Audi is expanding into the TCR class, unveiling the RS 3 LMS four-door sedan at the Paris Motor Show on Thursday. While Audi will enter the TCR International Series, the new entry-level model for Audi Sport customer racing opens the door to all worldwide TCR series.

Audi Sport Customer Racing, which builds and markets Audi R and RS models for competition, plans to start deliveries of the new car to customers this December ahead of the 2017 season.

“Audi has been active in motorsport at the highest level for generations,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Audio Sport managing director. “The Audi R8 LMS has since become the market leader in its segment. We have the same plans for the Audi RS 3 LMS, which offers customers an attractive opportunity to get started in Audi racing.”

“The TCR market has even larger potential than that of the GT3 category,” added head of Audi Sport Customer Racing Chris Reinke. “In 2016, there were ten TCR series with races in 18 countries, and more and more series are being added. With the TCR version of the RS 3 we’re also reaching countries where no GT3 races are held. The costs for a TCR car are very low. As a result, we’re going to win new customers for Audi Sport as well. In terms of support and parts supply, they’ll benefit from the experience we’ve been gathering with the Audi R8 LMS since 2009, which our GT3 customers have come to appreciate.”

Marcello Lotti, CEO of TCR Promoter WSC Ltd., welcomed Audi to the TCR family, saying Audi’s decision to develop the RS 3 “demonstrates a clear belief in the TCR concept.”

“The decision to reveal the car at the Paris Motor Show is also significant, as it presents the car in front of the world’s automotive media,” he added. “I am looking forward to the Audi RS 3 LMS making its racing debut and I wish Audi every success in the future.”