Audi releases images of the A5 its 2012 DTM campaign will be built around

The A5 DTM will be built to the championship's new low-cost rules package and follows the trend set by series returnee BMW in using a coupe body rather than a saloon.

"In 2012 new technical regulations will come into effect in the DTM," said Head of Audi Sport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "We've got exactly the right model for that in the A5. We're convinced that we'll be able to continue Audi's success story with it in the DTM."

Dr Martin Muhlmeier, Audi Sport head of technology, explained that a number of strides have been taken safety-wise under the new rules.

"The sidewall has been reinforced so that the new DTM vehicle can be exposed to a side impact without the wall failing," he said.

"Up to now, a bearable side force of 80 kilonewtons at a specified point has been required whereas for the 2012-specification vehicles 360kn across the whole length of the sidewall is now required."

While Audi and BMW have confirmed their switches to coupe bodies, Mercedes has yet to do so.

When asked last month about a potential switch, Mercedes Motorsport vice-president Norbert Haug told AUTOSPORT the 2012 car would come from "the 'C' group."