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