Mid-engine Audi R4 back on the table?
Audi made it clear last March that the baby R8 was dead. Despite numerous rumors that Audi would get its own version of the upcoming Porsche Boxster/Cayman replacement, the decision was made to nix plans to create the mid-engine Audi R4 over fears that it would cannibalize sales from its Porsche-badged brethren. An Audi spokesperson went so far as to say that, "It was never in our product planning." Well, AutoExpress is reporting that tales of the R4's demise have been a bit premature.
Apparently the new mid-engined R4 is a go. It will occupy a slot in the Audi lineup above the TT and below the R8, with prices starting around £35,000. Like the R8 it will be a two-seater only, available as either a coupe or roadster. AutoExpress even has an image of the car showing a strong familial resemblance to the big-brother R8. To distinguish it from its Porsche siblings, the Audi is said to be getting Quattro AWD and aluminum construction. Powerplants should include the full range of TFSI engines, from the 2.0L turbo, all the way up to the new supercharged and turbocharged 335-hp 2.5L five-cylinder from the TT RS. A high-performance diesel and a gas V6 are also said to be in the mix. Expect a traditional six-speed manual as standard and a seven-speed, S-tronic twin-clutch, semi-automatic as an option.
The R4 won't appear until 2011 at the earliest, allowing Porsche time to launch the Boxster/Cayman first. If that's not enough good news for Audi fans, AE is also reporting that the company is planning an R6 to go head-to-head with the Jag E-Type replacement as well as the Porsche 911. The R10 has also been green-lit, giving Audi a full range of R-badged sports cars for just about any budget. However, AE failed to mention anything about the supposed R3 and its Volkswagen counterpart.
[Source: AutoExpress]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Kotse 1:38PM (11/12/2008)
On, off, on again....Convince us. Should we believe it this time...
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coolremo 1:38PM (11/12/2008)
nice, i love audis.
also, first!
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coolremo 1:38PM (11/12/2008)
though i hope it looks better than this ugly rendering: http://www.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/photo_rendering_2011_audi_r4.jpg
RamblinReck89 3:01PM (11/12/2008)
I'd take one.
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TJ 1:43PM (11/12/2008)
That chop looks like a cheap bland Camaro.... horrid.
Now, swap the TT to a M/R layout, give us an Elise/Caymen fighter, then we're talkin....
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why not the LS2LS7? 1:48PM (11/12/2008)
If VW makes that mid-engined VW roadster, of course they will make an Audi too. They are the platform engineering champs. Maybe there will even be a SEAT.
I can't see why you'd want to make this and the TT though.
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Jon 2:00PM (11/12/2008)
+1
Torrent 1:50PM (11/12/2008)
The TT-RS does it for me. If the R4 looks like that, they can keep it in Europe for all I care.
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carlbolt 3:30PM (11/12/2008)
R4 is a mid-engine rear drive, or all wheel drive car, while the TT is front engine, front wheel drive/all wheel drive car, no matter a RS or not. That makes a lot difference for the driving dynamics.
Eyad 2:10PM (11/12/2008)
"It will occupy a slot in the Audi lineup above the TT and below the R8" oufffff! that's a tight fit.
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TJ 2:21PM (11/12/2008)
and where does the A5 fit into the equation? oh. yeah. above teh TT and below the R8. Gotcha.
Jake B 2:59PM (11/12/2008)
I feel that the A5 is a different kind of animal than to be put into that lineup. It is more of a big body coupe similar to a monte carlo and such.
Pingu 2:17PM (11/12/2008)
I would like to see a lightweight aluminium 2+2 seated coupe, maybe a R5.. something that would compete with Nissan GT-R. =)
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patrick clement 1:06PM (11/18/2008)
I knew that VW Rabbit 2.5 engine would be further developed into something good.
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Joel 2:30PM (11/12/2008)
Audi wants to grow marketshare and are placing a car at almost every price point. Smart move. It's platform engineering champ done right. VW/Audi/Porsche are doing right what GM did so so very bad!
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collegekid13 2:48PM (11/12/2008)
do it!
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Hike15 3:24PM (11/12/2008)
Whats the r10?
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Dean 3:48PM (11/12/2008)
I love the car, and hope it makes it to production, but does anyone other than me, see a Camaro-esque look to the greenhouse?
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nagmashot 4:09PM (11/12/2008)
in Germany Autozeitung claim that the midengine Audi Coupe will be placed below the TT...
http://www.autozeitung.de/files/images/02645/Audi_tt-rs2_450.jpg
Thats the latest rendering of it in Germany..
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Nobody 1:47PM (9/14/2009)
It seems Audi really is trying to fill every possible niche there is in the automotive industry.
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