Audi R4 – AUSmotive.com

Audi R4

It’s only a few weeks ago that Auto Motor und Sport theorised the Audi R4 and its Volkswagen Group cousins had been scrapped, or at least, sent to the bottom of the new product queue. However, word is now circulating that the R4 has been given the green light at Ingolstadt. A move which will also rejuvenate the futures of the Volkswagen BlueSport and a new entry-level Porsche. The latter inspired by the 1950s 550 model.

Autocar quotes an uncredited Audi source, “We have not abandoned plans for a roadster along the lines of the E-tron Spyder. We have reached a stage where we are moving forward and are now in the process of progressing the business case further, but it wonâ€™t go on sale until after the third-generation TT.”

That indicates a possible launch date of 2014 or 2015. However, the Autocar source did offer a very slight get out clause, before raising hopes, “We have to make sure there is space in the line-up without causing a conflict with existing models. It will definitely happen.”

More detail can be found by following the source link below.

[Source: Autocar]

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 coupÃ©. 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]