So the Audi TT is a cult car, and while the Audi R4 is unlikely to be a flop, it will still have to be good if it’s going to replace the TT. We wrote yesterday that according to rumours, the R4 has been given the green light from Audi, and that it might even be earmarked to replace the sucessful TT. It’s almost hard to believe that more than ten years have passed since the TT first debuted on the market. The time has flown, and the Audi coupe is still going strong, seen in this video in its new facelift for 2010.

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Here are some Audi R4 renderings done in honour of rumours that the company has given the green light to the R4 model. The R4, should it be developed, would have a central engine and similar design cues to the original Audi e-Tron concept which emerged last year. The R4 would be four metres long and would adopt many elements of the Volkswagen Bluesport, including the engine range: a four-cylinder 2.0-litre TDI with 180 hp and a 2.0 TFSI with 300 hp.

The R4 would officially debut in 2012, but it’s not known whether it would appear alongside the Audi TT, or whether it would replace it. Audi also has to look at not stepping on the toes of Porsche models, particularly if it were to develop a spyder version in the future which could conflict with Porsche’s baby roadster. An e-Tron R4 electric version is almost certain to be developed, if Audi goes ahead with the R4 model in general.

Source | Automobile-Magazine.fr

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The Audi R4 will be based on the Audi E-Tron presented at the NAIAS Detroi Auto Show, and will be the next couple sports model placed between the TT and the R8 in the Audi line-up. That’s not to indicate, though, that it will be like the original E-Tron seen at the Frankfurt motor show, as it will have quite a different body shape rather than being a modified version of the R8.

The Audi R4 will be equipped with both four and six cylinder TFSI engines combined with electric motors. The batteries located directly behind the cabin should guarantee better weight distribution than the original E-Tron, but will still remain faithful to the technical philosophy of four electric motors per wheel.

According to reports from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, Audi could also extend the ‘E-Tron’ name to include a full range of electric vehicles, without differentiating among segments. This would follow the history of the ‘Quattro’ name in the 1980’s, and would create greater identity for this kid on the block.

Continue reading: Audi R4 based on E-Tron from Detroit

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Here is a preview rendering of what the Audi R4 E-Tron production electric sports car might look like, but in a targa-topped roadster version. The E-Tron was presented to much acclaim at the Frankfurt motor show, and interest was sparked as to if and when Audi would put it into production.

Petrol-engined versions of the R4 may also emerge, in what would be a smaller coupé version of the R8, that would be placed between it and the TT in the Audi range.

The E-Tron impressed with its electric powertrain, and the R4 chassis could be based on the next-generation Boxster and Cayman. The top-of-the-range R4 will be an all-electric version, with petrol versions next in the line-up.

Audi R4 E-tron renderings

Source | AutoExpress

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Even though the European automotive press was taking for granted the future existence of the Audi R4, it now seems that it may remain a paper dream.

Audi, who had not previously excluded the possibility of a small sports car with mid-mounted engine, has reportedly stated via a PR representative that the company does not currently have any plans to construct a car such as the R4. “It was never in the production program”, the spokesperson said.

Thinking carefully about the R4 (which would be placed halfway between the TT and the R8), it would be one of the main competitors for the new Cayman and the Boxster: so, after the R8, Audi would find itself selling a car in the same orbit as Porsche.

Continue reading: Is Audi in reverse on the R4?

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