Audi’s second e-Tron concept, seen at the Detroit auto show this past January, is widely rumored to be the precursor to a production 2-seat sports coupe known as the R4. While Audi has yet to officially confirm production plans related to the Detroit concept or the R4, a source at Audi admitted “chances are good,” although we were told a production R4 won’t come before 2013.
Based on a mid-engine sports-car platform to be shared with Porsche and Volkswagen, the R4 will be slightly shorter and lower than the TT. Interestingly, the R4 will be rear drive, as opposed to all-wheel drive as on the R8. As for the R4’s powertrain, all Audi will say for now is that “several, probably gasoline combustion but also electric [are in the works].” Despite the recent commotion about the all-electric e-Tron, it appears Audi will come to production with a gasoline-powered R4 first. The most likely engine choice is Audi’s 2.0T turbocharged 4-cylinder with 265–300 bhp, but a source told us that a supercharged V-6 with 300–330 bhp, or the 335-bhp turbocharged 5-cylinder from the TT RS, are under consideration.
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