Audi prepping Boxster-based R6

Rumours of a new mid-engined, mid-size Audi sports coupe to slot between the compact TT coupe and flagship R8 supercar have been simmering ever since the German luxury brand revealed its 'quattro' concept at the 2010 Paris motor show.

In fact, as we've reported, a production version of the sleek, turbocharged five-cylinder quattro concept is a near-certainty, as either a limited-volume special or a full-time halo model for the Audi Sport family.

Now, a new report by respected German publication AutoBild says Audi's all-new high-performance coupe, codenamed PO455, is now under development with Porsche and will be called the R6.

According to AutoBild, Audi's second dedicated R model will be based on Porsche's next-generation Boxster, but will employ different engines and all-wheel drive technology from Audi.

Based on the outgoing A5 platform, the two-seat 2010 quattro concept weighed just 1300kg, was powered by a 300kW/480Nm 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and was claimed to hit 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds, but the production version could deliver more performance.

In fact, the only thing that could nobble it is the likelihood of a V6-powered version of the new R8 to come in 2018, which should bring at least 300kW when it's positioned below the top-shelf 449kW/560Nm R8 V10 plus ($389,900).

Logically, the turbo-five R6 coupe would be priced well below that but above the new TT RS, which will arrive later this year with a circa-300kW turbo five, replacing a model last priced at about $140,000.