How embarrassing is this? During a recent DTM presentation in Düsseldorf, a 2002 Mercedes CLK-DTM race car outfitted with a 2008 C-Class body went up in flames. The driver, Bruno Spengler, decided to thrill the crowd with a few burning hot doughnuts – and thrill the crowd he did. The incident was so embarrassing in fact that DaimlerChrylser published an official press release to explain the incident.

Here's an excerpt of the press release. You can read the full press release over at CARSCOOP.

DaimlerChrysler: An incident, in which nobody got injured, occurred during the DTM presentation programme at Düsseldorf’s Königsallee. The rear of a former DTM race car (Mercedes-Benz CLK-DTM from the year 2002), driven by Bruno Spengler, caught fire due to an overheated brake. The car was a five-year-old race car that had been fitted with the bodywork of the new C-Class for demonstration runs.

Here's the video from YouTube (Warning: the video includes an MP3/music overlay that's not rated G; turn your sound off if you prefer):

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DaimlerChrysler Press Release (Stuttgart): WestLB AG of Düsseldorf, which is a German bank, has informed DaimlerChrysler AG that on April 4, 2007, the volume of DaimlerChrysler shares that it holds for trading purposes exceeded the threshold of 10% of the voting rights in DaimlerChrysler AG and that it currently holds an equity interest of 14.006% (144,172,765 shares).

According to the information WestLB provided, these are purely financial transactions, which are completely hedged with futures. The number of DaimlerChrysler shares held by WestLB is to be reduced again to well below 3% of the capital stock in the foreseeable future. The transactions therefore do not result in any shift in DaimlerChrysler’s shareholder structure. 

A special AMG performance package will be available in March 2007 ex factory for the E63 AMG Saloon. The package, priced at 7,140 euros, includes various technical components that enhance the handling dynamics and the vehicles motorsport potential. It was developed for those interested in driving on closed-circuit racetracks.

The AMG Performance Studio in Affalterbach developed the package, the vehicles are built at the DaimlerChrysler production plant in Sindelfingen.

• 18-inch 5-spoke multi-piece AMG alloy wheels, painted titanium silver, front wheels size 8.5 x 18 with 245/40 R 18 tires, rear wheels size 9.5 x 18 with 265/35 R 18 tires
• AMG performance suspension with firmer tuning, based on AIRMATIC DC
• Multi-disc rear locking differential with 40% locking effect, providing more traction when accelerating out of corners
• AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara with silver-colored aluminum shift paddles

AMG Optional Extras Available Ex Factory

For the SLK 55 AMG, SL 55 AMG, E 63 AMG, CLS 63 AMG and CLK 63 AMG models, exclusive individual optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio are now for the first time also available ex factory.

SLK 55 AMG

• 18-inch twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, multi-piece
• AMG performance suspension
• AMG carbon trim parts
• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

SL 55 AMG

• 19-inch twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, multi-piece
• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

E 63 AMG Saloon and Estate

• 18-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, multi-piece
• AMG performance suspension, based on AIRMATIC DC (only for saloon)
• AMG rear locking differential
• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

CLS 63 AMG

• 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, multi-piece
• AMG performance suspension, based on AIRMATIC DC
• AMG rear locking differential
• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering

CLK 63 AMG

• Velour floor mats with AMG lettering