2011 DTM Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG safety car revealed

By George on May 3rd, 2011

The new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG made its debut this past Sunday as the Safety Car for the 2011 DTM season. The V8 Sports Saloon only had to be modified slightly for its demanding DTM task.

Piloted by racing driver Jürgen Kastenholz (43), the C 63 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 C63 AMG safety car features a 6.3-litre V8 engine with 487 hp and a peak torque of 600 Nm. Part of the package is also AMG Performance Package. 0 to 100 km/h comes in 4.3 seconds.

Distinguishing features of the DTM Safety Car compared to the standard C 63 AMG include distinctive DTM Safety Car logos, the LED light bar on the roof and the stroboscopic flashing LED lights at the front and rear. A number plate illuminated with LEDs and the words “Safety Car” on the boot lid make the car easier to see in poor weather conditions. To facilitate communication with Race Control, the Safety Car is fitted with a radio system and a TV monitor. Two AMG sports bucket seats with four-point seat belts provide ideal lateral support for the driver and co-driver, while the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/Alcantara with steering-wheel shift paddles assures optimum vehicle control.