Audi R4 Confirmed

The Audi e-Tron shown at the Detroit Motor Show will become the Audi R4 in 2012

Audi are to use the e-Tron concept from the Detroit Motor Show to produce a baby R8 – the Audi R4.

We reported from the Detroit Motor Show this week on the new Audi e-Tron Concept, a smaller version of the e-Tron we’ve seen before at Frankfurt. And it seems that the compact e-Tron is more than just an electric flight of fancy but is going to turn up in 2012 as the Audi R4.

There have been rumours for some time of a baby R8 and these have now been confirmed by Audi in America. But the R4 won’t just be a plug-in EV, but will also come with a choice of at least a couple of petrol engines and maybe even a diesel.

Expect the R4 to keep the very good looks of the e-Tron concept but substitute the carbon fibre panels, ultra-expensive alloys and ‘Concept’ interior for something more production-like. In addition to the electric version of the R4 – which will manage 0-60mph in under 6 seconds and 124mph – it seems likely there will be a 2.0 litre turbo four and perhaps even a 2.5 litre turbo five straight out of the Audi TT RS. A diesel of some description is also a distinct possibility – probably the 3.0 litre.

Those we’ve spoken to seem to believe that this will be the e-Tron Audi have already said will launch in 2012. But we’re not so sure. Audi have already said they see the e-Tron as a potential sub-brand, much like quattro. Which leads us to believe that there will be an R4 e-Tron and an R8 e-Tron. Not only that, but we could well see Audi rolling out E-Tron versions across their range in the coming years.

Can the national grid cope?