Mercedes->ke187 Formula One drivers, Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg, joined the slew of people in Frankfurt to unveil the new DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupe. The new DTM AMG is based off of the new Mercedes C-Class Coupe and will be used for the 2012 racing season.

Prior to the unveiling of the new DTM AMG, Mercedes released a teaser video showing Gary Paffett as he explained the key differences between the 2012 DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé and the current DTM AMG Mercedes C-Class. The main differences between the two - summed up of course - are larger wheels, a huge rear wing, and the fact that the DTM is now a three-door coupe. Now that the 2012 DTM AMG has been officially unveiled, we can add a couple of other features to the list of changes. The 2012 DTM AMG Mercedes features a state-of-the-art carbon fiber monocoque with a roll cage constructed of high strength steel. For better protection against the dangers of an accident, the car has been equipped with a fire extinguisher and a fuel tank that has been incorporated into the monocoque. Each DTM model is also equipped with six energy-absorbing crash structures providing the driver additional protection on the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle.

UPDATE 03/06/2012: David Coulthard, former Formula One race car driver and now DTM race car driver, explains the technology behind the new 2012 DTM AMG car. He compared the 2011 DTM AMG Mercedes C-Class with the new 2012 DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupe. To find out which one is the best, take a look at the video!

Hit the jump to see what the crew had to say about the 2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe DTM AMG.

2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe DTM AMG

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  • Model: 2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe DTM AMG
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Michael Schumacher: “The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz DTM car looks fantastic, but what I find even more impressive than the car’s visual appearance is the new safety concept with its innovative safety cell and more advanced carbon-fibre crash structures. This safety standard is exemplary and constitutes, in my opinion, the benchmark for touring car racing. I’m looking forward to seeing the new C-Class Coupé in action and hopefully winning lots of races. I’ve got my fingers crossed for everyone in the Mercedes-Benz DTM team.”

Nico Rosberg: “I was pleased to take part in unveiling the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé for the 2012 DTM season at its Frankfurt Motor Show world premiere. It looks really cool and I particularly like the chrome finish. The car is certainly an important step forward for the DTM, which is a great series – I began my career racing on the same weekends as the DTM, and it will attract even more fans in 2012 when the third manufacturer arrives. Whenever possible, I still follow the races on TV, and always enjoy going to local DTM events. I will of course keep my fingers crossed next year for my Mercedes-Benz DTM colleagues and hope they can bring the title home to Stuttgart with the new C-Class Coupé.”

Gary Paffett: “The first test of a new car is always an exciting moment. After getting a feel for the handling and performance of the DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé around the Lausitzring, I can say I’m very pleased with it. Of course, we still have a lot of development work ahead of us before the 2012 season opener at Hockenheim. The driving experience is quite different to that of previous DTM cars. The new Hankook tyres for 2012 are wider and have taller sidewalls, providing more mechanical grip. Also, the gear lever has disappeared for 2012 – we will change gear using paddles on the steering wheel instead – and that’s something I’m already used to from Formula One.”

Norbert Haug, Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “This new-generation vehicle, based on our Mercedes-Benz C- Coupé, signals the introduction of an even more spectacular racing car from the start of 2012. I am certain that the spectators will get their money’s worth from the three-way fight between Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the DTM next year.”