INGOLSTADT, Germany — If Audi officials were on the fence about building a production version of the electric e-Tron concept, the zero-emission roadster's successful debut at last month's 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show surely convinced them it must be done. Audi has already announced that a road-legal prototype will be built next year, followed by small-scale production.
Based on the e-Tron, the new Audi R4 will be smaller than the sexy R8 supercar, but larger than the TT, and will headline an electric version above regular gas models. As part of the VW Group, the R4 will share architecture with the next-generation Porsche Boxster and Cayman, and both a coupe and a targa-top will be available.
As in the e-Tron, the electric R4 Tesla fighter will be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with four electric motors, one for each wheel. In lieu of a traditional power plant, the 1,036-pound lithium-ion battery will be placed in the middle of the car. The entire e-Tron concept weighs just 3,527 pounds and delivers a range of about 150 miles on a full charge, specifications that could change slightly as the production model moves into the prototype stage.
Gas-powered R4s will offer the same engines currently offered in the TT, including the 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo that's standard in the European TT-RS, a model not available in the U.S. The American-spec TT tops out with the 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo TT-S, and it's not yet clear whether the 2.5-liter turbo will make it to the States or if we'll again make do with the smaller engine.
No word on projected pricing yet for the R4, but the base-level 2010 Audi R8 lists for $114,200, while the targeted 2010 Tesla Roadster currently starts at $109,000.
The Audi R4 is expected to enter the market in 2012.
Inside Line says: Tesla better get to every tree-hugging celebrity in town before this eco-friendly looker is let loose in the über-trendy green arena. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor
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billymay says:
09:51 AM, 02/26/2010
Gorgeous!!!
Audi is on a roll.
btrdayz says:
11:24 AM, 12/09/2009
How come these photos are not on the Audi site?! Are these nothing more than photo illustrations of what the R4 MIGHT look like? Are these images from Audi, or are they from the computer of an artist contracted by InsideLine?
sixthgear says:
11:35 PM, 10/27/2009
I've been an avid reader of InsideLine for years and have never registered -- until now -- just so I can write a comment on the R4 electric roadster. HOT HOT HOT.
Excellent evolution of Audi's Bauhaus design. The first gen TT was waayyy to rounded (bar of soap), and over the last few years they've been integrating subtle and classy design characteristics that give their cars character. The R8 convertible is a great example of it and this R4 is as well (the R4's wheel well arches, the hips, the crease lines). Not overdone - but great character.
The other thing I like is that they gave some definition to what has recently been a shapeless big mouth grill. I was okay with the big mouth grill but the one tweak they made that now makes it sing is they quartered off the upper left and right corners. Now it exudes character.
The Tesla looks like a backyard science project compared to this.
btrdayz says:
06:14 PM, 10/16/2009
I've never owned a midengined car. The Cayman's interior doesn't fit me well. I think this R4 will be a nice replacement for my TTS Roadster in a few years.
felonious says:
05:32 PM, 10/15/2009
Upon closer inspection, I think the shots with the top in place are just photoshopped versions of the topless shots. That explains why the top looks so fake.
felonious says:
05:29 PM, 10/15/2009
Looks great topless, but the top looks like an afterthought. Well-executed afterthought, though.