Audi denies R4 plans

Posted Mon Mar 31 2008 7:23 AM by Ralph Hanson

Despite numerous reports claiming Audi’s new Cayman-rival is in development, senior officials have confirmed there is no 'baby' R8, or R4 as most sources have been calling it, currently in the works. However, before we rule out the new model, remember that carmakers are well known for their tenacity in denying the existence of products until as late as possible.

Last week an Audi spokesman told Automotive News the carmaker has no plans to build such a car. "It was never in our product planning," he told reporters. While the latest denials from Audi aren't encouraging, perhaps the Germans are taking a leaf from Ferrari's book. The Italian sports carmaker denied unequivocally the existence of any Ferrari 2+2, yet that is exactly what will be sitting at the Ferrari stand at October’s Paris Motor Show.

The R4 was expected to be a more focused and sporty TT with a better looking body and styling cues from the larger and more expensive R8 supercar. Previous reports claimed the car was due by mid-2011 and that it would feature a brand new mid-engine platform.

Considering its closest competitors would have been the aforementioned TT and the Cayman/Boxster from Porsche, which of late has been having a much more influential role in the affairs of Audi and its parent company VW, it’s not surprising officials have decided against developing the car.

2011 Audi R4 rendering

Gallery: 2011 Audi R4

Reader Comments

Mon Mar 31 2008 8:08 AM
mlevere1992 says

They need more of a sports car for the masses and not one that is supposedly a 2+2 in the TT. That is more like a 2 + 1/2.
Mon Mar 31 2008 11:28 AM
chris says

wait, they're denying that there was any report of an R4 ever being considered yet they put out a production schedule showing this model? isnt this a blatant lie?

I definitely agree that it would be a mistake to transform the TT into the real baby brother of the R8. but it shouldnt be a 2+2 like so many other cars in the segment. What would be wrong with a strict 2 seater?

think MR2, but awesome. anyone left begging for the TT should be shot.
Tue Apr 1 2008 5:46 AM
HECTOR says

Of course they're lying. Audi - llike MB and BMW - has become an automotive whore, pandering to anyone with some money, careless of how much it is diluting its own brand.

So of course there will be an R4. And then there will be an R6 and R2. And then there will be variations like the R6 sports SUV and the R2 family sedan that sits 6. This is what the Big German 3 have done with their line ups and I see that tasteless trend only accelerating in the future.

My disgust cotinues.
Tue Apr 1 2008 7:38 AM
chris says

oh hector, you make my mornings fun.
Tue Apr 1 2008 12:24 PM
Marlo says

If no R4, then give the next gen A3 a true 2 door coupe something like a mini Bentley Continental with the top engine being a 2.5TFSI and Quattro 6MT price it at $33,000 and bring it to the U.S. the masses will celebrate
Wed Apr 2 2008 8:10 AM
Sir Yappie says

havent we all covered this topic already in another thread ???
it will basically be the end of the TT if it comes out !!

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