Rendered Speculation: Pondering what an electric Audi R4 roadster would look like
At last month's Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi board member Michael Dick confirmed that a production version of the electric eTron sports car concept would be produced by late 2012. Following the show, Audi NA president Johan de Nysschen confirmed that announcement and now AutoExpress has produced a rendering of a production model. However, there appears to be some details lost in the translation. The eTron is based on the aluminum space frame of the R8 while AE says the R4 will be a smaller roadster with a chassis shared with the next generation Porsche Boxster/Cayman. An Audi R4 has been speculated for some time, with the rumors flaring up after VW showed off the concept BlueSport in Detroit this year. It's not clear if Audi will move ahead with the larger R8-based EV sportster or a smaller machine, or perhaps both. If they do, something like this rendering would be welcome, combining elements of the BlueSport, the eTron and even the top and flying buttresses of a Lotus Elise.
[Source: AutoExpress]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kirk 5:07PM (10/14/2009)
I would love to see an Audi like this actually hit production. Bring it!
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Shiftright 5:18PM (10/14/2009)
As much as I like the way Audis look and drive, with their reputation for electrical problems, the idea of an electric Audi frightens me a bit.
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audi_arena 6:06PM (10/14/2009)
^I really wouldn't be suprized if comments like these are posted by hired Lexus "viral marketing" personnel. In my first hand experience, I've hear horror stories from customers of EVERY brand imaginable, and of the hundreds of Audi's that I have sold in the past few years there has only be a small handful of issues with any of them- no more than any other brand these days.
Shiftright 6:23PM (10/14/2009)
Uh, right...I've been blogging here for over a year just to build an online identity with which to trash Audis. Conspiracy nut much?
Although the quality of materials is high and they're well put together, everyone I know who's had a VW or Audi has complained of electrical problems, although it seems mechanically they're generally sound and durable. In the most recent Car UK survey, Audi was in the lower third of the satisfaction index, aided only by the fact that dealer service was rated high. Owners actually reported more problems than rival Alfa, who ironically has been having a hard time shedding its less than stellar reputation despite great leaps in quality and reliability.
Freedman 1:02AM (10/15/2009)
What history? Audi (and Porsche) are rated the highest of all German brands for reliability, above the industry average, above BMW (further down the list) and far above Mercedes, and particular Land Rover and VW who round out the bottom.
I have mainly purchased German cars throughout my life (with a Japanese or American car thrown in the mix here and there) and I can tell you of the Audis that Ive owned, they have been nothing short of bullet-proof. I say this as I now am on number 8, an Audi S5. They are great cars, period.
Freedman 1:04AM (10/15/2009)
This is for the USA (2009)
http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/charts/2009043a.gif
Shiftright 3:03AM (10/15/2009)
Consider yourself lucky then. Girlfriend's A4 needed all sorts of computer stuff and sensors replaced repeatedly, dash warning lights keep coming on. Friend's S4 was bought back under lemon law after the six speed manual needed replacement three times.
http://www.reliabilityindex.co.uk/man_index_2.html?searchtype=relindex&apc=3128339010848601#
A4: 65 out of 152
http://www.topgear.com/content/carsurvey/2006/audi/a4-cabrio/
A6: 83 out of 152
http://www.topgear.com/content/carsurvey/2006/audi/a6-allroad/
Raz 3:30AM (10/15/2009)
My dad had an A4 for 5 years, other from a light bulb replacement, there wasn't a single electrical or mechanical problem with it.
Rick 2:28PM (10/15/2009)
No problem with my A4, my buddy doesn't have a problem with his A4 and my boss loves his S5...
Trent 5:20PM (10/14/2009)
I am not sure I will ever warm up to the idea of an electrical car until I can see some stats on long term maintenance, resell, and other unknown issues.
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Rick 2:38PM (10/15/2009)
No oil changes, no tune ups, no radiators, alternators, gaskets, coolant, etc. You have a motor and a battery essentially. I'd imagine maintenance would be far greater on an electric car and money saved on gas would also add to maintenance savings. It's electric, fast and an Audi so resale should hold well past initial hit I'd assume.
BoxerFanatic 5:27PM (10/14/2009)
Ditch the electric stuff. It isn't ready for prime-time, not by a long shot.
Put the Audi TT-S and RS drivelines in, turbo 4s or V6 transverse... manual or DSG gearboxes... Coupe or Roadster.
and put it on the market as the R4, and REPLACE the TT.
Put a VW logo on it, cut down the option list and interior materials along with the price point, put a turbo 4 gas engine, or a turbo diesel for the greenies... (despite a diesel being inherently antithetical to a sports car's power unit. At least throw that bone out there for the social butterflies...) and call it BlueSport, or whatever you want to call it...
BUT DO NOT SELL THIS AS A PORSCHE. It will do fine as a non-redundant Audi and/or VW. It would be redundant, and under-qualified as a Porsche.
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Ligor 5:33PM (10/14/2009)
I hope Audi follows up with the head and tailights on this concept
they would look good in their current production cars
the way the front fenders meet the hood is also neat adn it would make thier somewhat boring designs stand out a bit more
the front grill is also a bit smaller and much better looking
this could be a nice direction for Audi
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