Ingolstadt/Hockenheim – Befitting its 100th anniversary, Audi has written another chapter of motorsport history. The brand is the first ever automobile manufacturer to achieve a title hat-trick in the prestigious international touring car racing series: After 2007 and 2008, Audi has clinched the coveted trophy for the third consecutive time.

In the thrilling finale at the Hockenheimring in front of a magnificent turnout of 155,000 spectators Audi driver Timo Scheider stayed on the heels of his only remaining rival for the title, Gary Paffett, during the entire 39 laps and successfully defended his title from last year by finishing in second place.

“Every Audi employee can be proud of the performance which the DTM squad delivered this year – or better said, has been delivering for three consecutive years,” commented Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Executive Board of AUDI AG. “In the DTM we compete with one of the toughest rivals you can imagine. On behalf of the entire executive board I would like to extend sincere congratulations to everyone who had a part in this feat. Audi Sport could not have given the Audi brand a nicer gift on its 100th anniversary.”

For Audi, after 1990 (Hans-Joachim Stuck), 1991 (Frank Biela), 2002 (Laurent Aiello), 2004 (Mattias Ekström), 2007 (Mattias Ekström) and 2008 (Timo Scheider), this marks as much as the seventh DTM title and the fourth since the brand returned to the series with a manufacturer’s commitment in 2004. “No automobile manufacturer has ever consecutively won three titles in the DTM,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Audi has managed to do it – despite a very strong opponent. After two hat-tricks at Le Mans, now we’ve also achieved a hat-trick in the DTM. This third title no doubt was the most difficult one. But I’m sure that next year it’ll be even more difficult. ‘Thank you’ to everyone who made this great exploit possible for Audi. And congratulations to Timo (Scheider) – like last year, he won the title again on his own power.”

After his triumph, the old and new DTM Champion was speechless at first. “Now I’ve been able to experience this dream, for which we all worked so long and hard, for the second time in a row – and thanks to the Audi squad, the Abt team and my family,” said the 30-year-old obviously moved and with tears in his eyes. “Gary Paffett was a strong rival and won four races. But for as long as I’ve been contesting the DTM the driver with the highest points score has always been the one to become champion …”

Scheider won twice in the 2009 season and mounted the podium at six of the ten races. He was the most consistent driver and in the end had an advantage of five points over Mercedes driver Gary Paffett. Audi’s track record is impressive as well: The brand with the four rings won four races, started from the pole position eight times, posted six fastest race laps, scored ten more points than its competitor, led 325 of 548 laps and clinched 17 of 30 possible podium places. On four occasions, Audi even claimed the entire podium.

In the finale at Hockenheim the first two laps in particular were a real thriller when Mattias Ekström, who had started from the pole position and Gary Paffett fought an extremely tough duel and touched each other several times. The radiator of Ekström’s Audi A4 DTM was damaged in the process. After four laps the Swede, who was leading the race at that time, was forced to retire and thus lost third place in the standings to Paul Di Resta.

After a start at lightning speed, Timo Scheider watched the duel between Paffett and Ekström from a choice position and only drove his conservatively set up A4 as fast as necessary to stay close to Paffett and keep Paul Di Resta in third place at bay. Scheider managed doing this again when, shortly before race end, the safety car was deployed and unexpectedly pushed the field together once more. When the race was re-started Scheider got everything right as well and crossed the finish line after 39 laps just 1.043 seconds behind Gary Paffett in second place.

By finishing fourth, Alexandre Prémat achieved his best result of the season in a strong race and was also the best driver of a year-old car. With Oliver Jarvis and Markus Winkelhock on places six and eight, two other Audi drivers, who had been fighting a captivating duel throughout the race, finished in the points. Mike Rockenfeller in ninth position just barely missed scoring a point.

In his 60th and last DTM race Tom Kristensen was struck by misfortune not just once but twice: The Dane was hit in the rear right on the first lap in the hairpin and dropped to the back of the field. After a remarkable recovery Kristensen was turned around once more after a safety car period. Martin Tomczyk, as well, became the victim of a collision on the starting lap, which forced him to retire. As a result, Timo Scheider was the only driver of an 2009-spec Audi A4 DTM to score a points finish at Hockenheim.

With the title win in the DTM, another successful motorsport season has come to an end for Audi, which will also enter the annals of partner ABT Sportsline’s company history: After the triumph in the Formula ADAC Masters by Daniel Abt and in the ADAC GT Masters by Christian Abt with the new Audi R8 LMS, the squad from the Allgäu managed a hat-trick as well.

Ingolstadt/Hockenheim – Audi managed a perfect start to the 2009 DTM season at the 100th race of the new DTM: Tom Kristensen (Denmark), Timo Scheider (Germany), Oliver Jarvis (Great Britain) and Markus Winkelhock (Germany) clinched a fourfold victory of the Audi A4 DTM and delivered the best start to a season in AUDI AG’s DTM history at the Hockenheimring in front of 91,000 spectators.

It could have even been a fivefold victory for the brand with the four rings but a puncture on the penultimate lap cost Mattias Ekström (Sweden) the win that already seemed sure. The two-time DTM Champion had been dominating the race after starting from the pole position and achieved a lead of more than ten seconds when debris on the track slit the rear left-hand tire of his Audi A4 DTM. Ekström had to come in for an unscheduled pit stop on the penultimate lap and dropped to seventh place.

For Audi, the win marked the 49th triumph at a DTM race, for Tom Kristensen the fourth after Oschersleben in 2004 and 2006 as well as Zandvoort in 2006. “Of course, Mattias (Ekström) would have clearly deserved this victory,” said the 41-year-old Dane. “But I know only too well how Mattias feels now: In 2006, at Brands Hatch, I also lost a race I’d been leading with a dominant advantage almost up to the finish. But the crucial thing is that, today, only Audi drivers are on the podium. My thanks go to Audi, my team, my engineer and my boys – both pitstops were perfect.”

Kristensen, who had announced on Friday that he would end his DTM career after the 2009 season, fought a duel with his team colleague from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline, Timo Scheider, over the entire race distance. But the Le Mans record winner made no mistakes and did not offer the title defender any chance to pass him.

Oliver Jarvis was the driver primarily benefiting from Mattias Ekström’s puncture: The 25-year-old Briton in a year-old A4 of Audi Sport Team Phoenix finished third and thus clinched the first podium result of his DTM career. Markus Winkelhock (Audi Sport Team Rosberg) completed Audi’s exploit with a fourth-place finish and thus achieved his best DTM result as well.

“That was an incredibly strong team performance we showed this weekend,” Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich summed up the positive result of the round. “As in the two previous years, the Audi A4 DTM was again the superior car here at Hockenheim. And Oliver (Jarvis) clinched a podium finish in last year’s A4. It was a fantastic race for Audi. It’s just a shame that Mattias (Ekström), who dominated the race, suffered such a really unfortunate mishap.”

For Ekström’s team-mate Martin Tomczyk, the season opener was marked by misfortune as well: The German dropped from third to 16th place at the start but had already recovered to a place within the points when an electronic defect forced him to retire. For Alexandre Prémat and Mike Rockenfeller, the first race was just a short one: Both were entangled in a collision caused by Mercedes driver Gary Paffett on the opening lap and had to retire.

Due to a collision with Ralf Schumacher, a drive-through penalty was imposed on Katherine Legge. The Briton subsequently recovered, passed her rival Susie Stoddart, and finished the race in twelfth place.

The private team Kolles, which finished the race with its three 2007-spec Audi A4 DTM cars in eleventh, 13th and 14th place, showed a favorable performance.

The next DTM race will be held just 14 days from now at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz. In the meantime, Teams ABT Sportsline and Phoenix Racing will contest the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring with a total of four Audi R8 LMS cars. With Mattias Ekström, Mike Rockenfeller and Timo Scheider at the wheel, three DTM drivers will also start from the grid there.

FACTS & FIGURES:

Hockenheim marked the 100th race of the DTM since its re-launch in 2000. This and other interesting facts and figures about the 2009 DTM season opener are presented below.

- The wheels of an Audi A4 DTM turned about 2206 times per lap at Hockenheim
- The winner, Tom Kristensen, completed 178.386 km in the race
- The average speed was 163.165 km/h
- Hockenheim was the 100th DTM race since the DTM was re-incepted in 2000
- Winner Tom Kristensen advertises “100 years of Audi” on his A4 DTM
- This was Tom Kristensen’s 51st DTM race
- Audi celebrated its 49th race victory in the DTM
- This was Audi’s 46th pole position in the DTM
- For Team ABT Sportsline, this was the 30th DTM victory
- For the 27th time in 54 races, an Audi A4 DTM started from P1
- 12 race cars of the Audi brand started at Hockenheim – more than at any other previous DTM race
- Audi drivers occupied the top 5 grid positions at Hockenheim
- Tom Kristensen clinched his 4th victory in the DTM
- 4th place was Markus Winkelhock’s best DTM result to date
- With 1m 32.068s Mattias Ekström set a new track record in the third qualifying segment
- Oliver Jarvis clinched his 1st podium result in the DTM
- Tom Kristensen had a 0.353-second lead when he crossed the finish line

Source: Audi Sport

BRABUS Monoblock F, G and Q Wheels
New and Exclusive for Mercedes-Benz and Maybach Automobiles

BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels are the number one choice for owners of Mercedes-Benz and Maybach automobiles around the globe who appreciate exclusive design and top quality.  Now BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) presents three new Monoblock F, G and Q wheels.

BRABUS Monoblock F

BRABUS Monoblock F – the name stands for the new sporty BRABUS PLATINUM EDITION forged wheels with a diameter of 21 inches. The design features offset cross spokes that extend all the way to the outer flange of the rim, making them appear even larger than they already are. The brushed surface adds a special flair as do the two signets cut into the flange that rear ‘BRABUS’ and ‘GESCHMIEDET’ (German for: forged).

By using high-tech forging technology BRABUS ensures that Monoblock F wheels are especially light and yet extremely strong. Compared to a cast wheel of the same size they are up to 15 percent lighter. The Monoblock F wheels in sizes 9Jx21 and 10.5Jx21 can be mounted on the Mercedes CL-, GL-, GLK-, M-, R- and S-Class models.  

BRABUS Monoblock G

Another new forged wheel in the BRABUS program is the BRABUS Monoblock G wheel. Five striking double-spokes that extend all the way to the outer flange and a novel finish in a combination of titanium-look matte anthracite-colored paint and polished surfaces characterize the all-new BRABUS Monoblock G ‘PLATINUM EDITION’ forged wheels. They also feature the word ‘GESCHMIEDET’ (German for: forged) cut into the flange.

The new high-tech wheel offers great looks and more importantly lightweight design and maximum strength. A weight reduction of 20 percent compared to conventional wheels of identical size translates into optimized handling and increased driving comfort thanks to the reduced unsprung weight.

The new wheel in king-size 10Jx22 is approved for all Mercedes SUVs, the CL-, S- and R-Class as well as the Maybach models.

BRABUS Monoblock Q

State-of-the-art casting technology and four coats of paint in OEM quality characterize the new BRABUS Monoblock Q wheels, available in diameters ranging from 18 to 22 inches. 

The sporty yet elegant design features five double-spokes whose sophisticated shape creates five air vents. The two-tone wheels have polished surfaces with an anthracite-colored background. The new light-alloy wheel is weight-optimized with the help of a so-called undercut. This design element reduces the wheel weight and gives it the appearance of a premium forged wheel. Special high-load versions of the Monoblock Q wheel were developed for use on especially heavy vehicles such as the SUV series.

The new wheel family fits all current Mercedes models from the C-Class on up. 

BRABUS recommends high-performance tires from its technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA for all Monoblock light-alloy wheels.











	

	

	
	

	


		


			

				

			

		

	

	
 	
	

	


		


			

				

			

		

	

	
 	
	

	


		


			

				

			

		

	

	
	


	
 	
 	

	

 	


 	

Concurrent with the market launch of the new Mercedes E-Class of the W 212 model series, BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com ) presents an exclusive tuning program for the new sedan. Highlights in the product lineup are the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine with 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW for the E 500 (E550 in the US), a sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement program, light-alloy wheels with diameters of up to 20 inches, matching suspension solutions, a high-performance brake system and exclusive interior upgrades. All components are backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers / 62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of November 2006).

To add sporty emphasis to the striking lines of the new Mercedes E-Class the BRABUS designers have developed an aerodynamic-enhancement kit manufactured from Pur-R-Rim plastics in OEM quality. The BRABUS front apron replaces the production bumper in its entirety. It sophisticated shape reduces lift on the front axle and gives the sedan an even more striking face. For further improved driving safety the apron features LED daytime running lights and auxiliary headlights, either high beams or fog lamps, depending on customer preference.

BRABUS aluminum front sport quarter panels improve venting of the wheel houses. Their integrated lateral clear-coated carbon-fiber air outlets add a decidedly sporty flair. The BRABUS rocker panels calm the airflow between the wheel houses and feature integrated LED entrance lights for added style and utility.

The rear apron with centrally located rear deflector provides the perfect backdrop for the two chrome-plated tailpipes of the BRABUS sport exhaust system on either side. The styling concept is rounded out with a rear spoiler.

Just as important for the exclusive appearance are the BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels, available in various designs with diameters ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The largest version for the new E-Class features one-piece or multi-piece wheels in size 9Jx20 on the front axle and in size 10.5Jx20 in back. The corresponding high-performance tires come from Pirelli and YOKOHAMA in size 245/30 ZR 20 in front and in size 285/25 ZR 20 on the rear axle.

Various BRABUS suspension solutions from a lowering kit to sporty yet comfortable complete suspensions and even a special control unit for the AIRMATIC air suspension were developed to match the conversion to high-performance tires.

BRABUS also offers a special high-performance brake system for the new E-Class. The system consists of 375 x 36 millimeter (14.8 x 1.4 inches) vented and cross-drilled discs on the front axle with 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers. The rear axle stops on 355 x 28 millimeter (14.0 x 1.1 inches) discs and six-piston calipers.

The eight-cylinder model E 500 (US: E550) can be elevated to new performance levels with the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine. Installing a special crankshaft and larger pistons increases swept volume to 6.1 liters (372 cu. in.). Additionally the cylinder heads are optimized for mixture flow, and fitted with special camshafts. High-efficiency metal catalysts are also part of the engine conversion.

The impressive results of the conversion are a rated power output of 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW at 6,200 rpm and an enormous peak torque of 615 Nm (453 lb-ft) at just 3,100 rpm. In order to transfer this power to the road with as little slip as possible BRABUS offers an anti-slip rear differential with a locking rate of 40 percent. Powered by the BRABUS 6.1 engine the sedan turns in excellent driving performance: The sprint from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 4.7 seconds, top speed is 305 km/h (191 mph).

The BRABUS engineers are hard at work developing BRABUS ECO PowerXtra performance kits for the various CDI BlueEFFIENCY turbodiesel models and a BRABUS ECO PowerXtra BLUE tuning kit for the Mercedes E 350 BlueTEC. As the ‘ECO’ badge indicates, the main development goal is an optimal symbiosis of added power, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions by way of a notably increased peak torque.

BRABUS stainless-steel sports exhaust systems with four chrome-plated tailpipes are available for all engine variants.

Luxurious and customized interiors are also part of the BRABUS product lineup for the new E-Class. The list of available accessories ranges from stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo to ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels to exclusive BRABUS fully leather interiors made from a combination of especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik and Alcantara leathers.

As a pioneer in the development of multimedia systems on wheels BRABUS offers custom-tailored seatback consoles for the front seats of the new E-Class. They come with integrated seven-inch LCD displays and DVD player.

Mercedes-AMG GmbH is celebrating the most successful year in its company history. AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, succeeded in increasing unit sales worldwide by 19 per cent, selling 24,200 vehicles (previous year 20,300) and bucking the market trend in extremely difficult conditions.As in previous years, the USA was the strongest market for AMG with a share of 38 per cent of total sales. Germany came in second place (13 per cent), followed by Japan (8 per cent). The German market has developed very positively with a clear increase of 34 per cent compared with the previous year. The greatest growth markets of 2008 include amongst others China and Brazil with rates of increase of 260 per cent and 565 per cent respectively. With these figures AMG confirms its leading position amongst high-performance vehicle brands and at the same time further expands its market share in the high-performance segment.

The C 63 AMG made a considerable contribution to the success of 2008 with 8100 vehicles delivered. The C 63 AMG, available as a saloon and as an estate, is thereby the most successful AMG automobile of all time. The new SL 63 AMG also developed positively, with 3,050 enthusiastic purchasers in 2008.

In addition, a further chapter of the Black Series success story was relayed to the world with the SL 65 AMG Black Series, limited to 350 units – and enchanted the media and demanding AMG customers alike.

The AMG sports package also made a positive contribution to the year’s success. The striking sporty equipment packages are available for numerous Mercedes lines and were sought after by more customers than ever in 2008; the increase over 2007 amounted to 73 per cent.

The AMG Driving Academy, founded in 2007, registered twice as many applications as in 2007. The strength of demand for high-class racing circuit training and events has led AMG to undertake a considerable expansion of the AMG Driving Academy options for 2009.

Individual customer attention and first class customer care also played a crucial role in AMG’s continually increasing success. Hence AMG is to establish 175 new AMG Performance Centers worldwide by the end of next year: its engagement in intensifying customer relations now covers 15 countries in total.

Environmentally compatible vehicle development initiatives

In addition to its passion for high-performance sports vehicles, Mercedes-AMG GmbH is also committed to social responsibility and is intensifying its engagement in the development of environmentally compatible vehicles. AMG is already “Best in Class” amongst its performance car subsidiary and sporting brand competitors in the field of consumption. All AMG vehicles will surpass the EU-5 standards which come into force from 2009 and also the EU-6 standards which will apply from 2014. To reduce consumption, AMG is shortly to introduce efficiency-increasing engine-generator management as well as regulated oil and water pumps. From 2010 AMG will equip its vehicles with direct petrol injection and with start-stop function. Through constantly increasing efficiency, AMG will from 2012 achieve a reduction in consumption of 30 per cent in comparison to present levels.

AMG was founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher and is considered to be a pioneer in the field of motor sport and refinement. The cooperation contract agreed with Daimler-Benz AG in 1990 was followed in 1999 by gradual integration into the then DaimlerChrysler AG. On 1 January 2005 DaimlerChrysler AG took 100 per cent of the shares. Today Mercedes-AMG GmbH is a vehicle manufacturer and AMG is the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars. The subsidiary firm of Daimler AG is uniquely specialised in the field of high-performance vehicles and, with its sporty saloons, coupés, cabriolets, roadsters, SUVs and specially produced one-off vehicles, offers a product portfolio which leaves no customer wish unfulfilled. Mercedes-AMG possesses overall responsibility for design, aerodynamics and interior as well as drive system, engine, chassis, brakes and electronics, and ultimately for the final release of the AMG complete vehicle. In addition, marketing and sales-related aspects are handled independently.

While the likes of Ferrari develop their exclusive customer car, the FXX Evoluzione, Mclaren and Mercedes were both busy at work creating a customer race car of their own, the 722 GTR based off of the SLR. As you can imagine, the GTR looks the part as its widebody stance in full carbon fiber and its crash dieted physique shows that it has slimmed 600 lbs over the “regular” 722.

This coupled with major aerodynamic work equals a vehicle capable of shmashing the owners body with 2g cornering forces while power remains steady at 650 hp. Just like the McLaren F1 GTR, the 722 GTR will be stripped of all interior trim and fitted with nothing but Recaro carbon/kevlar seats and alcantara covering the rest of the interior. Members of the SLR CLUB will be the only few to have the 21 unit run available to them at a cost of $1,099,000.

Mercedes has finally come through with its promise of delivering a small SUV of proportions adequate enough to compete with the likes of the BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and the upcoming Volkswagen Tiguan. It will measure 4.50 meters long and will be based on the platform of the C-Class (much like the X3 which is based on the 3-Series platform). In addition to three different V6 variants, the Mercedes GLK will also come in a 2.2 liter four cylinder diesel engine that will produce about 204 horsepower.

The Mercedes GLK will have a trunk space of 450 liters along with a tank size of 80 liters.

America will see a 268 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 at first and then it will be followed by a Diesel engine that is yet to be determined. 19 inch wheels

are standard and 20 inch will be available at a premium. The production is set to begin at the end of January 2009 and will be available as a 2010 model. The GLK is geared towards the US market and has announced prices starting at $33,900, and with 4Matic, the starting tab is $35,900. Those prices do not include the $875 destination fee.

The disguised version shown to journalists had 20-inch diameter alloy wheels andrunning boards integrated into the lower body sides. Its license plate read “GLK Class.”