Audi e-tron Concept Rumored for Production as 2012 R4

Shortly after Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen said that the Chevrolet Volt, one of the most anticipated electric vehicles heading into production, is a car for idiots, the German automaker ironically introduced its own electric concept vehicle based on the Audi R8. Now, it appears that the 2009 Audi e-tron Concept that debuted last month at the Frankfurt Auto Show could be heading into production as the 2012 Audi R4.

According to de Nysschen, the e-tron concept vehicle will spawn a production model that would arrive in the United States by 2012 but few specifics are known about the car. If the recent rumors are true, the Audi R4 would slot in between the Audi TT and the Audi R8 offering both electric and gasoline versions. Although the e-tron’s design was very similar to the current Audi R8, the concept vehicle was actually much shorter than the mid-engine supercar with a size more comparable to the Audi TT. It is also rumored that the Audi R4 could share its platform with the next generation Porsche Cayman and Porsche Boxster.

The first R4 model to debut will be the all-electric model that features an electric motor at each wheel that is powered by a lithium ion battery pack. The all-wheel drive R4 EV will produce an estimated 300 horsepower and incredible amounts of torque expected to be more than 3,000 lb-ft which will be good enough for 0 to 60 miles per hour acceleration in less than 5 seconds and a top speed of around 140 mph. Most importantly for any electric vehicle, the Audi R4 EV will have a range of more than 150 miles although it isn’t clear if Audi would lease the expensive battery pack to customers like some automakers are deciding to do or if it would include the batteries in the price of the car.

Besides the R4 EV, the Audi’s next sports coupe would also offer a more conventional gasoline powertrain, which would utilize quattro all-wheel drive. Sharing its chassis components with the Porsche twins means that the R4 would use a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, but it’s unclear if the car would use Audi’s turbo inline-5 engine or Porsche’s flat-6. For luckier European markets, a diesel engine will surely be available. We recently reported on Audi’s efforts to reduce vehicle weight by using an Aluminum Space Frame (ASF) which would be a perfect use on this vehicle especially on the EV model to help offset the added weight of the electric drive components.

If the R4 does go into production, it would likely share an aggressive, R8-inspired design of the e-tron concept vehicle. Like the TT and the R8, the R4 would be available as either a coupe or roadster. The sporty compact should be ready by the 2012 model year with a price tag between the current TT and R8 with the electric version running up into the low six-figure range to compete with the Tesla Roadster.