Rampant speculation: Audi R4
When AutoBild released their November issue with the above illustration on its cover, rumors of a new coupe from Audi began spreading like wildfire across the web. As we've discovered all too often, speculation and photoshopping go a long way in stoking the fires of the rumor mill. We're sure this is no exception, but a few sentences of translation and analysis can't hurt. Right?
Designed to compete with the likes of the 2009 BMW Z4 and its M-badged variants, the Audi R4 will be a strict two-seater and, much like it's larger sibling the R8, will have a mid-ship mounted engine (that's were we started glazing over). A few engine choices will be available, with the top slot being filled by a 300 HP V6. Although the mid-mounted engine placement would seem to imply that Audi is taking a shot at Porsche's Cayman and Boxter, AutoBild's sources maintain that those vehicles are not its intended competition.
If the R4 will ever see the light of day, expect it sometime in 2010. We're not holding our breath and we'd suggest you do the same.
[Source: Autobild and Fourtitude]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Quan 11:47PM (3/31/2008)
I would totally buy one if it looked like the render.
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djbango 11:02AM (10/22/2006)
looks like Audi's version of the Camaro
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Tiago do Vale 11:17AM (10/22/2006)
This can't happen for two reasons:
It will colide with the Audi/KTM project...
And there isn't a convinient platform, unless the VW Eco-racer will come to life with this bespoke plaform, and a SEAT Tango (that will for sure be based on the PQ24 Ibiza platform, so...).
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Tiago do Vale 11:18AM (10/22/2006)
...but the render looks very good, or course! :)
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Tiago do Vale 11:21AM (10/22/2006)
...even if the proportions are not right: the front seems long enough to carry the engine.
(Sorry for the triple posting.)
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twin 11:55AM (10/22/2006)
don't be silly, it's just a nice render...
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ruggels 1:15PM (10/22/2006)
I doubt it'll happen, what's the point really. Quite a few people moaned and complained on this board that the R8's class leading (in terms of power and 0-60 compared to the Carrera 4s or AMV8) V8 was long in the tooth and weak, given that logic, a 300hp $60,000 model? I'm not buying it. With the V6 TT hitting sixty in 5.9 seconds, and the R8 hitting sixty in 4.6 seconds, this 'poor mans' R4 would smack of Porsche's "we'll castrate the Cayman as to not impede 911 sales too much and to allow it to fit right in on the 0-60 per $ chart" (assuming a not to sixty in around 5 seconds).
I don't see it happening. Audi is allowed the freedom to build the cars it builds because it is the most profitable brand in the VAG portfolio - and as tiago mentioned, engineering a brand new platform (keeping in mind the R8 is based off the gallardo) for a cheaper car doesn't seem to make a whole hell of a lot of sense.
I call BS, and it's a pity really, over the last five years i've seen car rags go from reporting the news, to competing with each other on a monthly basis for the most flippant and wild speculation their intern/photoshop artists can concoct. Sad. I long for the days when speculation was limited to a few years down the road and always backed up by test mules on the 'ring
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theshadow 12:17PM (10/22/2006)
I like the idea very much but it begs the question...just how many different models can audi hope to market successfully?
Or maybe it's some sort of wierd Darwinian experiment on their part...
...would make for a nice upgrade form my MkV R32 in a few years' time if it had the V8 form the lower end R8...otherwise I'd pass.
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TalD 2:26PM (10/22/2006)
BAM!!!
#1 that was my instant thought as I scrolled down to this story and saw the picture.
Does that mean there is designer talent at GM?
I would say yes.
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BOB 2:42PM (10/22/2006)
NICE LOOKING -- OF COURSE, THE CAR IN THE PIC IS CORVETTE SIZE, AT LEAST. PLUS: THE TT WOULD HAVE TO GO AWAY OR MORPH INTO THIS.
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macman_84 4:17PM (10/22/2006)
Looks awesome and would definitly be a nice addition to the Audi line-up... however I doubt they will put this in production. More likely they will just give a TT a different body kit and a more powerful motor to cover the entry level sports car end while the R8 covers the high end.
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risingsun 4:37PM (10/22/2006)
It's "naught" to sixty, not "not" to sixty.
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ruggels 6:40PM (10/22/2006)
thanks :P
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Dr. Woo 11:35AM (10/23/2006)
Won't happen. Remember the VW Concept R that was "totally going into production?" Yeah, exactly.
This hasn't even been touched on by Audi execs, so don't expect this to happen. But oh, it'd be so very nice.
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Jsn 12:49PM (10/23/2006)
nice chop, but no chance this happens. A 300hp 2 seater steps squarely on the toes of the top end TT models that will eventually find their way to market. Actually, the top end of those hits around 320hp, but I digress. This car would basically EOL the MKII TT after 2-3 years on the market, which just isn't going to happen.
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