Audi R4

AVANTI R5 · 10-15-2009, 07:54 AM

Quote:

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

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au...ing_to_go.html

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Beowulf · 10-15-2009, 09:48 AM

I Want!

eagle98ak · 10-15-2009, 10:02 AM

drool

Ghosthound · 10-15-2009, 10:47 AM

omg... whoever has been at the helm of audi's design team has been doing a PHENOMENAL job... HOOOOTTTTT

Beowulf · 10-15-2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghosthound

omg... whoever has been at the helm of audi's design team has been doing a PHENOMENAL job... HOOOOTTTTT

Agreed, Audi is making the best looking cars on the road right now. I test drove a Q7 and Q5 last weekend and all i can say is wow! Those are quality vehicles! I also drooled all over an S4 and S5, the dealer sis not appreciate that.

I'd love to see this car in a hard top.

boxerinside · 10-15-2009, 11:51 AM

^^^
great quality vehicles that love to spend time at the shop.

Whats up with the Electric junk!? just put a gas engine in it!

Beowulf · 10-15-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxerinside

^^^
great quality vehicles that love to spend time at the shop.

Whats up with the Electric junk!? just put a gas engine in it!

The article says that a proper gas powerplant will probably find its way into this car. As for reliability, Audi has improved considerably in the past few years, as has VW. I would feel 100% confident buying either.

E. Nick · 10-15-2009, 12:00 PM

Just bring the TT-RS already!!!

Stanley · 10-15-2009, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beowulf

As for reliability, Audi has improved considerably in the past few years, as has VW.

I've heard this said about VW/Audi for 20 years, but I've yet to see it.

justincredible · 10-15-2009, 02:37 PM

I love it.

Why do Audis look so damn good?

SLegacy99 · 10-15-2009, 03:29 PM

A vehicle that would definately go well in my garage.

Chiketkd · 10-15-2009, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justincredible

I love it.

Why do Audis look so damn good but are so damn heavy?

Fixed.

+1 I love the design as well! Hotness!!!

law · 10-15-2009, 08:42 PM

Can i rub up against it?

amdmaxx · 10-15-2009, 10:15 PM

Make a coupe version! Looks amazing!

1sicWRX · 10-16-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amdmaxx

Make a coupe version! Looks amazing!

Agreed...

smooth_ej20 · 10-16-2009, 12:36 AM

Hmmm.... Just in time for me to finish with my masters

bend_bugeye · 10-16-2009, 12:38 AM

me likey.

Beowulf · 10-16-2009, 10:32 AM

I'm guessing this will be in the $60-70K price range?

jtom · 10-16-2009, 12:11 PM

1500 kilos is porky.

jigga · 10-16-2009, 12:25 PM

Might be porky, but I am betting that the doors on it will close like those on a bank volt, and not with the cheap tinny resonating sound that all Subaru owners know about when they shut their doors

flexer · 10-16-2009, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtom

1500 kilos is porky.

2005 sti Curb weight 3,296 lb (1,495 kg)

... sure is porky tho.....

Stanley · 10-16-2009, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flexer

2005 sti Curb weight 3,296 lb (1,495 kg)

... sure is porky tho.....

The STI is not a roadster.

bal00 · 10-16-2009, 01:48 PM

It doesn't have a 1000 lb battery either.

Mariano · 10-16-2009, 05:08 PM

This deserves a:

skywaffles · 10-16-2009, 05:44 PM

Holy want.

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10-15-2009, 09:48 AM	#2
Beowulf Scooby Specialist Member#: 24465 Join Date: Sep 2002 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: New Joisey Vehicle: 2012 Regal GS 1990 300ZX TT	I Want!

10-15-2009, 10:02 AM	#3
eagle98ak Scooby Newbie Member#: 49526 Join Date: Nov 2003 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Abilene, TX Vehicle: 2006 VF39 6spd Wgn SGM	drool

10-15-2009, 10:47 AM	#4
Ghosthound Scooby Specialist Member#: 110979 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sacramento, Ca Vehicle: 2010 FJ Cruiser	omg... whoever has been at the helm of audi's design team has been doing a PHENOMENAL job... HOOOOTTTTT

10-15-2009, 11:51 AM	#6
boxerinside Scooby Specialist Member#: 191994 Join Date: Oct 2008	^^^ great quality vehicles that love to spend time at the shop. Whats up with the Electric junk!? just put a gas engine in it!

10-15-2009, 12:00 PM	#8
E. Nick Scooby Specialist Member#: 8489 Join Date: Jul 2001 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Atherton, CA Vehicle: 1978 Plymouth Volare Maroon / White Vinyl	Just bring the TT-RS already!!!

10-15-2009, 02:37 PM	#10
justincredible Scooby Specialist Member#: 83633 Join Date: Mar 2005 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Zion Vehicle: 2012 bright green box	I love it. Why do Audis look so damn good?

10-15-2009, 03:29 PM	#11
SLegacy99 Scooby Specialist Member#: 117504 Join Date: Jun 2006 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: PA Vehicle: 1999 Legacy Lmtd 5MT Red	A vehicle that would definately go well in my garage.

10-15-2009, 08:42 PM	#13
law Scooby Specialist Member#: 36842 Join Date: May 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Germantown WI Vehicle: 2008 STI, S2000 AW, Black	Can i rub up against it?

10-15-2009, 10:15 PM	#14
amdmaxx Scooby Specialist Member#: 31665 Join Date: Jan 2003 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Northern NJ, USA Vehicle: 2006 Saab 9-2x Aero Black	Make a coupe version! Looks amazing!

10-16-2009, 12:36 AM	#16
smooth_ej20 Scooby Newbie Member#: 84671 Join Date: Apr 2005 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Clearwater Florida Vehicle: 2007 Legacy GT DGM	Hmmm.... Just in time for me to finish with my masters

10-16-2009, 12:38 AM	#17
bend_bugeye Scooby Newbie Member#: 210459 Join Date: May 2009 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Bend, Oregon Vehicle: '03 WRX Evo 3 16G Black	me likey.

10-16-2009, 10:32 AM	#18
Beowulf Scooby Specialist Member#: 24465 Join Date: Sep 2002 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: New Joisey Vehicle: 2012 Regal GS 1990 300ZX TT	I'm guessing this will be in the $60-70K price range?

10-16-2009, 12:11 PM	#19
jtom Scooby Newbie Member#: 96451 Join Date: Sep 2005 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Scottsdale Vehicle: 2005 STi PSM	1500 kilos is porky.

10-16-2009, 12:25 PM	#20
jigga Scooby Guru Member#: 9960 Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: in bed... Vehicle: 2002 Impreza WRX WRBlue Perl	Might be porky, but I am betting that the doors on it will close like those on a bank volt, and not with the cheap tinny resonating sound that all Subaru owners know about when they shut their doors

10-16-2009, 01:48 PM	#23
bal00 Scooby Specialist Member#: 54772 Join Date: Feb 2004	It doesn't have a 1000 lb battery either.

10-16-2009, 05:08 PM	#24
Mariano NASIOC Supporter Member#: 56 Join Date: Jun 1999 Chapter/Region: PRSIC Location: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico Vehicle: 1999 RS-T (Stage V) 2005 LGT LTD	This deserves a:

10-16-2009, 05:44 PM	#25
skywaffles Scooby Specialist Member#: 82470 Join Date: Mar 2005 Vehicle: - we're up all night to get lucky -	Holy want.