Audi R5 in the works, will take on Lotus

Audi has plans to launch a brand new mid-engined sports two-seater to compete with models from Lotus, according to Carmagazine sources. In recent years, Audi has transitioned from being a producer of gray saloons for businessmen to being a maker of supercars that can rival those of Porsche and Aston Martin. The Carmagazine report further revealed that Audi’s two-seater will share its “MiMo” (Mittelmotor - mid-engined in German) with other future sports cars from Porsche and Volkswagen.
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Joe_Limon - 11/2/2010 1:25:26 PM

+2 Boost

I wonder... will it be even more underpowered then the v8 powered R8? And which models are they targeting? The future Esprit? The current Exige? This is all very vague, and I'm not sure where this R5 would slot in.

Lexus - 11/2/2010 1:52:52 PM

+1 Boost

We have a similar post last week on autospies and supposely it was to between the Audi TT and Audi R8. I am very curious to see how many horsepower, it performance stats and price for this coming sport car.

Joe_Limon - 11/2/2010 2:11:54 PM

+5 Boost

so... about 3300lbs and 300hp? That's hardly a lotus competitor... in either regard.

AlleVier - 11/2/2010 2:22:21 PM

+1 Boost

I'd say the Exige, Joe. As Lexus mentioned, it's believed they'll slot it between the TT and the R8 as far as price and performance. I'd say it'll be lower-powered than the R8 V8, but probably similar performance specs--as it's smaller than the TT. The TT RS 5-cylinder puts out 340 hp, which I don't think they'd have to boost if the car comes in lighter than the TT.

Joe_Limon - 11/2/2010 2:57:26 PM

+3 Boost

well, if it's competing against the Exige it needs to lose another 1000-1300lbs off of the TT. So I guess I am failing to see how such a car would slot in between the TT and R8. As those two are both over weight awd cars, where as a true exige competitor would be lightweight.