German Touring Car Masters 2012

DTM relies on Bosch technology once more

  • In 2012, DTM will once again feature Bosch engine management, displays, and other standard components
  • MS 5.1 engine control unit and DDU 8 display used for the first time
  • Bosch Motorsport supplies both series technology optimized for racing cars and technology specially developed for motor racing

When the cars line up at the starting grid on the Hockenheimring on April 29, 2012 for the opening race of the German Touring Car Masters (DTM), they will once again have Bosch technology on board. Among the features common to all the racing cars taking part in the series – the Audi A5 DTM, the BMW M3 DTM and the DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé – are the Bosch Motorsport MS 5.1 engine control unit and DDU 8 display. The 2012 race season is the debut for both products and sees them replacing their respective Bosch predecessors.

Figure 1 ECU and customizable display

The Bosch Motorsport MS 5.1 control unit and the related engine management software make it possible to set numerous parameters individually and to analyze the data generated while driving laps. This allows teams to adjust the racing cars’ engine and chassis setup quickly and in a targeted way. “The new DTM control unit is considerably smaller and lighter than its predecessor. Its high-performance digital processor core is particularly impressive. The electronics are embedded in a dust- and waterproof housing which also protects it from vibrations and temperature variations, making it ideal for the demands placed by motorsport,” explains Klaus Böttcher, Vice President of Bosch Motorsport. Another piece of standard equipment in all DTM vehicles is Bosch Motorsport’s DDU 8 display with integrated data logger. Drivers can call up all relevant vehicle data on up to 12 color display pages while driving. Each team can customize the information displayed on each page to meet the needs of the team and the drivers.

Bosch Motorsport also provides numerous other components for all the DTM racing cars, including starters, generators, vehicle cable harnesses, wiper motor, and the power box. In addition to these standard components, the teams make use of Bosch Motorsport sensors, ignition components, and fuel injectors. These components are based to a large degree on series-production technology, but are adapted to the higher demands placed on them by motor racing. “We work together closely on this with the prototype production departments at Bosch plants. As a result, teams benefit from the know-how of a leading automotive supplier in every component,” says Böttcher.

Bosch has been a partner to the race series since the start of the new DTM in 2000 and supplies the teams with a whole range of products. Besides DTM, Bosch is also a provider of standard electric and electronic components to Formula 3 and to the U.S. Grand Am race series. Moreover, several race teams in the Le Mans 24 Hours and in many other competitions use Bosch Motorsport systems and components. As an experienced systems and components supplier for many race series, Bosch Motorsport and its experts have the systems competence and integration know-how required for motor racing applications. Bosch Motorsport is part of Bosch Engineering GmbH, a Bosch subsidiary that specializes in engineering services, and looks back on 111 years of participation in the world of motor racing. Bosch technology first helped racing drivers to victory in 1901.

Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch-engineering.com

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