Talking About Audi's "R4"

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Audi is planning a third sports car in addition to the long-standing TT and recently-introduced R8, according to the latest issue of Germany's Autobild. The car would be sold under the R4 moniker, the report said.

Like the R8, the R4 would be a two-seater with a mid-engine configuration. The base model would have at least 200 horsepower, and pricing would start around 40,000 euros. The car would be contracted of aluminum and steel, weighing around 2,600 lbs. High performance models with power between 280 horsepower and 350 horsepower are also likely, the magazine said. It would compete with the Porsche Cayman and Boxster.

The proposed R4 project would be a joint effort with sister company SEAT, which is planning a similar vehicle. The SEAT model — which would be sold as a coupe only — would likely cost around 30,000 euros and be limited to around 6,000 cars. The R4, on the other hand, would be higher volume with 35,000 cars and would come as a coupe or roadster. The Audi will have an entirely unique exterior and a better interior than its SEAT counterpart. The R4 would likely arrive in 2010.

What, oh what, are we going to do with Audi?

...Is there even any demand for a car like this?

Okay, I get it, it is supposed to compete with the Cayman. Technically speaking, isn't that kinda what the TT is supposed to do? I mean there are obvious limitations to the Golf-derrived chassis, but even then, it isn't that bad of a ride with the 3.2L VR6 and the DSG transmission.

I mean sure, Audi could pull it off... And it would give Volkswagn a platform that they could use to build the Concept R (as rumors now suggest it will happen...). But with Porsche having a 20% share of VAG, will they allow it to go through? Maybe, maybe not I guess.

...I like the idea of a small, two-seat, mid-engined sports car... Problem is, I have an easier time seeing it come from Volkswagen (ala 914) than Audi.
 
Cool! I wonder how it will look?

I think it would be coller if it was a sub 2000 lb car to be like the Elise. Those higher performance models sound very quick indeed:)
 
Since Porsche has aquired such a large portion of VAG, I don't think they have disapproved of anything yet. It's not like they would wait til the car is fully developped and tested to say "no, I don't think so." I would think that they know what's going on well ahead of these internet sites.

We all keep saying how Porsche would say no to this and that at VAG, but they still haven't denied anything.

As for the R4, lose a few lbs and electronics and I'll be interested.
 
Porsche own a large portion of VW, and VW own a large portion of porsche. Audi can do what they want and how they want it.
 
True, but I really don't think that there will be any demand for this at all. It also eliminates any chance of Lotus being aquired by Audi. In addition, Porsche owns the majority stake in VAG, but VAG does not own the majority stake in Porsche, which is owned by the Porsche family. Then there is the fact that Piech still sits on the advisory board of VAG.
 
It just seems to close to the TT idea to make sense :confused:

I'd be more interested in them making somthing like a Daihatsu copen competitor!
 
It would be lighter than the TT and be mid engined hence quite a bit faster and more track orientated to fight Z4's whilst the TT remains the perfect all rounder.

This should definetly mean that the R8 will get around 500-600hp in the future as this car would step on its toes in RS form.
 
It would be lighter than the TT and be mid engined hence quite a bit faster and more track orientated to fight Z4's whilst the TT remains the perfect all rounder.

This should definetly mean that the R8 will get around 500-600hp in the future as this car would step on its toes in RS form.

I agree, Audi has room for a stripped track-racer built off it's mid-engined monster to go up against the Elise. Strip the unecessary electronics, and you'll have yourself a winner.
 
An R2 as well? Maybe Volkswagen would be smart enough to make the D2?
 
Unless the R4 really is a stripped-down model, it's nothing but overlap, overlap, overlap. It will sell, it'll even be a modest success, but someone's going to give up a lot of sales from elsewhere in the VAG conglomerate.

I wonder if the subsidiaries even talk to each other any more.
 

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