Geneva 2017: Audi RS5 DTM Racecar Unveiled

Audi has pulled the covers off its latest Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) car, the 2017 Audi RS 5 DTM. A track-only racer which debuts alongside the road-going Audi RS 5 Coupé at the ongoing 2017 Geneva International Motor Show.

The RS 5 DTM introduces the new RS design language and also features numerous modifications required by the series’ regulations as well.

Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass added, ‘“This is a special day for me and everyone involved in the DTM project. 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. The track record of the previous-generation model sets benchmarks for the future. Having clinched ten victories in each of the last two seasons, it was the most successful DTM car in both years. Obviously, we’d like to repeat this with the new RS 5 DTM.”

Visually, the third-generation Audi RS 5 DTM clearly stands out from its two successful predecessor models. The aggressive aero package 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, Audi engineers have trimmed them for maximum downforce and best aero efficiency.

To increase the effectiveness of the Drag Reduction System (DRS), first introduced in 2015, the entire wing is no longer lowered but, like in Formula 1 (2017 regulations), the top flap flattened – which is intended to produce even more overtaking maneuvers in this year’s DTM races.

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 in fact been reduced.

However, the cars will still be faster around the track, thanks in part to tire partner Hankook, which will be supplying softer compound tires and largely because of what lies under the hood.

The Audi RS 5 DTM is powered by a 4.0-litre, dry-sump, 32 valve, naturally-aspirated V8 petrol engine which delivers upwards of 500hp and 500Nm of torque, exacting numbers are a closely guarded secret. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a semi-automatic 6-speed gearbox with paddle shifters.

The RS 5 DTM features an independent front and rear suspension setup utilising double wishbones and a pushrod system with spring/damper unit. The setup is modulated by adjustable gas pressure absorbers. The steering system servo assisted rack and pinion steering system.

The main frame is constructed out of a carbon fiber monocoque with an integrated fuel cell, reinforced with front, rear and lateral Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) crash elements. Inclusive of the driver, the whole lot weighs just 1120kg.