Autoblog

VW Bluesport Roadster might finally be dead before it lived

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Volkswagen

A Black Knight stalks the ramparts of corporate castles, he carries a shield decorated with a wreath of beans, he swings a double-edged spreadsheet and he rides a terrifying black mare called The Bottom Line. His name is The Business Case and if a new report from Autocar is accurate, he's done his foul work again, this time dealing another blow to the already-long-delayed Volkswagen Bluesport Roadster. Even though the engineering work for the two-seater convertible is reportedly finished, it appears no one can come up with a way to support the necessary sales projections of 50,000 units annually.

That is in part because Jonathan Browning, head of VW USA, apparently doesn't see the point of expanding VW's product portfolio with another model (a truly unexpected sentiment coming from Volkswagen as far as we're concerned). The U.S. being the largest consumer of sports cars, our sitting this one out puts the 2009 Detroit Auto Show showcar in a tough spot.

Synergies being what they are, that also puts Bluesport's brand brothers from Audi and Porsche in doubt. Audi plans for an R4 will apparently get iced in light of the news, but Porsche might have dodged a bullet: it wanted a four-cylinder 550-successor, but not one that would eat into Boxster sales, which this car almost certainly would. The Bluesport isn't officially dead yet, but at three years in and counting, you can be sure there's a hand on the life-support plug.

VW Bluesport Roadster might finally be dead before it lived originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Group's roadster program coming into focus

Noah Joseph — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Volkswagen BlueSport roadster concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

These days, an auto giant like the Volkswagen Group can hardly justify a new platform unless it can amortize the cost across numerous variants. Fortunately, VW has enough brands in its portfolio to do exactly that.

Just as the same platform underpins the Volkswagen Polo, Audi A1, Skoda Fabia and Seat Ibiza (none of which, of course, are available in North America), and another underpins the Volkswagen Touareg, Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, so will the company's next mid-engine roadster platform be distributed into numerous models across the corporate tree. The project has been several years in the making, but as development speeds towards production, Autocar has some details on what to expect.

The platform is expected to breed a production version of the above-pictured Volkswagen BlueSport that started it all a couple of years ago, as well as an Audi R4 and Porsche 550 revival. While both the Audi and Porsche are expected to offer 2.0-liter turbo fours, the engines are tipped to be entirely different: an inline for the Audi and a flat-four boxer for the Porsche. The R4 is rumored to get a diesel powerplant as well, while the VW is expected to start with a 1.4-liter turbo four. Output for the different versions is expected to range from 170 to 380 horsepower.

Power isn't all that will separate one model from the other, however. The styling, for one, is expected to take different directions, the Volkswagen fitting into that brands straight-edge styling language, the R4 taking its sharp cues from the e-tron concept and the Porsche taking a more rounded, retro approach reminiscent of the 550 Spyder of yore.

Pricing and market position will also define one model as distinct from another, the Volkswagen targeting the Mazda MX-5, the Audi taking the place that BMW's Z3 once held (and could once again), with the Porsche taking top position just under the next-generation Boxster. In other words, no lack of choices, and all of them with the wind auf dein kopf.

Volkswagen Group's roadster program coming into focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi cancels R4, delays A2

Zach Bowman — Fri, 06 May 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Etc., Audi, Volkswagen, Rumormill, Diesel

Audi e-Tron Detroit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rumors are kicking around the interwebs that Audi has outright axed the delicious R4. The vehicle was intended to drop into the company's model line just below the TT, borrow more than a few styling cues from the luscious e-tron Detroit Concept and get its power from a range of efficient and powerful diesel engines. If that sounds good enough to bring a tear to your eye, get ready for some real waterworks. According to reports, the model has been canned because it would step on too many familial toes. In addition to robbing sales from the TT, Audi is worried that Porsche Boxster and Cayenne sales may see a hit, as well.

In addition, the R4 platform-mate, the Volkswagen BlueSport has also been scrapped due to cost concerns.

If that's not enough of a beating for your, Audi has one last kick in the ribs to share: the A2 resurrection has also been delayed until at least 2016. The reason? The German automaker doesn't want to have to shell out for a unique chassis for the vehicle and instead wants to find a suitable sister model to help spread the cost around.

Still, these reports come from various murky sources. Audi has yet to say word one about either the R4 or the A2.

Audi cancels R4, delays A2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mystery Audi coupe spied on ski slopes

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Audi

Mysterious Audi coupe - Click above to watch video after the jump

Here's what we know: Audi was doing something with a disguised and coupe (or cabrio) somewhere in Tyrolean Alps. Here's what we don't know: the precise nature of Audi's activities nor the precise identity of the coupe. It has been surmised that it could be a more production-ready evolution of the Audi e-Tron Concept/R4 shown at the Detroit Auto Show in January, but a better guess might be a convertible version of the same concept.

Going through the five clips taken by an unknown and rather unsteady videocamera holder, that guess appears plausible. The lines look about the same, and an R4 Spyder was rendered as long as 18 months ago, and the R4 coupe is reportedly coming in 2013 to fill shoes below the TT. Or, knowing Audi, it could be any number of brand new things. We just hope it comes to the Paris Motor Show next month. So don your Zapruder-film glasses, have a look at the videos after the jump and tell us what you spy with your little eyes.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept

[Source: Carscoop]

Continue reading Video: Mystery Audi coupe spied on ski slopes

Video: Mystery Audi coupe spied on ski slopes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi R4 to launch in 2013, slotted below the TT

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Audi

Audi e-tron Detroit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rumors have floating around for years that Audi has been planning to develop a small entry-level, mid-engine sports car, and Auto Motor und Sport is now claiming the so-called R4 will debut in 2013. The R4 is expected to be based on Audi's second e-tron concept that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show last January although it will use internal combustion power instead of the electric drive of the concept.

The R4 is expected to weigh in at a comparatively modest 2,500 pounds and offer a choice of gas or diesel inline-four engines. Gasoline propulsion would come from a 180 horsepower 1.4-liter TSI unit while the high-mileage option would be the 170 horsepower version of the 2.0-liter TDI used in the TT and the Golf GTD. The R4 is also expected to be priced well below the TT with a base of about €22,000 (about $27,000). A tip of the hat to Chris!

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

Report: Audi R4 to launch in 2013, slotted below the TT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Manufacturing questions standing in the way of Audi R4 production

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Diesel, Luxury

Audi e-tron Detroit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Autocar in the UK, which is citing unknown "high-ranking Audi insiders in Ingolstadt," the future of the Audi R4, Volkswagen BlueSport and possibly an unnamed entry-level model from Porsche (we vote 914) are currently being mulled by the three-headed German automaker. The major stumbling block? Whether or not a stamped steel architecture or Audi's familiar aluminum spaceframe chassis should be used.

Naturally, we'd argue for the light weight of aluminum, which seems more appropriate for a line of sportscars... but at the price point afforded by the much less expensive steel. Decisions, decisions. In any case, the British mag continues to suggest that the R4 would presumably get two turbocharged gasoline engines (1.4-liters and 1.6-liters) along with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel mill in lieu of the all-electric powertrain shown off in concept form.

Volkswagen, parent company of both Audi and Porsche, is said to get the final say in the development of all three machines, but some sort of production seems likely. Says the unnamed insider, "Scale is important to a project like this... But with three different car makers working to a common goal, the chances [of it getting the go-ahead] look good."

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Manufacturing questions standing in the way of Audi R4 production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept presages production R4

Chris Paukert — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Audi e-tron Detroit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're wondering what the likelihood of Audi building a production version of its new e-tron Detroit Concept Car (yes, that's really its official designation), our sources at Audi indicate that a version of the coupe is likely to go into serial production as the oft-rumored R4.

The German automaker is apparently looking to design a smaller modular platform leveraging the expertise it used to develop the front-engine sedan platform that underpins the new A8 and forthcoming A7, among others. The new mid-engine architecture will likely find homes in a number of Volkswagen Group properties, including a production version of the Concept BlueSport, and perhaps even the next-generation Porsche Boxster/Cayman.

While the e-tron show car is a battery-powered electric vehicle, the production model is likely to be available with either an electric motor or conventional internal-combustion four-cylinder variants.

Given the fact that VW intimated last year that a production BlueSport could be produced at around $25,000, we're anticipating that the Audi R4 will slot in under the TT in the low-$30,000 range, as the 2010 TT presently starts at $37,800.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept

Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept presages production R4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: On-again, off-again Audi R4

John Neff — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Rendered Speculation

Audi R4 renderings - Click above to enlarge

Speculation that Audi will debut a new mid-engine model called the R4 has been rampant for at least the past two years. Despite the fact that Audi made it clear one year ago that the R4 was not in their product plans, the talk continues. In addition to the rumors, we now have some rendered speculation on what the R4 might look like thanks to Autocar Czech Republic magazine freelancer Jan Kamenistiak.

It's not exactly known where the mid-engine R4 would fit in Audi's model lineup, with some placing it above the TT and others below. Others have it sharing a platform with a possible production version of the Volkswagen BlueSport Concept that debuted at this year's Detroit Auto Show. Known for their ability to skin a car eight different ways and convince the public that they're buying something totally unique, Audi would likely draw heavily from the VW/Audi parts bin for the R4's power- and drivetrain bits, as there are plenty of worthy four-cylinder engines - both gas and diesel - and dual clutch transmissions to choose from.

Until official word comes from Audi, however, that the R4 is actually in the works, we'll still consider all this talk nothing more than speculation.

Gallery: Rendered Speculation: Audi R4

[Source: Autocar Czech]

Rendered Speculation: On-again, off-again Audi R4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen unveiling two-door Elise fighter in LA, new sports car

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Click either image for a high-res gallery.

Over the past five years, Volkswagen has continued to tease us with sports car concepts that never seem to come to fruition. Back in 2003, VW unveiled the Concept R in Frankfurt to critical acclaim and two years later, the wraps came off the EcoRacer, proving that the automaker was still kicking around the idea of a lightweight, affordable roadster for the masses.

In the interim, VW had two similar concepts that never left the studio, but when the Los Angeles Auto Show rolls along later this year, a new mid-engine coupe will be revealed, and this one actually has a shot at production.

According to Autocar, this newest concept aims to be a budget alternative to the Lotus Elise, balancing performance and fuel economy in a low-cost package. Sources suggest that the coupe will feature either a 168 hp, 1.4-liter TSI gasoline engine or a 125 hp, 1.6-liter TDI mounted amidships and sending power to the rear wheels via a seven speed DSG gearbox. If and when the production version debuts in 2011, the coupe's curb weight is pegged at just over 2,200 pounds, allowing it to run to 60 in under seven seconds while still returning over 55 mpg.

If the project is given the green light, the same architecture that underpins the VW variant could form he basis for the oft-rumored and continually denied Audi R4. And with Porsche's stake in V-Dub, that means a 914 successor is just a badge and prayer away.

Gallery: Volkswagen Concept R

Gallery: Volkswagen EcoRacer

[Source: Autocar]

Volkswagen unveiling two-door Elise fighter in LA, new sports car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Word from On High: "No Audi R4 for you!"

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Audi, Porsche

For almost a year, we've been hearing rumors from a variety of sources that Audi planned to build a mid-engine sports car that would utilize the Porsche Boxster's underpinnings after the Stuttgart crew takes a majority stake in Audi's parent company, Volkswagen. By most accounts, including a leaked product outline, the so-called Audi R4 was on its way to production by 2010. But according to Automotive News, the plans have been dashed due to Porsche executives who worry that the R4 could steal sales away from their beloved Boxster.

AN quotes an Audi spokesperson as saying that, "It was never in our product planning." While some industry insiders maintain that it's best to keep the VW/Porsche alliance separate, Nick Margetts, from the automotive analysis firm JATO Dynamics, maintains that the R4 never would have threatened Boxster sales. Margetts says that, "Audi drivers are very different from Porsche drivers," and we tend to agree.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

The Word from On High: "No Audi R4 for you!" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McRae Enduro: Dakar doesn't stand a chance

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 08:34:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

It's obvious that the fast-paced risks Colin McRae endured during his time behind the wheel have set the tone of his retirement. The term "retirement" is a total misnomer however, as McRae has kept himself busy consulting, marketing and developing his own line of rally machines. The R4 is so close to completion that McRae has taken on another project dubbed the Enduro.

Much like the R4, its purpose is to offer privateers an entry-level means of competing in cross-country rallies, approved by the FIA's T1 regulations that cover everything from Dakar to other Baja-style campaigns.

The machine was developed in conjunction with MDV Specialist Engineering and is made up of a space-frame chassis in which a Land Rover-sourced, turbocharged diesel 2.7-liter V6, tuned by Roush, produces 240 HP and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is sent to the all four wheels via a six-speed ZF transmission equipped with a non-variable LSD in both the rear and center.

As with the R4, McRae envisions the Enduro competing in a one-make series, named the Pirelli McRae Enduro Trofeo, which will include three FIA World Cup events and three Baja series campaigns. Pricing is expected to be around 150,000 euros when it's finally offered up next year.

[Source: EVO]

McRae Enduro: Dakar doesn't stand a chance originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche, Audi to unite on Audi R4?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Audi, Porsche

Porsche of late is doing everything to remain in the news. Crystal balls are still trying to glean what Porsche plans to do with Lamborghini and Bugatti, which have thrived under Audi's watch. Now the brand, for which there is no substitute, has struck a deal with Audi to develop an entry level sports car called the R4 as well as the next Boxster and Cayman. The R-car will be the lowest rung in an "R" lineup that will hop even numbers from R4 to R10.

The R-cars will be geared not to compete with Porsche models: the R4 will ride below the Boxster and use turboed 4- and 5-cylinder engines. The R6 sandwiched by the 911 and Boxster, the second generation R8 to come in coupe and roadster versions, and an R10 supercar based on Audi's perennial Le Mans conqueror.

What will each party get? Audi gets Porsche engineering, Porsche gets aluminum spaceframes, diesel tech, DSG for all torque ratings, and they both get massive R&D savings. Both the R4 and the Boxster will then benefit from each company's pool of goodies, like night vision, heads-up display, brake energy recuperation, MagnaRide from Audi, and PDC from Porsche. The only thing left to decide is the timing: the Panamera drops in 2009, and Audi wants the R4 in showrooms in 2010. Stay tuned for a lot of in-house wrangling and a slew of hot new sports cars.

[Source: Car Magazine via eGM Car Tech]

Porsche, Audi to unite on Audi R4? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The R4: McRae's masterpiece comes back to Goodwood

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:10:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Supercars, Misc. Auto Shows

Click the image above for a gallery of high res pics.

When Colin McRae unveiled the R4 at last year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, all we saw were some static shots of the prototype underneath a makeshift tent. This year, McRae and his masterpiece were in full effect. The only problem - we were only able to capture a few shots of the R4 at night.

Read on for more.

Gallery: McRae and his R4 at Goodwood

Continue reading The R4: McRae's masterpiece comes back to Goodwood

The R4: McRae's masterpiece comes back to Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi to make new R4 to compete with Porsche Boxter?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Audi

The Audi brand is in full-blown growth mode right now, with newer products like the Q7 and A3 soon to be joined by the A5 and R8, and Audi promises that 22 new products in total are on the way. Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated product of all is the forthcoming R8, which has garnered lots of attention from news media and enthusiasts alike. Since Audi's supercar has been well-received, why not add a smaller Boxster-fighter to keep the good vibes going?

We've already told you about speculation that Audi was cooking up an R4 for 2009 or 2010, and now South Africa's topCar magazine is giving us more gas for the flame. We like Audi's 2.0L FSI turbo four, but at 270 hp, powering a 2,500-2800lb car, we'd like it even more. topCar reports that an all-new platform is being designed for the R4, with a steel spaceframe and plastic and aluminum body panels. Of course, a more sporty RS4 is rumored to be on the way as well, which could be powered by a 2.5L inline five with 350 hp.

It seems like everything under the sun is scheduled to appear in 2009 and 2010, and if even half of it comes to fruition, we'll be some busy bloggers. We hope the R4 is among the projects that makes the cut.

[Source: Wheels24 via Winding Road]

Audi to make new R4 to compete with Porsche Boxter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi R4 and NSU TT: Is Ingolstadt readying new mid-engine models?

John Neff — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Audi

It may be the case that Audi's foray into the midtacular* world of mid-engine cars won't end with the new R8 super sports car. German outlet Autobild claims that Audi is considering a smaller mid-engine sports car called the R4 that would obviously make life a little harder for the Porsche Cayman and Boxster. It's also claiming that Audi may revive the rear/mid-engine NSU TT, the car after which the current TT was named. The original NSUs were much like the European version of the Corvair, featuring rear-mounted air-cooled four- and two-cylinder engines. The hotted up version was, of course, called the NSU TT. It's hard to tell through the garbled Google translation how solid any of this information is, but we're certain the success of Audi's mid-engine R8 will play into Ingolstadt's future product plans.

*"midtacular" on loan from Comedy Central and The Daily Show / The Colbert Report. We have to give it back before tonight's episodes.

[Source: Autobild via German Car Blog]

Audi R4 and NSU TT: Is Ingolstadt readying new mid-engine models? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Nov 2006 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rampant speculation: Audi R4

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 10:25:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Audi

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]

Rampant speculation: Audi R4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Oct 2006 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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