New-spec GT1 Lamborghini unveiled

The Reiter Engineering-developed car is the third new-spec GT1, which is designed to cut costs, joining the Ford GT and Nissan GT-R.

The Murcielago has a 6.5-litre V12, producing 670bhp when unrestricted. It will cost 480,000 Euros, around half the price of a new car to the old GT1 regulations.

At the unveiling Ratel said: "We aimed to have two or three new cars presented in 2009 and we have now done that.

"We also have officially a request from Aston Martin and Corvette to submit new versions of their current GT1 cars.

"It's quite an achievement and we will believe we will get a sixth make to get to our target of 24 cars."

Ratel's plan is to have a pair of two-car teams representing each manufacturer. He now claims to have been seriously contacted by 24 potential teams. "I have no doubt we will have two teams per brand," he said.

The boss of SRO also confirmed that, despite the doubts surrounding the Russian and Romanian events of the 2010 GT1 World Championship, there would still be 12 rounds, as planned.

"We have received a number of requests from countries wanting to host the championship," he said.