Audi R4

This year Audi has launched the new TT and the R8 supercar, but this are not all the goodies coming from Audi. In 2010 will be launched a new sport car, as a main competitor for the 2009 BMW Z4 and its M-badged variants. The R4 will be built together with another company from the Volkswagen Group, probably Seat.

The Audi R4 will be built off an all-new platform and will be a strict two-seater and will haveit's larger sibling the R8, will have a mid-ship mounted engine. The R4 will be powered by a series of engines, but the top of them will be a V6 engine delivering arround 280-300hp.

The same mid-mounted engine powers the Porsche Cayman and Boxster models, but they are not beeing considered competitors for the new R4. Maximum output for the 2.7-litre Boxster's engine is 240 hp, makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 159 mph. The Cayman is powered by a 2.7 liters engine developing an output of 245 bhp. It has a top speed of 160 mph and makes the 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds.

The problem with the new R4 is that being placed between TT and R8, will cut into R8's segment. The R4 will be more powerful than the TT (powered by a V6 engine with an output of 250 hp), but will be under the R8 that is powered by a V8 engine with an output of 412 hp. So, for the ones that can't afford buying a R8 (more than $100.000), the new R4 ($50.000 est.) is a very good option.

The R4 will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in less than 5.5 seconds and will have a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited).

On the same platform as the R4 will be build a new coupe from Seat, that will probably be one of the most expensive Seat ever ($39000). The model will be limited to 6.000 units.

The new R4 will be launched in 2010, in both coupe and roadster options.

According to TopCar the Audi R4 would not use lightweight aluminum like the Audi R8 and Audi TT. Audi will use a high-strength steel spaceframe for the chassis, with hang-on body panels made of plastic and aluminum.

Apparently kerb weight could be between 1,100 and 1,250 kg.

Wow, that's really exciting. I'll have to watch out for that. I hope it will be sleek and sexy like most of the other audis. I should start saving up so that I'll have enough to pay cash for it when it comes out. I would really like to see myself sitting in a brand new Audi.