Mar 29, 2005
Premiere for the new Audi A4 DTM: During the official DTM tests at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), Audi unveils the successor of the DTM winning car for the first time in public. For two days, Audi works driver Martin Tomczyk will collect valuable data with the new race car for the Belgian round of Europe’s most popular Touring Car series which will be held on May 15.

A completely new car was developed at Audi Sport for the 2005 DTM season because of the production car model change. The 2005-spec Audi A4 DTM distinguishes itself at first glance from last year's championship winning car through its prominent single-frame radiator grille and the new bodywork shape. However, over the winter a great deal was done underneath the skin. "We have tried to include all the positive experiences gained from our first DTM season to build the best car possible,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich.

The single-frame radiator grille necessitated the redesign of the air flow at the car's front section. At the same time the entire aerodynamic configuration of the A4 DTM was optimised in the wind tunnel and numerous innovative detail solutions added, which are not standard on a touring car. The loss of rear wing efficiency, stipulated by the regulations, has, to a large extent, been compensated for by the Audi engineers.

Weight reduction, improving the centre of gravity height and weight distribution was the main focus of attention on the chassis. The 2005 A4 DTM can be setup more easily to suit the various circuits and is even more user friendly. The Audi drivers are glad about the improved level of comfort, particularly the reduction in cockpit temperature. Numerous details of the Audi A4 DTM V8 engine were reworked, which led to a noticeable increase in power, especially in the lower and mid rev range.

Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline will run four new A4 DTM cars in the 2005 DTM. Audi Sport Team Joest competes with four cars from last year. All eight Audi works drivers will take part in the DTM tests at Spa in order to get used to the track which will host a DTM race for the first time.

During the tests, the new Audi A4 DTM sports the livery of SONAX and S line, the sport and tuning kits from quattro GmbH, as it will be raced by six-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen in the 2005 season. At the official presentation of the 2005 DTM in Hamburg on April 4 and 5, Audi will unveil the design and the sponsor partners of the other cars.