New Audi R4 E-Tron

Audi has unveiled the new R4 coupé for 2012, featuring petrol, diesel and electric power.

The new supercar will be based on the Audi E-Tron model which was presented at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this month and will sit between the TT and R8 in the Audi line-up.

The R4 will be equipped with both four and six cylinder TFSI engines combined with electric motors. The batteries will be located directly behind the cabin to help guarantee better weight distribution than the original Audi E-Tron and company engineers promise that the R4’s batteries can be topped up in as little as two hours with a potential range of 155 miles.

Despite its electric power, the new R4 still stays true to its sporty heritage with a powerful engine said to boast 204bhp with 2,650Nm of torque. Early figures also suggest the car will sprint from 0-62mph in only 5.9 seconds with the top speed is limited to 124mph in order to preserve the batteries. The new R4 will be the lightest Audi on sale thanks to its aluminum spacefrcame chassis and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic panels. The new model will be slightly bigger in size than the TT but smaller than its older sibling the R8.

Steve Lewis, designer of the new R4 E-Tron, said: “Many of the styling themes – such as the sharper lines and more pronounced arches – show how we’re going to take Audi design forward.”

The R4’s E-Tron badge has come as no surprise after Audi bosses confirmed in Detroit that all the firm’s future electric cars will wear the badge. They even claimed that one day the E-Tron technology will become as well known as the company’s famous quattro 4WD system.

Prices are yet to be confirmed but are expected to start from £50,000, rising to £70,000 for the electric variant. The new Audi R4 E-Tron is expected to hit UK showrooms in 2012.

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Donna Kelly.

25/01/2010