Audi has started deliveries of its R8 Spyder-based GT2 car, which is set to make its customer racing debut in SRO’s GT Sports Club regional championships next year.

The manufacturer is developing the Audi R8 LMS GT2, which is powered by a 640 horsepower V10 engine, at its Böllinger Höfe facility near Heilbronn in southwest Germany.

Following its reveal at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, the car made its race debut against GT3 machinery in the Blancpain GT Sports Club season finale at Barcelona in September.

Audi has not set a production target for its latest model, which will be eligible to race in the GT Sports Club America, GT2 Sports Club Europe and GT2 Sports Club Asia series.

“With the Audi R8 LMS GT2 we’re opening up a new chapter in our history,” said Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport customer racing.

“Starting in 2020, the GT2 class will enhance the world of GT racing by another valuable new category that immediately got a foothold on three continents.

“In addition, the race car is ideally suited for track days. In spite of its very specific concept design, there are many things it has in common with the production model.

“They allow us to closely integrate the manufacturing process, which we are very proud of.”

Audi has set a price of €338,000 ($375,000 USD) for its latest R8 racing product, which will exist alongside its current Evo models built to GT3 and GT4 specification.