Meet the Audi R8 LMS GT4, the production-based race car for amateur campaigners, which is having its live debut at the New York Auto Show this week. Yes, production-based, meaning it shares more than 60 percent of its assembly components with the street legal R8 V10. Developed by Audi Sport, it produces up to 495 hp and will be available later this year for international racing events, including those in North America, Asia and Europe.

Think of the R8 LMS GT4 as a less hardcore R8 GT3. GT4 models can already participate in 13 racing series worldwide, and the R8 LMS GT4 fills the gap between the TRC International Series and the GT3 category. "Audi Sport GmbH is one of the leading manufacturers offering cars in the GT3 and TRC customer sport categories," stated newly installed head of Audi's famed Quattro division, Stephan Winkelmann. "Now we're targeting the GT4 class at exactly the right time. These fast-growing business segments and the DNA shared by our race cars and production vehicles underscore our ambition to become a true global player in the high-performance league."

Audi hasn't specifically pointed out any of the exact changes made from the road-going R8 V10 to the GT4 version, but there's plenty of advanced aero splattered on the exterior, notably the large rear wing and front spoiler. Also no word yet on pricing, but orders are likely to begin fairly soon.