Audi R4?

Rumors have continued to swirl over the past few years (around 2 to be exact) of an Audi mid-engined roadster model to slot in below the R8. It would be a continuation of the Audi "R" performance line and would help the brand grow by expanding availability to more buyers in the market.

Hmm, R4. Has a nice ring. But wow, is that a nice looking roadster or what? Definitely the best interpretation I have seen on this car. It's a real looker in a way that I don't think the VW Bluesport concept was. This was designed by Autocar Czech's Jan Kamenistiak. Good work Jan!

BMW is rumored to be working on a smaller roadster to be called Z2, and Audi could be planning this car as an answer to that vehicle. Audi has been aggressive lately in asserting itself and going after the competition.

Of course this is all just speculation, but I think this is very similar to what we might see if such a model does indeed make it to production.

I like the vents on the rear engine cover! If you've been following this car at all, you'll notice information and speculation has been all over the map. Some have placed it above the Audi TT in the brand hierarchy, others above.

One thing I do think is certain; developing a mid-engined small roadster from scratch doesn't make any business sense as a standalone. For it to have any hope of working, it needs to be based on another vehicle. Enter the Bluesport Concept. If we see any more mid-engined action from Audi, it will be in collaboration with VW.

An R4 would help pay for development costs by selling for a higher asking price then it's VW brother. It might also garner some new Audi buyers that before wouldn't have considered the brand.

In all of this, I wonder what Porsche is thinking. Remember they control VW, and therefore Audi. I think an powerful R4 or Bluesport might sit too close to the Boxter for comfort. If we don't see an R4 (or Bluesport), most likely that will be the reason why.