Rumors have been floating around that Audi was planning on an addition: a baby R8. And apparently, reports say Audi insiders have been leaking quite a bit of information.

Internally known as the R4, the model will be a two-seater sports car that will sit in between the Audi TT and the Audi R8 to rival the new drop-dead gorgeous Jaguar C-X16.

“If the go-ahead was given today, it would take around three years to put into production,” said the source. “If you start with a roadster, it’s easy to make a coupe version, too [it’s simply a matter of putting a roof on].”

The engines supplied are said to be Audi’s new 2.5L turbocharged five-cylinder that is estimated to produce around 400hp. A hybrid function is also a possibility and will be integrated into the R4’s standard all-wheel drive system. An electric motor will sit at the front axle, with the engine in the middle. Neither of the motors will be mechanically connected and will instead use a clever torque vectoring system that first debuted in the e-tron Spyder, the source indicated.

When driven, the R4 would be able to drive its electric motor alone for up to 37 mph and 30 miles.

The source concluded that if the R4 were to get the greenlight, it would cost around £50,000.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoExpress

The Audi R4, a much-rumored model that has been reported to be on-and-off many times, is back on. Recent reports from European media have suggested that the Audi R4 had been placed on hold over concerns that it may jeopardize Audi TT sales; however, a new two-seater platform sharing project between Volkswagen and Porsche has Audi chairman Rupert Stadler wanting a piece of the action.

Sources say that the Audi R4 was heavily previews by the e-tron Spyder Concept and that the model has received the official green light. Insiders say that the R4 will play a significant role in the brand’s future sports car program.

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

Exact launch time of the Audi R4 has not been confirmed but speculation hints at towards the end of 2014.

“We have to make sure there is space in the line-up without causing a conflict with existing models,” the insider said. “It will definitely happen.”

Refresher: The Audi e-tron Spyder is powered by two electric motors at the front axel with a total output of 88-hp and peak torque of 260 lb-ft. They are mated to a 3.0 TDI twin-turbo V6 diesel engine that produces 300-hp and an additional 479 lb-ft of torque. Weighing in at 3,197 lbs and mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Audi e-tron Spyder can sprint from 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

Audi e-tron Spyder:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Here is something that may be confusing for many of you so we’ll break it down into two parts. Audi has reportedly confirmed that it has killed plans for a new R4 sports car, a model that has been long-rumored ever since the debut of the R8. Audi CEO Rupert Stadler confirmed that the R4 was in the works, but those plans have now been shelved.

Why? Apparently, the move would involved Audi stepping on the toes of sister brand Porsche.

Now – we’re not sure if the Audi R4 and the Audi quattro concept are the same thing. The Audi quattro concept was confirmed for production earlier this month. Sources said that Audi’s engineering team is already testing a prototype based on the Audi S5.

Insiders said that we can expect to see the production Audi quattro coupe to launch in 2013.

Whatever’s going on here – we hope we find out something concrete soon enough.

Refresher: Power for the Audi quattro concept comes from a turbocharged 5-cylinder engine making 408-hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the new quattro concept runs from 0-62 mp in 3.9 seconds. The Audi quattro concept uses the same underpinnings of the Audi RS5 but sits on a wheelbase that measures 5.91 inches shorter. Weight comes in at 2,866.01 lbs, which is roughly 440.92 lbs lighter than the Audi TT RS.

Audi quattro concept:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Auto motor und sport

Audi A1

Many North American Audi fans are feeling left out without the company’s new A1 hatchback – however, recent reports there is a high likeliness that the second-generation Audi A1 will make it to our side of the world… but that’s not all. According to recent reports, Audi is planning a big expansion in the United States with small cars.

Besides the A1, Audi is considering adding a sedan version of the A3 along with a smaller version of the R8 sports car (aka R4). Also in the works is a small A2 electric-car and a Q3 small crossovers.

“We have seen the challenging targets from the government, and we will bring a response to go for lighter cars and also smaller cars,” said Audi’s U.S. CEO Johan de Nysschen.

Compact fans may now rejoice.

Refresher: The 2011 Audi A1 will go on sale in Europe later this year with prices starting around 16,000 euros ($22,062 USD). Power will come from a lineup of 4-cylinder engines, which consists of two TDI diesels and two TFSI gasoline units with output ranging from 84-hp to 122-hp. Mated to a 7-speed S tronic transmission, fuel-economy will range from 44 mpg and 62 mpg. At the 2010 Paris Motor Show, Audi unveiled the A1 1.4 TFSI powered by a 1.4L direct-injected Twincharger 4-cylinder making 185-hp.

2011 Audi A1 1.4 TFSI:

2011 Audi A1:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: USAToday

Audi e-tron Roadster Concept (Leaked Sketches)

Rumors earlier this month suggested that Audi will show a roadster version of the 2-seater e-tron concept that it debuted at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in January. Over the weekend, a couple of sketches of the Audi e-tron roadster hit the web giving us an early sneak peek at what to expect when the covers come off in Paris.

We’re not sure what’s going to be powering the drop-top version of the e-tron concept but we wouldn’t be surprised if it was the same two electric motors with a total output of 204-hp found in the coupe version. The system allows the 2-seater e-tron coupe concept to go from 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds with a top speed of electronically limited to 124 mph.

The 2-seater Audi e-tron concept has long been connected with the R4 sports cars.

Stay tuned into egmCarTech for more details.

Audi e-tron Roadster Concept (Leaked Sketches):

2010 Detroit: Audi e-tron 2-seater:

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoExpress

Spy Shot: Audi R4 Prototype

Earlier this week we brought you a video of a mystery Audi being air-lifted at the Olympia Ski Resort in the Tyrolean Alps. The video, captured by an onlooker, was choppy and didn’t provide any close up shots of the Audi prototype. However, we were able to make out a vehicle that was similar in dimensions and proportions to the Audi e-tron 2-seater concept that made its debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

We now have the first clear image of the Audi prototype courtesy of R4um.

Audi is rumored to debut a roadster version of the compact e-tron concept at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The compact e-tron concept has been long seen as a concept version of the rumored R4 coupe sports car.

2010 Detroit: Audi e-tron 2-seater:

Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: R4um

Mystery Audi Video Screenshot

A new video showing a mystery Audi coupe in disguise has made its way onto YouTube. We have no idea what the car is and what it’s doing being air-lifted at the Olympia Ski Resort in the Tyrolean Alps. What we do know is the shape of the model looks very similar to the Audi e-tron 2-seater concept that made its debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

It was reported last week that Audi is rumored to debut a roadster version of the compact e-tron concept at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The compact e-tron concept has been the center of rumors about an R4 coupe sports car – a compact version of the much-acclaimed Audi R8.

Whatever it is – we’re just as confused as everyone else.

2010 Detroit: Audi e-tron 2-seater:

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

Mystery Audi Video:

2010 Detroit: Audi e-tron 2-seater:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CarScoop

Audi e-tron Concept

Audi gave us its first hint at a compact R8 (also known as the R4) with the Audi e-tron 2-seater concept, which made its debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in January. While Audi has yet to confirm the production version of the R4, insiders say that the future of the Boxster-sized mid-engined sports cars hangs in the balance as Audi and Volkswagen decide whether to use steel or alloy body construction.

High-ranking officials from Ingolstadt say that the final stamp of approval for the Audi R4 rests with parent company Volkswagen. They said that the production feasibility studies are yet to determine whether a pressed steel or alloy spaceframe chassis is a better option.

Either way, sources say “the reaction to the e-tron concept has been overwhelming.” One said that Audi is “weighing up all of the options and possibilities. There”s no real time pressure because we”re not replacing an existing model but establishing a new one.”

Volkswagen involvement in the R4 also has its personal interest in using the same platform for its mid-engined coupe/roadster based on the BlueSport Concept.

2010 Detroit: Audi e-tron 2-seater:

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

The Audi R4 is one model that we’ve heard a lot about from European media outlets, but nothing has ever been confirmed by Audi itself. Last we heard anything about the R4 it was reported that the model will be based on the Volkswagen Concept BlueSport that was unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

According to a new report by AutoExpress, the R4 will be the production version of the e-tron concept, which was revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show last month. Audi’s American president, Johan de Nysschen, recently confirmed that the e-tron concept will enter production with prototypes to hit the roads within 24 months.

The UK publication said that the R4 is also likely to spawn petrol-engine versions with up to 300-hp for those of you that don’t care about going ‘green.’

If the report is to believed, the R4 will most likely arrive in 2012 in a roadster, coupe and convertible trim.

Audi e-tron Concept:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoExpress

The Audi R4 has become a total mystery to us – it’s slowly becoming one of those cars that we keep hearing rumors about and keep seeing photo renderings of, but never actually see it enter production.

Last we heard anything about the Audi R4 it was reported that baby version of the R8 will be build on a brand new platform, sitting above the Audi TT. It was rumored that a new 2.5L 5-cylinder engine producing above 300-hp could be found under the hood.

Latest rumors suggest that the car will be an Audi version of the Volkswagen Concept BlueSport recently unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The Concept BlueSport is powered by a 2.0 TDI common-rail injection making 180-hp allowing for a 0 to 62 mph time of 6.6 seconds. A production version of the BlueSport is expected to arrive sometime in 2011.

Whatever the Audi R4 may be, here are the latest round of photo-renderings for it.

Audi R4:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar (via AutoBlog)

It’s been previously reported that Audi had canned the R4, a smaller sibling to the R8, due to Porsche’s fears of jeopardizing Boxster sales. Even Michael Dick, Audi”s member of the board of management for technical development, confirmed that there will be no baby R4 or a V12 TDI version of the R8.

Nonetheless, AutoExpress is reporting today that Porsche and Audi have worked out their differences and the mid-engine R4 is a go and will be built on a new platform, sitting above the Audi TT. Power will come from a range of TFSI engines with the entry level most likely being a 2.0L turbo. The new 335-hp 2.5 5-cylinder lined up for the TTRS will be available for the R4 as well. Rumor has it that it may even get a high-performance V6  diesel and petrol.

The Audi R4 will also get quattro four-wheel drive with torque split 40:60 in favor of rear wheels. AutoExpress is also reporting that the next-generation Porsche Boxster will use the same platform as the R4 but will go with the firm”s traditional rear-wheel-drive set-up. It will also continue using flat-sixes.

Photo Rendering: 2011 Audi R4:

Source: AutoExpress

Audi is working on a new sports car called the R3, a mid-engined and smaller version of the R8. The Audi R3 will be the replacement for the on and off again (probably off now due to economic uncertainty and gas prices) Audi R4.

According to CAR Magazine, Audi will be working with Volkswagen on the R3 which will get 4-cylinder turbocharged power giving it enough to take on the Mazda MX-5 but not enough to scare the Porsche Boxster.

As we already know Volkswagen is working on an affordable roadster that it will show in concept form at the 2008 LA Auto Show. That same car will hint at the Audi R3 which could hit roads by 2013.

So what’s going to happen to the TT? Well according to inside sources at Ingolstadt, both programs are running alongside each other as of right now. But when production of the R3 kicks off in 2012, Audi will be forced to decide which model to keep.

Source: CAR