The upcoming Audi R5 roadster has routinely been called the “Baby R8,” in reference to its design similarities with the German automaker’s high-performance mid-engine supercar. We doubt Audi minds the comparison. This new entry-level Audi sports car is being developed in cooperation with VW and Porsche, both of which will spin off their own variations. This illustration offers a look at what Audi’s convertible version will look like. A hardtop coupe is also planned.
VW already offered a preview of what’s to come at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, where it displayed its sleek 2-seat diesel-powered Concept Bluesport. Porsche has been a tad more secretive, but we expect its version to slot beneath the Boxster in size, power and price. A 1.9-liter flat-4 cylinder engine will power the Porsche, whereas traditional inline-4 cylinders (and possibly an inline-5) will motivate the VW and Audi. The platform will accommodate rear- and all-wheel-drive systems. Hybrid and electric-powered versions are also possible.
We had a sneak peek at what’s to come with the R5 when Audi invited us drive the e-tron Spyder, a concept car we called “essentially a mid-engine short-wheelbase Audi R8.” The two cars share a common floorpan. However, befitting its status as a concept vehicle, the e-tron Spyder has a carbon-fiber body draped over a custom aluminum space frame. The powertrain consists of a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6, a CVT and an electric drive system on the front axle.Even at the mandated low speeds, we noted the “overall dynamics felt more like a Porsche Boxster’s than an Audi TT’s.” Also earning praise was the e-tron Spyder’s open cabin, which “made a Boxster seem tight” in comparison. Nimble handling and a solid feel—even for a concept car—left us excited to drive the production version. That wait could stretch a couple more years, as sales are not expected before 2014.
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