Rumor: Audi Planning Boxster-Beating R4

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Chris P on Wed, 04/25/2007 - 15:45
Filed Under: Spy Shots, Spy Shots, Automakers
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Is Audi planning a pint-sized R8? If South Africa’s topCar magazine is to be believed, yes, they’re small Boxster-figher based on an all-new steel spaceframe.

In standard trim, the car is earmarked to receive the company’s 2.0-liter turbocharged FSI engine, trimmed to produce about 270 horsepower. An RS model is also in the cards, and if built, it would likely holster around 350 horsepower from VWAG’s 2.5-liter five-banger.

topCar expects that new model, dubbed “R4,

Comments

Johnny Rocket

Will it actually outperform the Boxster? From what I have read, the R8 can't spank the 911 S. Still, good luck to Audi.

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 15:49
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sam

err...why another car?

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 16:03
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Val

why would they need that, when the TT 3.2 quattro is already competing with the boxster/cayman? I don't thin the advantages of a mid-engine placement can justify the cost of developing a whole new platform. Its not like the R8 is selling like cakes that they need to cash in on its success.

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 16:08
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bruce armstrong

Audi has a chance to break clear of the pack IF they can bring the new R4 in for a landing at under 2400 pounds.....light weight is the next, and likely last, performance frontier.......

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 16:13
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ghostly_1

Audi needs to decide what they are doing with the bottom-end of their lineup. The A8 & A6 are great, but the A5 & A4 are oddly placed. The A4 extends from a turbo 2.0 four cylinder all the way up to a (turbo?) 4.2 eight. It competes against a moderately equipped Accord & the BMW M3 monster. Much too wide a range.

The A5 looks great, but it is at too high a price-point, leaving them with only the impractically-sized TT as their lower-end coupe.

Go ahead and take the A4 up a half notch to the 3 series level, and develop the A3 into a real model range (without the ridiculous price).

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 16:27
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babaganoosh

With Porsche owning a controlling stake in VW, it strikes me as highly unlikely that they would permit Audi to develop a direct competitor to its money-machine Boxster. The TT is distinct enough (FWD, small engine, rear seats) that few Boxster owners will cross-shop.

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 16:38
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homoerectus

This has to be a future replacement for the TT.
As well as the TT has sold, I think something this similar has to be more of a replacement than an addition.

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 18:37
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C. Champion

I think Audi would be better suited building an entry-level A3 convertible. Affordable price on the low end model and room to make an S model for those that want something small and quick with four seats. This way they would have something to compete with the planned 1 series convertible instead of a vehicle (TT) in their own line-up.

Thu, 04/26/2007 - 01:01
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Matt

regardless of whether or not it's necessary, the fact that it is mid-engined will automatically bring in customers wanting the super car layout but not cost

Thu, 04/26/2007 - 01:28
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Paul In Jersey

Let me get this straight. Large automotive congolomerate, based in Europe, wants to take upmarket supercar concept and bring it down to a price that is more affordable, as gas prices continue to climb.

Hey, that sounds like a Fiat X1/9! I think VW/Audi would be better served in working out reliability concepts for their products. Most folks I know who drive Audis sell them as soon as the warranties expire. Hey, that sounds just like Fiat too!

Thu, 04/26/2007 - 07:26
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Thu, 04/26/2007 - 10:50
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andrew

once i hit my mid-life crisis (give it another 10-15 years, as i'm only 31 right now), i'd happily pay for an affordable mid-engine coupe. i've never wanted a boxster, not being a convertible guy, but the cayman is very appealing. i used to own a 1993 Toyota MR2 Turbo and, goodness, how i miss that car. this would be right up my alley as a fun weekend car.