Potential new rival to the Z4

[footie]

Audi R4






Here are the pictures that show Audi is on a real charge when it comes to electric sports cars.

This is the preview of the new R4 – a production version of the stunning electric e-tron concept car, revealed at last month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

The R4 is also likely to spawn petrol-engined versions, giving the R8 a much anticipated smaller brother coupé that sits above the TT in the range.

Wowing crowds with its zero emissions electric powertrain, the e-tron was a big hit at Frankfurt. But only now has Audi of America’s president Johan de Nysschen confirmed the Tesla Roadster rival will reach showrooms.

The project is likely to be helped by Audi’s joint venture with fellow VW Group firm, Porsche, which will see the R4 share a new chassis with the next-generation Boxster and Cayman.

This new sports car range will feature an electric version at the very top of the line-up, with petrol versions underneath.

As you can see from our illustrations, it will look striking. It mixes the compact, squat proportions of the e-tron concept car with amazing design cues such as those LED C-shaped headlights, along with a trademark Audi grille and scalloped sides. Seen here in targa-topped roadster trim, it will also be available as a coupé and a drop-top.

The new flagship will be powered by a development of the e-tron’s electric powertrain. There’s a lithium-ion battery pack with four electric motors, two on each axle, giving it a fresh take on Audi’s quattro four-wheel-drive theme.

These give an output of around 300bhp, as well as an incredible 4,500Nm of torque, delivering instant acceleration with 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds. Top speed is likely to jump from the concept’s 124mph to a more supercar-like 140mph – all with no tailpipe emissions.

As in the concept, the 470kg lithium-ion battery is placed in the middle of the car, where the engine would be. Once fully charged, it promises to deliver a range of about 155 miles.

Drive is biased towards the rear – just like the R8 – and the chassis is a new aluminium spaceframe set-up with plastic body panels to keep weight down to around 1,500kg.

De Nysschen said he expects to see prototypes on the road within two years, so showroom-ready versions could arrive in 2012. That gives Audi time to refine the electric powertrain and decide whether it wants to lease batteries to customers – as Renault is planning – or include them in the price of the car.

Further down the range, the R4 will feature several engines from the current TT line-up, including a 335bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo. It’s likely to arrive within the next two years.

[bdkevoIX]

woot, I would love the 2.5L turbo in that thing.

[Couch]

I hope there will be a gas option.

[footie]

Originally Posted by bdkevoIX

woot, I would love the 2.5L turbo in that thing.

I also love the look which are a far cry from that of the TT, in fact it could probably be sold along side it because this time it's a proper 2 seater and not a TT replacement.

Though it doesn't actually say it here I am sure it's mid-engined so there should be the same issues with understeer controlling everything and if it got the engine from the TT-RS then it probably would be a mini R8 in every sense of the word.

[bdkevoIX]

I'll be pretty excited if this comes out at a "reasonable" price..

[Ender514]

i like it!

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by Ender514

i like it!

+1

[Spaceman Spiff]

Noway that's going to be the same price as the Z4! I want one

[bunnn]

asdf ...woww

[Sniz]

I like it, not the red top though.

4,500nm of tq????????????????????????????????

AND

300hp and its not in the 3's for 0-60? thats more tq that a tuned and built turbo diesel truck.

[coh4777]

Looks awesome. I always thought the TT was too feminine looking. This has much more aggressive styling.

[domobrown]

A tiny R8 with much more torque. Oh yes

[Spaceman Spiff]

Why is it RHD btw?

[JoosyJoos]

I'm thinking their gonna have to fix that roofline to fit anyone above 6ft in it. That being said I really like the look of it and the potential gas engine for it. I still don't think you can beat the look of the Z4 M coupe though. I'm biased though cause my father owns one and I get to steal it occasionally.

[Davin]

im looking forward to this

[aut0sh0cker]

looks like someone gave the TT a pair...

[adrian1480]

i came all over everything.

[Absorber]

DO WANT!!! But with a gas option...

[footie]

I would imagine that the petrol/gas option would come first, no matter what this article says. Word is both the Scirocco and TT are soon to get a new bi-turbo 2.0TDI with similar power to the 123d so it too would probably be a option as well.

Considering it's size and position in the Audi line up I doubt it will be offered with anything bigger than the 2.5TFSI.

[keanu1]

Originally Posted by Sniz

I like it, not the red top though.

4,500nm of tq????????????????????????????????

AND

300hp and its not in the 3's for 0-60? thats more tq that a tuned and built turbo diesel truck.

i think it's a mistake!!! With that torque on that tiny car it will not go forward but it will dig a hole in the ground!!

[footie]

Originally Posted by keanu1

i think it's a mistake!!! With that torque on that tiny car it will not go forward but it will dig a hole in the ground!!

It's not a misquote it is a fact, the torque figure is for the E-tron version, as is the 300hp from it's four electric motors (one for each wheel).

I still think such a version as only a PR exercise and nothing more. With a range of 150miles driven moderately what else could it be.

[ptack]

Dollars to donuts it NEVER makes production.