Audi has joined in the DTM action with the latest
revisions to its RS5 DTM. Hitting the track for weather-struck pre-season
testing at Vallelunga outside Rome, the new RS5 DTM has been redesigned to
comply with the latest round of regulations.
That comes down principally to less downforce and a
simpler suspension setup to demand more of the drivers and rely less on the
cars’ aerodynamic grip. Power still comes from a 4.0-liter V8 with dual
overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. A Hewland six-speed sequential
transmission is standard across the series, but output is increased from 460
horsepower to over 500 hp. With less drag, the latest cars
are expected to top 274 km/h.
Having locked out all the bragging rights last year,
the Audi will be the car to beat this season. Testing got off to a good start
when Jamie Green, defending
champion René Rast, and newcomer Robin Frijns took the revised RS5 out onto the
track for its maiden run.
The 2018 championship kicks off in early May at
Hockenheim, following another test session at the same track in April.
