Audi R4 in the pipeline for 2013 production?

If we’re to believe this particular rumor, and we’re more inclined to be hopeful on this one particularly because it’s pretty juicy, then according to Auto Motor und Sport, Audi’s continued efforts in developing and slotting an entry-level sports car just may come to fruition with what is rumored to be the R4 that’s scheduled to be out on the market in 2013.

What’s more, the rumored R4 is also looking to be based on what is now one of Audi’s most talked about concept cars in recent years, the E-Tron concept that we all laid our eyes on at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year.

As far as what tech specs will come with the car, it’s expected to weigh in at nothing more than 2,500 pounds and will have either a 1.4-liter TSI engine that produces 180 horsepower or an engine similar to the ones being used in the Audi TT, that is, a 2.0-liter TDI inline-four that produces 170 horsepower. No word yet on how much the R4 is going to command in the market, but the rumor is that it will be slotted just below the TT with it’s price tag of $27,000.

Yes, we know we’ve had a few back and forths on this one, but an entry-level Audi sports car for under $27,000 that will be based on the E-Tron concept? Pinch us, please. We must be dreaming.