Tag: MiMo

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Audi Porsche Volkswagen

Is the Audi R4 over B4 it begins?

Detroit showcar Audi e-tron

The Audi e-tron, which wowed Detroit back in January last year, was thought to be a preview of a mid-engined R4 model. It was expected to be part of a platform sharing program with stablemates Volkswagen and Porsche. However, according to Auto Motor und Sport any such plans have been shelved by Audi.

One of the reasons given are fears the cheaper R4 would cannibalise sales of Ingolstadt’s own TT model line, as well as eating into sales of the Porsche Boxster.

Also caught in the cross fire is the potential MX-5 rival from Volkswagen, the Concept BlueSport, meaning the planned Volkswagen Group MiMo platform is unlikely to become a production reality.

There’s also some speculation that this news may end the future of the Audi quattro concept. However, given an A5-based prototype has already been in circulation there’s still some hope.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Motor Authority]

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Audi Porsche Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group’s MiMo sportscar platform is go!

Audi R5 rendering

Word has emerged that the Volkswagen Group’s mittelmotor (MiMo) sports car platform has been approved. That means an Audi R5, like the rendering above, could be a reality by 2014.

Volkswagen would make use of the MiMo architecture by turning their Concept BlueSport into a production reality. Porsche, though, is likely to get first dibs on the platform as they will likely play a lead development role. Something which can only benefit Audi and VW.

The mid-engine R5 will sit in between the TT and the R8 in Audi’s model lineup. While a number of engine configurations will be available, including a few electric gizmos, it’s expected the hero R5 will be powered by the 2.5 litre five pot found in the TT RS.

The MiMo Porsche, complete with the internal codename 356, would be positioned below the Boxster, making it the most affordable way into Porsche ownership.

This mittelmotor thing, then, is set to bring the motoring world some very tasty metal. With Porsche’s involvement, it is sure to be a fantastic drive, as well. One very big AUSmotive tick of approval has just been granted!

[Source: Car]

Categories
Audi

Is the R4 really going to be an R5?

Audi R5

Back in January Audi revealed the Detroit showcar Audi e-tron; a concept model derived from the R8-based e-tron first shown at Frankfurt in 2009. The day after the baby e-tron was revealed speculation began, suggesting the concept model could be the first glimpse at a new “R4” sports coupé. Now, a new report from Automobile Magazine suggests the R4 may actually be an R5. Yes, that five does indicate the possibility of an inline five cylinder engine; think Audi TT RS.

Apparently the R5 carries the internal code name “Mimo”, derived from the German term for mid-engine or “mittelmotor”. The model, or variations thereof, would likely be shared across the Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen brands.

Indeed, it is believed that Porsche could undertake much of the development work for the car under the “9X1” codename. For Porsche “Mimo” would present a 21st century 356 and would be positioned below the Boxster.

The full report from Automobile Magazine is worth the read and includes a drive report of the electric powered showcar, as well. Make sue you check it out.

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

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