Rendered Speculation: Audi R4 coupe in the works?
It's been rumored for some time that Audi and Porsche would be teaming up to produce a handful of new models over the next five years. From a manufacturing standpoint, both automakers could benefit from shared development and production costs, while consumers would get their hands on some very compelling product.
The cornerstone of Audi's confusing salvo to "put old luxury on notice" is the expansion of its lineup to fill every conceivable niche. The extension of the "R" line of products – beginning with the R8 – is rumored to include a convertible version of Audi's midship V8 super coupe, along with an R4, R6 and an R10.
Details on the R6, which could slot in between Porsche's Cayman/Boxster and 911 range, and the R10 are scarce, but the next generation Boxster will share a platform with Audi, allowing the four-ringed crew to offer a midship coupe of its own. The R4 is expected to sport the TT's 2.0-liter TFSI four producing 268 hp or a 2.5-liter five-cylinder making upwards of 300 hp. Porsche and Audi are also likely to share everything from aluminum space frames to high-output diesels, torque-vectoring AWD systems and dual-clutch transmissions.
The only concern is how this massive amount of cross-pollination between brands could affect the sales of both automakers. Choice is good, but only if the market can sustain the amount of product being offered.
[Source: EGMCarTech]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Seoultrain 5:09PM (2/08/2008)
I'm confused. RS4 coupe would mean 4.2L V8, wouldn't it? and wouldn't that be the RS5?
And the description of the R4 sounds like it'll either be overpriced or overlap with the TT.
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geo.stewart 6:13PM (2/08/2008)
i'm confused, isnt that a Lancer picture ??
;-)
who's copying who here.
TwinTurbo3000GT 11:31PM (2/08/2008)
Seriously. Lancer headlights anyone?
Aetius 5:12PM (2/08/2008)
As an Audi fan (and hopefully a future owner of one of the RS products), I would advise them to be careful. Why fill every niche?
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Brett- BMW Advo 5:23PM (2/08/2008)
I'd rather have it as the RS5...
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Farris 5:24PM (2/08/2008)
Is it possible that this will turn into another 914 "dilemma?"
The 914 was sold in America as a Porsche, but everywhere else as a Volkswagen... is it possible that this new Porsche/Audi thing will turn into that, meaning we get the Porsche R6, while Europe gets the Audi R6?
Or it may even go the way of the Toureg/Cayenne. Every time I see a Cayenne, I think to myself, "Self, look over there, it's a VW with a Porsche badge." Will I see a Porsche R6 and think "There's an Audi with a Porsche badge?"
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garlinski 5:54PM (2/08/2008)
Thought the story said "R4" not "RS4" since that car already exists, correct? One way or another, that's sick!!! Hmmm... Cayman or R4???? Cayman still.
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Chase 5:59PM (2/08/2008)
I think this article is more long term than the RS5 -- which is basically an inevitability in the next two years. I bet these new cars are being considered for around mid-cycle of the next A4, like around 2012.
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Andrew Tanasescu 12:41PM (2/09/2008)
Isnt this what the RS5 is for? whats the point for this car?
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Bored 6:15PM (2/08/2008)
The first time I saw that rendering, I think it was on Moses' blog...
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BartMack 6:16PM (2/08/2008)
I always get the impression Audi hates to build anything with less than 4 doors... I'm still surprised the R8 isn't a mid-engined Avant. Nevertheless, the rendering is hot.
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GTX141 6:43PM (2/08/2008)
Who, exactly, is talking about R6 and R10? This is the first I've ever heard those monikers mentioned.
BTW: The V10 R8 will not be called the R10, if that's what you're referring to.
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DIRETTORE 8:55PM (2/08/2008)
* Farris Friend, we see what you're saying however I would like to point out engineering feats overcome to make the Porsche Cayenne what it is, is nothing short of a miracle.
Considering the weight of the vehicle, the size of the vehicle, the dimensions & high center of gravity, considering it not only has to go fast as a sports car, but also handle well off road. The numbers speak for themselves. A Cayenne Turbo S is NOT a Tourag. And I am not actually a Porsche fan to be honest but this is one vehicle they truly outdone themselves. It is all things to all people.
You can kick a Mustangs ass at a stoplight while hauling your family & luggage on the way to the Paris Dakar Rally.
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Seoultrain 2:55AM (2/09/2008)
It's not all things to all people. It's all things to people who are rich enough to buy a $110k car, yet too poor to buy more than one car (that is, no one). While it is an impressive machine, with all the effort they put in the engineering, couldn't they have made it better looking?
DIRETTORE 5:12PM (2/10/2008)
Hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder aint it?
For that category vehicle, I think it looks fine. What is it exactly that does not appeal to you? Which angle? Front? Rear? Side? 3 oclock?
1. Im not a Porsche fan
2. Im NOT an SUV fan
IMO I think porches are over rated & way over priced & rely on their status. Also, rear engined vehicles are dangerous.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryjnhIXKxII
I dont like SUV's due to their high center of gravity -> longer braking distance -> Off-road tires -> Truck based platform which avoids (evades?) car crash tests -> Higher insurance category premiums -> Inferior emergency avoidance manuvers. Not to mention the obvious ones such as far greater Fuel Consumption + Parking.
If xUV were on the radar shopping list, check out the new 2008 Infinity EX35 which recently got top score marks from the highway trafic safety institute & 5*****
Not only due to both Active + Passive safety, but also for its large glass area which provides greater visibility.
Max 8:08AM (2/09/2008)
Where did you read RS4??! The source talks about R4 (a small brother of R8) not the high-performance A4...
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Hammerhead 11:31AM (2/09/2008)
The title of the article is "Rendered Speculation: Audi RS4 coupe in the works?"
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mkM3 3:29PM (2/09/2008)
The title of the article is incorrect - it's supposed to be:
"Audi R4 coupe in the works?"
There will be an RS5 coupe too, but that will be a 2+2 like the A5/S5 and this R4 will be a 2 seater along the lines of the R8.
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randy 11:52AM (2/22/2008)
Remember the Concept R, what ever happened to that VW concept?
I could make a less expensive alternative and a stronger business case for building the R4. They should think about building it.
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