2017.09.27

DTM meets SUPER GT! A collaboration scheme introducing SUPER GT cars in a demonstration run at the DTM finale.

GTA Co., Ltd, the promotor of the SUPER GT, and ITR, the promotor of DTM (Deutch touring car series “Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft”), announced on September 27th their plans for a SUPER GT demo run at the 2017 DTM series finale.

Two cars from the SUPER GT GT500 class, will make their appearance at the DTM series finale, scheduled to take place at Hockenheim from 13th to 15th October. The Lexus LC 500 (No.093, test vehicle for 2017 season) and the Nissan GT-R (No.1 MOTUL AUTECH GT-R 2016 entry car) will set foot for the first time in Germany, to make demonstration runs on the 14th (Saturday) and 15th (Sunday). DTM released in their announcement, “This day will give fans an opportunity to witness something special. The new Class One standards will allow races between the two series, and motorsports fans are anticipating such an event.”, and appealed the enthusiasm in Germany towards this event.

 

No.093 Lexus LC500 test vehicle

 

Gerhard Berger, the chairman of the ITR (Internaionalen Tourenwagen Rennen e.V), commented “I am delighted that the SUPER GT cars will be making an appearance at a DTM event for the first time. This is a great honor for us. This is not only a special treat for our fans, but also a strong sign for the future of the DTM, and how seriously the cooperation with the Japanese GTA organization and the series’ three manufacturers is being taken.”, and addressed how this collaboration is a big step for the two organizations.

Along with Gerhard Berger, GTA chairman Masaaki Bandoh commented “We are looking forward to seeing our cars in action in Hockenheim. This is a proof of the close relationship between SUPER GT and the DTM. Both series feature the world leading manufactures. It goes without saying that Japanese fans will by no means be denied the opportunity to experience the DTM cars. Plans are afoot for the DTM to send cars to the SUPER GT finale which takes place on 11th and 12th of November.”, and announced the arrival of DTM cars in Japan at the SUPER GT season finale on November 11th and 12th at Twin Ring Motegi.

 

No.1 MOTUL AUTECH GT-R (2016)

 

The two SUPER GT GT500 class cars to be introduced in Hockenheim at the DTM season finale, the Lexus LC500 and the Nissan GT-R, are scheduled to make test runs of Friday, and perform its demonstration runs on both Saturday and Sunday. The drivers for these cars are not yet confirmed.

 

Both DTM and the GT500 class of SUPER GT proposed a technical regulation standard named “Class One”, a standard which balances both the reduction of vehicle development and manufacturing costs and the spectacular appeal of motorsport, and focuses mainly on the realization of high level safety. All vehicles of both classes have been conforming to this standard since the 2014 series. Currently, engine specifications are different between the two series, as DTM cars still load V8 4,000cc engines. However, from the 2019 season, DTM cars will be a four-cylinder, 2,000cc turbo engine, which is already adopted in the Japanese GT500 cars. This will further promote the development of an energy-saving, and environment friendly racecar.

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