Rumor: Baby Audi R8 supposedly ready, awaiting greenlight for production

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