Audi E-Tron Concept as R4?

The Audi E-Tron Concept debuted last month at the Frankfurt Auto Show and word quickly followed about the vehicle entering into production. Now there is a new report out by Auto Express that sheds some more light on what to expect.

Despite looking very similar to the Audi R8, the E-Tron Concept is actually smaller than the R8, while being larger than the TT. Auto Express says that the production E-Tron concept will actually just be the rumored R4 roadster we have heard about for quite sometime.

With the VW Group now in ownership of Porsche and looking for ways to expand it's model lineup, the R4 could share a platform with the VW Bluesport and a potential small Porsche roadster.

The design cues on the E-Tron Concept certainly lend themselves well to the proposed "Mini R8" roadster. The new R4 would not be electric-only however, it would be offered with a choice of  gasoline engines from the TT as well. The electric drive system found on the E-Tron system would be the flagship model.

It would be billed as the next-generation of Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system, with four electric motors powering the four wheels and making 300bhp. This is quite a new development - I'm sure there will be a lot of interest in the car.

Will it cannibalize sales from Porsche or even the R8? Time will tell - Audi's North American chief Johan de Nysschen says a production car should arrive around the end of 2012 at the latest.

Image Credit: Auto Express