The Future Audi R4 Will Fight With Mazda MX-5

According to information from Audi, the future R4 will be classified under TT in the German automaker range and will rival roadsters like Mazda MX-5.

The future Audi R4 could debut in 2013 and will fight in the segment launched by Mazda MX-5. It will be equipped with small but powerful engines, like a 1.4-liter TSi egine that will develops 180 HP. The entry-level version price is announced at $27,000, which would bring him directly to the Japanese model that revolutionized the roadsters segment in the debut moment. Also, the new R4 would give to the Germans an additional share market in a market segment that have not worked so far.

The design of this model will be inspired by the concept of e-tron presented last year at the Detroit Auto Show. Subsequently, the guys from Audi will offer an electric version of R4, which will be equipped with two engines that will provide a total of 204 HP. The acceleration from 0-60 mph will be achieved in less than six seconds. The R4 version performance have not yet been disclosed, and any performance version of this model has not been announced yet.

In the event of a performance version of R4, the guys from Audi could attract a market segment left open after the departure of Honda S2000. The model provided a 240 HP from a 1998 cc aspirated engine and offer outstanding dynamic performance. The Japanese roadster was taken out of production and will not receive a replacement in the near future, and the Germans from Audi would have this chance to grab market share before the rivals from BMW and Mercedes to develop a competitor on the roadsters compact premium segment.