Audi working on R3 roadster with 4-cylinder engine

Audi is working on a new sports car called the R3, a mid-engined and smaller version of the R8. The Audi R3 will be the replacement for the on and off again (probably off now due to economic uncertainty and gas prices) Audi R4.

According to CAR Magazine, Audi will be working with Volkswagen on the R3 which will get 4-cylinder turbocharged power giving it enough to take on the Mazda MX-5 but not enough to scare the Porsche Boxster.

As we already know Volkswagen is working on an affordable roadster that it will show in concept form at the 2008 LA Auto Show. That same car will hint at the...
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dlin - 9/2/2008 3:39:35 PM

+5 Boost

The dilemma is, for that little power to take on MX-5, you don't need AWD.

But then, AUDI is anti-RWD, right?

WorldofLuxury - 9/2/2008 3:57:14 PM

+2 Boost

Yeah...that's the part I don't get.

EnnNorak - 9/2/2008 7:45:11 PM

+1 Boost

dlin, a proper AWD with Torsen center is a key component of the promise of the Audi brand. Audi better not mess with that by installing a cheaper AWD system on the R3. Anyway, modern 4-bangers with turbo or supercharging have the capability of churning out surprising amounts of power.

EnnNorak - 9/2/2008 7:48:59 PM

+2 Boost

WorldofLuxury, Audi is pro-AWD not anti RWD but I am surprised that the VW group allows Audi to spoil the brand with some FWD offerings.

qweasdzxc - 9/4/2008 10:11:36 PM

+1 Boost

Spoil? You mean cheap and cheat?

AlexTx - 9/2/2008 5:13:12 PM

-2 Boost

Power without control is useless..... reason behind AWD

bmwdrvr - 9/2/2008 6:02:17 PM

+4 Boost

judging from reviews of the TT AWD certainly doesnt make it a sports car as it still has ok handling, and a lack of steering feedback...(which sadly it still is a huge leap over the last model in these regards)

EnnNorak - 9/2/2008 7:54:55 PM

+2 Boost

AlexTx, I drove RWD Detroit iron for decades but I always ordered LSD. The best control story I can tell you is passing a car on I-81 coming back from NYC on glare ice in the winter. We both went into a spin and I successfully completed the pass with both cars rotating like the synchronized blades on a twin rotor helicopter.

IamEvilHomer - 9/2/2008 10:13:50 PM

+1 Boost

bmw- wait for the TT-s the s is for supper cool

JUGNU - 9/3/2008 6:00:42 AM

+1 Boost

i think R4(as rumoured earleir) sounds better, anyways i thought Audi would keep the R moniker exclusive and will go upwards from R8 like R10 or even maybe R12 and not down like R3. TT is quite popular name and they should not discontineo it/change the name.

JUGNU