The DTM touring cars series will introduce a new generation of race cars next season, and discussions continue to unify the rules of three distinct international racing series.
The idea is for the car manufacturers to build cars that would be eligible to compete in three series instead of just one as it is the case now.
It is rumoured that BMW awaited the introduction of the new technical regulations to return to the DTM and therefore produce cars that will be legal to compete in several series. The new rules would also would increase the number of manufacturers involved.
Series' organisers are working flat out to unify the rules of the DTM, Japan Super GT and Grand-Am series, and some say that the Germans and the Japanese are close to an agreement.
The Japan Super GT cars (Honda, Nissan and Toyota) are currently powered by normally aspirated, 3.4-litre V-8 engines while the DTM machines of Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW are powered by normally aspirated, 4-litre V-8 motors.
American magazine Autoweek said this week that Super GT officials were recently in Germany, investigating which of the common components shared by the three DTM manufacturers in its new low-cost formula can be used in the Japanese series. These include the carbon-composite safety cell and the transmission.
The alignment of the two series, defining the chassis and engine capacity, is planned for 2014. There is also an intention to include the Grand-Am series in this technical partnership.
Plans for DTM America hinge on the manufacturers supplying a grid of cars for the series, which would be sanctioned by Grand-Am. Splitting a viable grid of 18 cars among the three current DTM manufacturers would mean the companies would fund six entries each, but that number could be halved if Super GT marques Honda, Toyota and Nissan also run cars.
The idea is for the car manufacturers to build cars that would be eligible to compete in three series instead of just one as it is the case now.
It is rumoured that BMW awaited the introduction of the new technical regulations to return to the DTM and therefore produce cars that will be legal to compete in several series. The new rules would also would increase the number of manufacturers involved.
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| The aforementioned new BMW M3 DTM car (Photo: WRi2) |
Series' organisers are working flat out to unify the rules of the DTM, Japan Super GT and Grand-Am series, and some say that the Germans and the Japanese are close to an agreement.
The Japan Super GT cars (Honda, Nissan and Toyota) are currently powered by normally aspirated, 3.4-litre V-8 engines while the DTM machines of Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW are powered by normally aspirated, 4-litre V-8 motors.
American magazine Autoweek said this week that Super GT officials were recently in Germany, investigating which of the common components shared by the three DTM manufacturers in its new low-cost formula can be used in the Japanese series. These include the carbon-composite safety cell and the transmission.
The alignment of the two series, defining the chassis and engine capacity, is planned for 2014. There is also an intention to include the Grand-Am series in this technical partnership.
Plans for DTM America hinge on the manufacturers supplying a grid of cars for the series, which would be sanctioned by Grand-Am. Splitting a viable grid of 18 cars among the three current DTM manufacturers would mean the companies would fund six entries each, but that number could be halved if Super GT marques Honda, Toyota and Nissan also run cars.