Audi Considering R4 Convertible? Porsche Boxster Competitor

Being that Porsche owns 27% of VW and perhaps soon to own 29% I do not see ow they would allow Audi to do this. The R4 would further cut up the sales pie that the Boxster must compete against.

actually that would be par for the course for that group. Especially, since VW is planning on going upscale and try to tap into the luxury car segment again. Still boggles my mind to think that VW would do that again

I agree. SO stupid! They failed the first time.

I guess they work under the principle, "If at first you don't succeed..."

why are all three (porsche, VW, Audi) trying to compete with one another? This is the second Audi that would compete with porsche. If VW goes upscale, they would compete with a lot of Audis. Im sure they have a plan, but at this point it still seems a little weird.

Because the VW Group is full of overtly-ambitious brands that all intersect with one another inevitably.

Think about all the models that compete. It's a LONG list.

And isn't the TT S/RS already going to be the Boxster competitor? They should keep the R4 as a coupe-- true Cayman S competitor. TT isn't quite there, but R4 easily would be.

Well the only thing I can think of is that when sales of the Boxster start to tale off Porsche is still making some money from the sales of the R4 due to ownership. Its like a popular chain store launches a discount store across the street just so they can sell off their seconds or slower selling inventory. In this case the R4 is simply another product in the Porsche portfolio.

Interesting point of view. I'm inclined to agree.

Mini ... I agree with what you stated. The only difference is that in the retail industry the luxury value or status doesnt seem to be affected by this idea of sharing and competing with oneanother... In the car industry it has always seems to have a negative affect. Unfortunately, if they decide to go this route with Audi and especially with VW wanting to up the ante, then I think Audi will be the one to suffer the most.

S4 ... I thought about all the models that compete with one another and it is amazing. The only problem is it hasnt really helped them as whole. It seems to make it more complicated. Why cant they stay with what they do best? I just dont get it. Porsche is a performance sports car in the truest sense. Why would they ever think of coming out with a 4 dr coupe? Especially, when audi is thinking of making the A7 and VW is thinking of reintroducing the once failed phaeton .... Doesnt Audi already have the A8, S8 , & A8L? Audi is the luxury brand. Not VW and not Porsche ...

Yes. Thank you, BMW. Here is what I think each VW brand's focus should be:

Audi- performnace/luxury sedans (relatively mainstream)

Bentley- ultra-luxury, hi-power, but little driving fun

Bugatti- ultra-expensive, super-fast one-offs

Lamborghini- superb driving enjoyment, not quite as expensive as Bugatti to own, outlandish styling

Porsche- somewhat affordable, balanced sports cars

Seat- sporty VWs with sexier styling

Skoda- no need for Skoda at all

VW- ironically, this is the most troubled of VW group brands. Are they premium? Are they entry-level? Why would they want a sports car? Why are they called the "people's car" if they make a $100,000 sedan? I don't know what VW should be any more. I like them, but admiration only goes so far.

*HIGH-power...

Correction:
Lambo competing with a porsche.