Development of the much-rumored Audi R4 sports car is unlikely to go ahead, according to German media reports. Porsche, which is planning to take over Volkswagen (Audi’s parent company), is reportedly concerned the mid-engine R4 will harm sales of its Cayman and Boxster.
Last week, an Audi spokesperson told trade publication Automotive News the R4 was not in the company’s product plan. The statement marked the first time an Audi representative has ever mentioned the R4.
In March, an internal production roadmap leaked from Audi, revealing the R4 was planned as a 2011 model. Constant rumors for the past 17 months also confirm the R4 was, at least at one time, on the drawing board.
Porsche is expected to expand its 31 percent stake in Volkswagen to 51 percent or more, giving it complete control of the company. Executives from both sides have insisted the two companies will remain separate, but the demise of the R4 might be the first evidence this is not entirely true.
Like the R8, the R4 was expected 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.
03/31, 10:34 AM
posted by:
Astonman12
dammit! the R4 would have been a really sweet vehicle.
03/31, 10:52 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
If all this had happened 3 years prior I wonder if we would have even seen the R8? I’ll bet there are some disconcerted employees in Ingolstadt right now.
03/31, 11:47 AM
posted by:
nicetry
I saw that coming unfortunately.
03/31, 11:51 AM
posted by:
mr.meanpants
What Audi is allowed to do under Porsche control will be interesting. I am sure the R8 is causing them anguish.
03/31, 12:26 PM
posted by:
BlackX
**** you porsche. nobody wants your bull**** cayman instead of R4. Keep your hands away of Audi.
03/31, 1:59 PM
posted by:
Scarface03
When they announced a Cayman/Boxster-R4 collaboration last summer, I was skeptical then. I’m sure Porsche isn’t convinced that it can effectively distinguish the R4 and Boxster at the particular price point. You can argue that the TT and Boxster are cars that respond to different needs, and their base prices are separated by quite a bit. An R4 would put an Audi right alongside a Porsche for pricing and mission. Not good business indeed….
03/31, 2:25 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
So Porsche is basically saying they are chicken**** of Audi? HA!
Henceforth Porches will not only be driven by, but also run by limp-petered cowards.
03/31, 2:59 PM
posted by:
eliteski2
Yeah, screw Porsche. The A4 would have been a sweet car, and the boxster sucks balls.
03/31, 3:28 PM
posted by:
A4
EXACTLY **** YOU PORSCHE THIS IS WHAT IVE SAID FROM THE FIRST WORDS OF A TAKEOVER MONTHS AGO
GAH
03/31, 3:36 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
That sux. So instead of offering us a better performing and better looking car, Porsche kills the R4 and leaves us the Gayman. Typical Porsche.
03/31, 4:04 PM
posted by:
broadrun96
Given a choice between the Cayman and an R4 the choice wouldnt even be hard. For that price and with the finish Audi is gonna want theres no way its quattro and has good power, will be one or the other with maybe an R4-S or something like that going for more than the Cayman. Plus the balance will be much better in the Cayman, the big reason the R8 beats the 911 in most tests is the quatto vs rear wheel driver and ENTIRELY different driving styles needed for the 911 and anticipating the turn more. But hey if you want a car that is slower and heavier just because the trim is 1/3 of a mm tighter in tolerances go for it, just don’t deny the fact it will become the car in the gay bar lot like the TT and yes the Boxster as well, the convertible top just looks out of place on the car.
03/31, 9:29 PM
posted by:
Veda
^^ You’re right, it’s a matter of driving styles and preference. I personally prefer the gripping AWD systems more than the slingshot effect of rear wheel. But in the end it’s all about who finishes first.
04/01, 6:45 AM
posted by:
meekin111
This is what the TT is for.
04/06, 4:06 PM
posted by:
audi-lover
SON OF A BITCH! I HATE PORCHE!
04/07, 12:22 PM
posted by:
errorxp
audi is really on the charge lately