The same inside sources imply that the R5 will be available in both coupe and convertible forms, with styling cues borrowed from Audi's E-tron and E-tron Spyder concepts.
The R5 is said to measure only 3.9 meters (153.5 inches) in length, or roughly the same as a Lotus Exige. Being super-compact in dimensions means that weight should be kept low, and that is a definite advantage. The entire history of Lotus is based on this concept, with considerable success.
The 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged mill, sourced from the TT-RS, would most likely be the range-topper. With somewhere around 350 hp (261 kW) on tap, it would surely deliver "the goods" in a lightweight sports car. Smaller displacement inline-fours such as the 2.0-liter TSI, should also be in the mix.
I wouldn't exclude a hybrid variant either, as "green" sports cars are becoming increasingly popular these days.
We still have a long way to go until we hear something official about the R5, but we'll keep an eye open for any developments.
