveil new C-Class DTM in Frankfurt

Mercedes-Benz's heavy hitters to unveil new C-Class DTM in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurtc-classc-class coupec-class dtmdtmfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showmercedes-benzmercedes-benz c-class coupemercedes-benz c-class dtmmercedes-benz c-class dtm coupevideoSun, 11 Sep 2011 10:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20039726/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/11/mercedes-benz-bringing-out-the-big-guns-to-unveil-new-c-class-dt/20039726/article-detail.xml 20039726 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/paffet-dtm-coupe_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/paffet-dtm-coupe.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz taps David Coulthard as AMG ambassador]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/mercedes-benz-taps-david-coulthard-as-amg-ambassador/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/mercedes-benz-taps-david-coulthard-as-amg-ambassador/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/mercedes-benz-taps-david-coulthard-as-amg-ambassador/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

David Coulthard as Mercedes-AMG brand ambassador

Over the course of fourteen years in Formula 1, David Coulthard drove for only a handful of teams: Williams, McLaren and Red Bull. Championship-frontrunning teams all, but arguably no single manufacturer has been as influential on his life and career as Mercedes-Benz.

Coulthard was reportedly driven home from the hospital upon his birth in his father's Merc. Years later, the German automaker would power him to a dozen grand prix wins at McLaren. And now that he's retired from F1, Coulthard is driving an AMG C-Class in the DTM series.

Of course, that's not all he's been up to since leaving F1 behind, reporting on camera for the BBC's grand prix coverage team and acting as an adviser of sorts to the Red Bull team he helped form back in 2004. And now he can add one more, as reports indicate he's been brought on as something of a brand ambassador for AMG in the UK, bringing it all back to the Silver Star automaker and joining fellow DTM driver Bernd Schneider.

In his new capacity, DC is expected to help out at public relations events for Mercedes-AMG, but he's also tipped to get more deeply involved in setting up the suspensions on the company's line of notoriously sturdy vehicles, helping to adjust them for UK roads in particular. Of course, it wouldn't hurt if AMG muscle cars benefited from DC and his thirteen grand prix victories' worth of experience here in the colonies, either. Follow the jump for the official press release.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz taps David Coulthard as AMG ambassador

Mercedes-Benz taps David Coulthard as AMG ambassador originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambassadoramgbrand ambassadorcoultharddavid coultharddtmmercedesmercedes-amgmercedes-benzTue, 26 Jul 2011 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19999458/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/26/mercedes-benz-taps-david-coulthard-as-amg-ambassador/19999458/article-detail.xml 19999458 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web-dc-amg_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web-dc-amg.jpg <![CDATA[Audi prepares to fend off BMW with new A5 DTM]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/audi-prepares-to-fend-off-bmw-with-new-a5-dtm/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/audi-prepares-to-fend-off-bmw-with-new-a5-dtm/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/audi-prepares-to-fend-off-bmw-with-new-a5-dtm/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Audi A5 DTM renderings

The big news which touring car racing fans were waiting for this weekend came when BMW unveiled its new M3 DTM concept that will spearhead the marque's return to the series next year. But don't think for one minute that returning manufacturers Audi and Mercedes-Benz are about to let their Bavarian rival simply waltz in unchallenged.

Audi, for one, is planning to switch from its current A4 DTM to a new A5-based touring car, previewed in the renderings you see here. Like the stock cars we see racing around American super-speedways, DTM racers are only loosely based on their production counterparts, so the change in body shell - adopting the revised face of the new production A5 - is more aesthetic than anything.

But while the existing DTM drivetrain - consisting of a 460-horsepower V8 and six-speed transmission - is set to carry over largely unchanged, Audi's new racer (internally dubbed R17) is expected to herald some significant changes over the car it replaces, complying to new lower-cost regulations and side-impact stringencies that will see the fuel cells integrated into the carbon-fiber monocoque.

Rival manufacturer Mercedes-Benz, for its part, has yet to announce any prospective changes to its four-door C-Class touring car, but likely will before the start of next season. In the meantime you can check out the renderings of the A5 DTM in our high-res image gallery and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Audi prepares to fend off BMW with new A5 DTM

Audi prepares to fend off BMW with new A5 DTM originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a5audiaudi a5audi a5 dtmaudi r17dtmr17Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19993069/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/18/audi-prepares-to-fend-off-bmw-with-new-a5-dtm/19993069/article-detail.xml 19993069 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web1audi-a5-dtm-rend_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web1audi-a5-dtm-rend.jpg -1 2