The new Audi R4 is almost here!
#1
The new Audi R4 is almost here!
Rumours are getting stronger that the Mini-e-tron revealed in Detroit this week is a thinly disguised preview of the upcoming Audi R4 mid-engine sportscar. US blog InsideLine claim they have been told as much by sources within Audi.
The underpinnings of such a car would likely be shared across the Volkswagen group’s range, including its own Concept BlueSport and even the next generation Porsche Boxster and Cayman.
In regards to the Detroit showcar Audi e-tron, you would expect a lot of the concept to get lost in production, such as the aluminium carbon-fibre composite body, but an electric powered engine option could stay. Speculation also suggests that the snarling five-pot turbo from the Audi TT RS could find its way under the R4’s skin—yes please!..
The underpinnings of such a car would likely be shared across the Volkswagen group’s range, including its own Concept BlueSport and even the next generation Porsche Boxster and Cayman.
In regards to the Detroit showcar Audi e-tron, you would expect a lot of the concept to get lost in production, such as the aluminium carbon-fibre composite body, but an electric powered engine option could stay. Speculation also suggests that the snarling five-pot turbo from the Audi TT RS could find its way under the R4’s skin—yes please!..
The Audi R4 is one model that we’ve heard a lot about from European media outlets, but nothing has ever been confirmed by Audi itself. Last we heard anything about the R4 it was reported that the model will be based on the Volkswagen Concept BlueSport that was unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show
According to a new report by AutoExpress, the R4 will be the production version of the e-tron concept, which was revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show last month. Audi’s American president, Johan de Nysschen, recently confirmed that the e-tron concept will enter production with prototypes to hit the roads within 24 months.
According to a new report by AutoExpress, the R4 will be the production version of the e-tron concept, which was revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show last month. Audi’s American president, Johan de Nysschen, recently confirmed that the e-tron concept will enter production with prototypes to hit the roads within 24 months.
#2
Our information is that the e-Tron concept we saw at Frankfurt will come as the R8 e-Tron and the one we saw this week at Detroit as the R4 e-Tron. There will be a range of petrol (and maybe a diesel) R4s and we believe that Audi will roll out a number of e-Tron models across its range as the technology matures.
Audi are already quoted as saying that e-Tron is destined to be a 'sub-brand' much like quattro, so this adds up.
Audi are already quoted as saying that e-Tron is destined to be a 'sub-brand' much like quattro, so this adds up.
#6
All makes sense, I think it's fair to say that the R8 body design has to be one of the stand-outs of the last decade. So when you're on a good thing why not milk it?
I'm sure the wheels are just for the whole etron thing, surely they wouldn't go into commercial production.
I'm sure the wheels are just for the whole etron thing, surely they wouldn't go into commercial production.