High ranking and trusted sources from Audi have bought out an important piece of information from the company revealing to Autocar the undecided future of the Audi R4. It is being said that the Boxster-sized mid-engined sports car is currently dangling between Audi and Volkswagen’s decision over body construction material.

According to officials from Ingolstadt, Audi’s parent company, Volkswagen, has yet to reach a consensus with Audi as to whether to use steel or alloy body construction for the R4. The final decision that lies in its hands would determine which out of the pressed steel and alloy spaceframe chassis, will be a better option for the new model.

The production Audi R4 would be based on the R4 e-tron Concept Car which debuted at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year. It used lightweight alloy space-frame just like the Audi R8. The sources said that Audi engineers were currently weighing the prospects of a more expensive aluminum frame versus a cheaper but heavier steel unibody structure.

“The reaction to the e-tron concept has been overwhelming. We’re weighing up all of the options and possibilities,” said an Audi source to Autocar.

Volkswagen wants to develop its own roadster, based on the VW Bluesport concept. Also Porsche who is also now a part of the Volkswagen group is examining the possibility of launching a model under the Boxster, which is based on this common architecture too.

But, according to Autocar sources at Audi, the final decision on the vehicle will be taken by VW Group.

via autocar