Porsche has taken the wraps off the new 911 GT3 R, which will make its full customer racing debut in 2019.

The unveiling came Friday morning at the Nürburgring, site of this weekend’s German endurance classic.

Porsche’s latest FIA GT3-spec contender, based on the 911 GT3 RS, features a rear-mounted normally aspirated engine, with a focus on improved aerodynamics, optimized safety and reduced servicing and rebuild costs.

The 4.0-liter flat-six powerplant, producing an estimated 550 horsepower, is nearly identical to its road-legal counterpart, which recently lapped the Nürburgring in a sub-seven minute time from factory driver Kevin Estre.

In addition to optimized lightweight components, including a carbon fiber hood, wheel arches, doors, side and rear tail sections, the new-gen Porsche features increased frontal downforce through new wheel arch air vents and front fairings.

The car also features a double-wishbone suspension in the front, which has allowed Porsche to utilize the maximum-permitted front wheel and tire size for the first time.

A new brake system has been developed, with further modifications to offer increased stiffness and more precise control of the ABS system, along with the introduction of a fully automatic clutch.

Aero developments have also been made in the rear, with a more defined diffuser.

Other enhancements include a fuel cell that can be filled from either the left or right sides, depending on the circuit layout, and additional safety features in the newly redesigned cockpit.

It includes a fixed-position seat, added side-impact panels and, for the first time in a GT3-spec Porsche, an air conditioning system.

An extensive testing and development program is already underway for the new car, which was recently spotted at Monza, with further tests planned in the run up to the FIA’s Balance of Performance test and final homologation.

The new car, with a price tag of €459,000 ($546,000), plus taxes, can be ordered immediately, with the first customer delivers set to begin in December.

While poised to make its competition debut in end-of-year endurance races, the new 911 GT3 R’s global customer launch is expected to come at next year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona.