Like so many rumors in the automotive industry, speculation about an Audi R4 has been an on-again, off-again proposition. It was just yesterday we told you about new European media reports indicating the sub-R8 model was approved for production. Today, we thought it prudent to deliver an all-new illustration of how the car is expected to look when it arrives at dealerships in 2011.
According to Autoexpress, Audi has green-lighted its plans to produce an R4 model, months after it was supposedly put on hold by VW’s new Porsche overlords. The mid-engine R4 will slot above the TT but steer clear of the R8’s performance territory. The R4’s styling will also be highly reminiscent of the R8, including LED headlights, similar air intakes and the same overall body lines.
To spread the cost of the R4’s development, Porsche will use the car’s architecture as the foundation for the next-generation Porsche Cayman and Boxster. The next-gen Porshces will likely bow before the R4, with the Audi model hitting the market sometime in 2011.
It also remains possible that the R4/Boxster/Cayman projects will be closely related to Volkswagen ’s upcoming roadster.
The base R4 model will likely be powered by Audi’s 2.0L turbocharged four, with the step-up model using the same five-cylinder powerplant that will see duty in the TT RS. A V6 and a diesel powerplant haven’t been completely ruled out. Power will be sent to all four wheels via either a six-speed manual gearbox or Audi’s S-tronic seven-speed dual-clutch semi automatic.
Autoexpressalso speculates that Audi is working on an R6 — echoing rumors first heard in July 2007. If the R6 does make production, look for it to compete with Jaguar ’s upcoming E-Type replacement and lesser versions of Porsche’s 911.
