Auto GP has unveiled the first images of its heavily revised car, which will form the basis of the 2013 season.
Next year's car for the European-based open-wheel series is based on the current Lola-Zytek, which formed the basis of the last-generation F3000 machine and the A1GP racer, but features updated sidepods and front and rear aerodynamics. Series officials expect lap times to be improved by around 1.5 seconds.
"We want to give our drivers an even better tool to prepare themselves for the leap to Formula 1," said series boss Enzo Coloni. "The talents taking part in our series are already facing many of the challenges they'll find in F1: we have pit stops, three different tire compounds, an overboost system that can get them used to KERS, and this performance upgrade will bring their driving style even closer to the one they'll have to adopt on an F1 car.
"What we are unveiling today is a first preview that shows the major changes that have already been given the green light. But our technical staff is still working on the tiniest details and on some other interesting solutions."
The car is scheduled to run for the first time in November, with teams having their initial tests in December.
Auto GP also revealed that next year's calendar will be expand to eight rounds.