Mercedes-AMG took the wraps off its 2020-spec Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo in a launch event at the Nürburgring on Friday.

The new car replaces the existing highly successful AMG GT3, with upgrades to improve user-friendliness and reduce running costs.

Delivery of the new car will begin at the end of 2019 ahead of a full rollout in 2020, with an official post-homologation debut expected at either the Hankook 24 Hours of Dubai or Rolex 24 at Daytona.

The car will, however, debut on-track in the next few months prior to receiving official GT3 homologation.

Changes include an “optimized” front section that better protects the radiator and a newly developed integral beam to further protect the engine, front axle and steering.

These improvements are aimed to reduce running costs caused by damage.

The front splitter can be adjusted quicker than previously, with the rear wing also more easily adjustable, while improved access to the air filter is set to speed up work in the pits.

A new ‘drop start’ function has been introduced, making the engine start automatically when the car is dropped from air jacks during pit stops, reducing time spent in the pit lane.

On the outside, revised bodywork include a new front apron, front diffusor and rear apron, as well as new headlights and taillights.

A 30-hour endurance test will be held at race speed, while the car will also run with HWA and possibly customer teams in select races later this year, such as VLN.

Existing teams will have the option to purchase an upgrade kit to transform existing cars to Evo specification, with customers that have purchased a car in the last 12 months able to acquire the kit at a discount.