Audi scoop special: Audi R3 - the full story about Ingolstadt's new mid-engined sports car

Audi R3 Sports Car Photos & Review (2013)

By Georg Kacher (artist's impression by Larson)

Spyshots

29 August 2008 11:30

So the next Audi TT will be mid-engined?

The TT replacement is due to appear in 2013 – and it sounds like it's going to become the sports car it always should have been. At last. ‘Going mid-engined would instantly silence critics who accuse the TT of being a reskinned overpriced Golf,’ comments our friend from Bavaria. ‘It would also work wonders in terms of price positioning and brand image, and it would complement the R8.’

What engines would power the Audi R3?

Audi would install the 180bhp 1.8-litre TFSI motor, a 2.0-litre version rated at 220bhp and a brawny S-line model good for some 280bhp, our sources suggest. Diesel TDI engines would also likely get the nod, with a frugal 125bhp variant of the latest 1.6-litre common-rail derv, plus 170 and 204bhp versions of the 2.0-litre.

While quattro four-wheel drive may be a useful marketing instrument, it does add weight and incur friction losses, and it is not an absolute necessity in terms of vehicle dynamics.

Although certain versions of the new TT would again challenge Boxster and Cayman in bhp and mph, price and prestige will remain key differentiators. Here's hoping Winterkorn and Piech get their wish.

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