Mercedes reveals 2016 DTM C-Class sketches

Mercedes could be the only manufacturer with new bodywork in 2016, as BMW is sticking with its M4 design and Audi remains focused on 2015 for now. In the only photo Mercedes released of the new full-size drop top, the auto is pictured alongside the original convertible S-Class, which was sold from 1961 through to 1971. The outgoing C-Class now represents Mercedes in DTM, Germany’s most popular home-grown racing series, so it’s time for a new racecar as well.

Though teams rely on similar specifications including “control” chassis, the C-Class has proven quite successful in DTM having secured 85 victories in 159 races.

But even before the final race weekends of the year, the Mercedes-AMG DTM Team are providing an insight into what lies ahead for the race series, revealing the first designs of the auto that they will enter for the 2016 campaign.

While the C63 DTM will be visually based on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, the roadgoing vehicle is fundamentally different. The former road-going Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG cars were powered by a larger 6.2 liter V8 engine; AMG had to downsize the DTM variants to 4 liters.

Looking forward, the upcoming 2016 season will be the last where the DTM is completely independent.