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Can Audi Expand on Its R8 Success With The Launch Of New Models Like The R4?

Agent001 submitted on 11/12/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 8:00:44 PM

24 user comments | Category: Spy News | Source: | SOURCE: www.autoexpress.co.uk

Tag Links: Audi R8, R4

Sports car fans are in for a real treat! Audi is planning a striking new mid-engined machine – the R4.

The newcomer will be based on an entirely new platform and sit above the TT in Audi’s range, offering buyers a driver-focused two-seater with a starting price of around £35,000.

It’s the result of a rumoured joint venture with Porsche – so the project will produce a new platform to underpin Coupé and Roadster versions of the R4, and also provide the basis for the next Boxster and Cayman. It’s these core sellers in the Porsche line-up that the R4 will target.

Do you think there is a market for these models and is Porsche cutting their own throat with this cooperation?


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Can Audi Expand on Its R8 Success With The Launch Of New Models Like The R4?

About the Author

Agent001

FWD Torque Steer. Absolute proof the Devil exists.

— Agent001 (View Profile)


User Comments

pacotacolol

Its a tough thing. If the economy calls for it, and those kinds of cars are in high demand, yes it is possible.

— pacotacolol (View Profile)

Posted on 11/12/2008 9:01:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

204E60

No, I don't think Porsche is cutting its own throat as parent/owner of VW/Audi and developing these new Audi models. Porsche fans are die-hard. If you're a 911 driver, you will never consider anything else. As their advertising proclaims, "there is no substitute." Audis are mass market. Porsche will always be far more exclusive.

— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/12/2008 9:57:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

S4cabriofoxone

Well, thing is, this isn't mass-market. This will probably be even more exclusive than the Cayman/Boxster. Think about it, it's the R8's baby brother. R8 is more exclusive than the 911.

I agree with the other part of your post though--Porsche drivers are Porsche drivers. They might give this car a test drive, but I don't think they'd buy. This is aimed more at someone who wants a more usable Lotus Elise, or for people trading in Z4 M's.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 11/13/2008 10:51:23 PM | | Votes: 0   

VISO

Not sure where they get their information, but Audi has not offered any details at this level of the future TT or R4 as it might be called. I think it is too early to speculate on this.

— VISO (View Profile)

Posted on 11/12/2008 11:09:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

adamsaf723

I think it will crucify the TT

— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/12/2008 11:27:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

VISO

It will be the TT. Audi would not allow the TT be upstaged.

— VISO (View Profile)

Posted on 11/14/2008 12:46:44 PM | | Votes: 1   

dlin

Too bad AUDI has to put AWD on it. Maybe the engine will be from the new S4?

— dlin (View Profile)

Posted on 11/13/2008 2:13:18 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

S4cabriofoxone

I think it will either have a small V6 or a powerful turbo four.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 11/13/2008 10:52:04 PM | | Votes: 1   

DieselRules

This is following a proven formula for success. The Touareg did not steal sales from the Cayenne, even though both are VW designed and built. Porsche purists claim they are different, but you can swap doors between them ... Porsche adds their own engine, seats, and paint. Except for the V6 model, which has a VW engine too!

And everyone knows the Q7 is a stretched Touareg/Cayenne.

The Cayenne is Porsche's cash-cow, and its natural for them to look for other markets where they share a platform across all 3 brands.

— DieselRules (View Profile)

Posted on 11/13/2008 3:16:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Audiphile

All of this sounds like cannibalization to me, which makes me nervous. (Audi R8 competing with Porsche 911 variants, R4 competing with TT & Boxster/Cayman, etc.) However, if Porsche can sufficiently differentiate them so that the VW, Audi & Porsche cars are not badge-engineered versions of the same car, more power to them.

— Audiphile (View Profile)

Posted on 11/13/2008 9:09:13 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Whatthe

Doesn't audi already make the TT-S?
Stick to what you know, nose heavy piles of taxi cab.

— Whatthe (View Profile)

Posted on 11/13/2008 9:25:23 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

S4cabriofoxone

Funny, when Audi does something more for the enthusiast, you still don't approve. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Idiot.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 11/13/2008 10:53:00 PM | | Votes: 1   

Whatthe

Enthusiast?
What "enthusiast" would be caught dead in an audi.
Enthusiast drive performance cars, not cars that are "sporty" vw's.

— Whatthe (View Profile)

Posted on 11/14/2008 9:46:10 AM | | Votes: -1   

S4cabriofoxone

If you can read, this will be the basis of the next Porsche Boxster/Cayman. A collaboration. If you don't think the Cayman is an enthusiast's dream then you drive a Morgan Aero 8 on a daily basis. Or you're just stupid. Probably the latter.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 11/14/2008 12:19:24 PM | | Votes: 1   

Whatthe

audi right, oh you think it will automatically be as good as a Porsche. Now that's funny!

— Whatthe (View Profile)

Posted on 11/14/2008 2:52:52 PM | | Votes: 0   

Agent63

I have an R8 with that sh!t RS4 engine. I'll take out any crap BMW you have and slice you some burnt rubber as I do drifts around you. Bring it!. I'm a Porsche fan too so don't think I'm biased. Also some VW badged cars seem to have similar fit and finish as a BMW, does that say anything?. Good thing VW aren't too shabby with fit and finishing.

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/13/2008 6:22:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Whatthe

All the cars you could have bought and you got the R8...hmmmmmm. Yes I value your opinion.
Any good financial advice you could give? Is Shearson Lehman Brothers a buy, IYO?

— Whatthe (View Profile)

Posted on 11/14/2008 9:50:14 AM | | Votes: -1   

S4cabriofoxone

"All the cars you could have bought and you got the R8.."

Honestly, what the f*** is wrong with you? I can't count on both hands and both feet how many awards the R8 has won this year for being the best performance car in the world. Did an Audi salesman murder your child?

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 11/14/2008 12:20:42 PM | | Votes: 1   

VISO

sh!t RS4 engine? Did you get dropped on your head recently? Get the R8 V10 next year then.

— VISO (View Profile)

Posted on 11/14/2008 12:49:35 PM | | Votes: 1   

Whatthe

S4,
I like your passion, as misguided as it may be. The only car on the planet more sanitized for your protection is the GT-R. I think fun = driver involvement. The challenge of driving a 911 or Lotus Exige is better. Anyone can drive a R8 fast, that can't be said of most great cars.
By the way, I don't need my hands and feet to count, they do have special classes you could take!?!

— Whatthe (View Profile)

Posted on 11/14/2008 2:13:28 PM | | Votes: 0   

1evlaudi

I whatte the new amazimingbummer or is it the same retard?

— 1evlaudi (View Profile)

Posted on 11/13/2008 11:08:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Whatthe

English...we speak English.

— Whatthe (View Profile)

Posted on 11/14/2008 9:51:37 AM | | Votes: -1   

VISO

"Anyone can drive an R8 Fast"

That's the whole point...and wake up whattie or whatever, many and many enthusiasts drive Audi. Check out the tons of sites for just that. Are the incarnation of amazing idiot or whattanidiot?

— VISO (View Profile)

Posted on 11/14/2008 7:15:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Whatthe

What's with the name calling. Many many?
I'll bet your a terror on your PS3 (GT5). VISO = Vacant Idiot Superficial Opinion.

— Whatthe (View Profile)

Posted on 11/15/2008 1:17:53 PM | | Votes: 1   

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