The trimmer, lighter, considerably less red Audi E-tron electric-car concept shown here in Detroit is a preview of the company's upcoming production midengine sport coupe, according to sources at Audi of America.
Oh, you know, the company will replace the carbon-fiber with metal for the body panels, of course, and there isn't a chance in hell that those billion-spoke chrome rims are going to see the road. But the basic shape of the car is indicative of what we'll see in a couple of years as the R4. We've reported on the R4 program before, but this is the first time Audi has presented any styling hints.
The R8's baby brother will share its structure with the overlords at the Volkswagen brand (you didn't think VW has been showing little roadster concepts over the last few years for nothing, did you?). Like the Concept BlueSport from last year's Detroit show and also, if rumors are to be believed, the next Boxster and Cayman. It's configured for a transversely mounted midengine. In addition to the electric version previewed by the E-tron concept, the R4 will also be offered with either a 2.0-liter turbo-4 or a 2.5-liter turbo five-cylinder or maybe both. But not at the same time.
rsholland says:
11:25 AM, 01/12/10
A poor-man's R8, well sorta... Looks good. :)
firstclass says:
11:30 AM, 01/12/10
No surprise coming from Audi (they have a habit of producing their concepts). However the latest TT looks better in my opinion. Glad to know those rims won’t make it to production. Not sure who wants a baby R8 but whoever they are... they’re in luck.
sabastian says:
11:43 AM, 01/12/10
Would they keep the TT around?
questionlp says:
12:11 PM, 01/12/10
The TT will still be around as the entry-level roadster or coupe, while the R4 would most likely slot between the RS5 (if and when it is announced and released) and the R8; maybe not in performance, but price-wise. If the story is true, it might become my next goal about 8 years after getting an S5 :D