Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen recently confirmed that a version of the Audi e-tron concept was heading to production, with more details on the program surfacing on Thursday. The all-electric e-tron concept debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
According to Auto Express, the e-tron concept will be heading to production under the long-rumored R4 nameplate. In addition to an all-electric powertrain, the R4 will also be available with a range of gas engines.
Set to slot above the TT in Audi ’s sports car hierarchy, the R4 will ride on an all-new architecture set to underpin the next-generation Porsche Cayman and Boxster. As such, the R4 will be available as a coupe and roadster.
The all-electric version of the R4 will be the range-topping model, complete with four electric motors – one at each wheel – producing 300 horsepower and over 3,000 lb-ft of torque. The sprint from 0 to 60 will be dealt with in less than 5 seconds, with a top speed set to approach 140mph. The electric R4 is expected to have a range of about 150 miles.
Slotting below the all-electric R4 will be gas-powered models. It remains unclear exactly what engines might be mounted mid-ship, but the top R4 gas billing will likely borrow a version of the TT-RS’ 335 horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder.
The electric version of the R4 will be the first to hit Audi showrooms – likely sometime in 2012 – with the gas models set to follow thereafter.
