The most powerful production Mercedes-Benz C-Class model of all time, the new C63 AMG Coupé Black Series Edition, will assume the role of 2012 DTM racing series’ Safety Car. The German Touring Car Masters (DTM) will kick off this weekend at the Hockenheimring on April 29.

Mercedes-Benz has been providing the Safety Car to the series since the beginning of the “new” DTM in 2000, switching with Audi from race to race, and since 2012 with BMW as well.

The Safety Car version of the German firm’s coupe uses the same 6.3-litre V8 engine with 510hp (517PS) and 620Nm (457 lb-ft) found in the production car, which allows for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 4.2 seconds and a limited top speed of 300km/h (186mph).

The only mechanical upgrade over the production C63 AMG Coupé Black Series concerns the modified exhaust system.

Mercedes has fitted the car with the optional AMG Track package that adds active rear axle gear cooling and 19-inch alloys shod in Dunlop Sport Maxx Race sports tires in size 255/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear, an AMG Aerodynamics kit that includes a carbon-fibre front splitter, plus a fixed carbon-fibre rear aerofoil with adjustable blade, and the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package.

On the outside, you’ll also find a light bar with a stroboscope-type flashing LED fixture on the roof.

As for the interior, the Safety Car features a pair of AMG sports bucket seats with four-point seat belts, a two-way radio system and TV monitor mounted on the center console and the buttons that control the exterior safety lights.

PHOTO GALLERY

Mercedes-C63-Coupe-DTM-1Mercedes-C63-Coupe-DTM-2Mercedes-C63-Coupe-DTM-3Mercedes-C63-Coupe-DTM-4Mercedes-C63-Coupe-DTM-5Mercedes-C63-Coupe-DTM-6Mercedes-C63-Coupe-DTM-7Mercedes-C63-Coupe-DTM-8Mercedes-C63-Coupe-DTM-9Mercedes-C63-Coupe-DTM-10Mercedes-C63-Coupe-DTM-11Mercedes-C63-Coupe-DTM-12Mercedes-C63-Coupe-DTM-13