Yes, Audi is working on a new sports car called the R4, and yes, it's a pretty big deal. For one thing, it will be a midengine coupe built atop an all-new chassis previewed by the VW BlueSport roadster concept. For another, there will be an all-electric Audi R4 inspired by the Audi E-tron concept cars.
The latest of the E-trons, shown at the 2010 Detroit auto show, provided the first window into the styling direction Audi plans to take with the R4. Although this latest set of renderings is not meant to depict the final production car, you can get an idea of how the Audi R4 might look in Walter de Silva-approved, production sheetmetal... with the wheels from the R8 5.2 FSI V10.
The original E-tron had 4 wheel-hub electric motors, while the slimmed-down Detroit version of the car cut that in half, locating two electric motors ahead of the rear wheels. Though it's unclear exactly what sort of layout Audi will choose for the production R4 EV, the latter arrangement would likely prove easier and less costly to package in a midengine chassis.
A couple of engines have been floated as possibilities for the conventional, gasoline-powered version of the Audi R4. One of them is a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder, but this power plant could be disqualified in the face of tightening mpg and emissions standards. More probable is a transversely-mounted version Volkswagen's 2.0-liter TFSI power plant. The 2.0T, as it's called, is very tunable and quite fuel-efficient.
Although Audi officials have only talked about an R4 coupe in recent times, a convertible version shouldn't be ruled out. Remember, the mid-engine chassis under this car will reportedly also see duty under the next Porsche Boxster.
Renderings: Fox Syndication
First Drive: 2012 Audi E-tron Concept
half_ton says:
06:00 PM, 06/ 2/10
Many will disagree with me but I'm beginning to wonder if Audi can build a vehicle that isn't 100% SEXY from ANY angle. The vehicle depicted here is gergeous and even though this is not the final production spec it already appeals to me. Their design team is one of the best and could teach a lesson or two to many other manufacturers in my opinion.
I LOVE IT!!
cr_driver says:
06:23 PM, 06/ 2/10
This is what I was talking about before, in regards to Cadillac sharing the lambda platform for a crossover, and that thread was full of emotions LOL.
cr_driver says:
10:25 AM, 05/28/10
"Well, I understand the feelings/comments here.
I want to add something thou.
For instance, an all new example; there is this modular sports car system (MSS) that will be shared among VW, porsche and Audi for a row of upcoming cars, like the new Audi R4.
They will also share the steering, the brakes and the 7 speed dual clutch.
Of course, the sheetmetal and the interiors are different for each brand.
GM seems its doing the same here. So?
Just food for thought."
nealibob says:
10:45 PM, 06/ 2/10
@cr_driver: Exactly. Anything that gets the prices down and delivers a good product is fine by me.
This is a gorgeous render, and I hope the final product looks something like this.
flwind says:
11:04 PM, 06/ 2/10
Not that the pics mean anything since they are photoshops, but im sure it will be sexy. Surely to be unaffordable though. Next, they can bring the sexy Scirocco, badge it as an Audi , call it an R2 and make it affordable.
estreka says:
11:35 PM, 06/ 2/10
This may a dumb question, but what exactly is a midengine EV? Does that just mean the electric motor is between the axles? Is there some advantage to that? I assume the batteries weigh far more than the motor. As long as the weight distribution is ideal, I'd rather the motor be placed as close to the driven axle as possible.
Btw, that is sexy.
dbnthedon says:
12:15 AM, 06/ 3/10
Looks like the toyota FT86 concept to me very much so
supra4 says:
04:44 AM, 06/ 3/10
dbnthedon: I agree, I could not place it until I read your post. C pillar and short rear end are similar. However, the Audi looks better.
dhena says:
05:14 AM, 06/ 3/10
@ half_ton:
I hope this message finds you, because I agree COMPLETELY! I mean...D@MN!!!
audicarscom says:
05:30 AM, 06/ 3/10
audi AG, keeps pulling the tricks out the big big bag..
waveman216 says:
06:07 AM, 06/ 3/10
GTR + Camaro
gtijake says:
06:36 AM, 06/ 3/10
um YES PLEASE.
albook says:
07:51 AM, 06/ 3/10
If it looks nearly as good as this i'll sign the papers as soon as possible.
rascal99 says:
08:10 AM, 06/ 3/10
Holy crap that looks nice! I wish to have Walter de Silva's baby! He IS a genius :0)
iskch says:
08:24 AM, 06/ 3/10
No 5 cyl engine? Sucks.
sabastian says:
08:46 AM, 06/ 3/10
That's a shame about the turbo 5 because that engine would have given this car a really unique character.
half_ton says:
08:59 AM, 06/ 3/10
@dhena
Great minds think alike!
jeremy_c says:
10:57 AM, 06/ 3/10
Agree that it looks gorgeous but I will pass. Did consider an Audi 2 years ago but after much research I didn't go for it. Main reason being that I don't like riding in tow trucks. 5 co-workers and friends had A4s which are plagued by electrical gremlins and all of them got stranded one time or another. Did the Autotrader search and was surprised by the number of 1-2 year old Audi with low mileage showing up, way way more than BMW 3 series.
csubowtie says:
11:20 AM, 06/ 3/10
That's gorqeous. I would much rather see those on the road than a Porsche Cayman/Boxster, wow. Even prettier than the R8.
speedrcr says:
01:08 PM, 06/ 3/10
As a matter of open disclosure I'm very biased towards BMW vehicles...so much so that I probably would choose them over an Audi...until recently that is...if Audi keeps designing cars like this I'm turning in my keys!
subytrojan says:
02:09 PM, 06/ 3/10
When I see R4, I think of the Colin McRae R4. :o)
ocramidajzj says:
05:13 PM, 06/ 3/10
Holy Moly...that is one damn sexy beast. If the production model is ever like this one (which isn't far fetched since it defintely leverages the best of the A5 and R8) then I may have to sell a kidney.
majin_ssj_eric says:
07:15 PM, 06/ 3/10
Uh, when and how much please?????
kingon says:
08:01 PM, 06/ 3/10
If Audi R4 will possible RWD layout. if Audi A4 and A5 will next generation about new layout Front Engine RWD and Quartto AWD. I know Audi will might more split up to Volkswagen have all FWD models.
billymay says:
07:35 PM, 06/ 8/10
Really does look good, even if it's not the real deal. The buttresses remind me of the Ferrari Dino 246, 308 and Boxer. Classic.
importinsider says:
10:24 AM, 06/ 9/10
I totally agree with half_ton. Audi and German automakers rarely put out out bad designs. I wish the Nissan GTR had the designer who worked this Audi.
Nissan (GTR!!, Juke/puke, not even close to the Jspec Cube, etc), Honda (Accord, Crosstour), Acura (all the sedans), Scion xB (moronic) all need to take lessons including some additional tutoring.