Mercedes-Benz Bike Sports Selection 2009/2010: New, exclusive bikes from Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Mountainbike

STUTTGART : May 29, 2009 - Mercedes-Benz has presented a new collection of exclusive bikes with an outstanding level of technical features. In addition to the Mountainbike and the racing bike, which are limited editions to a particularly high technical standard, the Foldingbike impresses with its unique fold-down technology. Mercedes-Benz has also carefully updated its tried-and-tested bike models, with several detailed improvements. This means that for its bike collection, Mercedes-Benz offers the same outstanding level of quality as for its premium automobiles.


The Foldingbike is a real gem in technical terms. It features a patented folding mechanism that impresses by being particularly easy to operate. Folding and unfolding the bike takes only a few seconds, and no tools are required.
The cleverly designed mechanical system allows two different folded positions:

• In the Shuttle position the frame is folded together, but the bike can still be pushed and steered - ideal for easy carriage using public transport.
  
• When completely folded down, the Mercedes-Benz Foldingbike requires very little space indeed. In this position it only measures 80x80x35 cm, enabling it to be stowed in the high-quality carrying bag which is also supplied. Accordingly the bike can be easily accommodated in the car boot, camper van, office or yacht as a constant companion.

The folding frame of aluminium has a suspension travel of 40 mm at both front and rear, and this is adjustable for individual riding comfort. A Shimano 8-speed derailleur gear makes for relaxed cycling, while disc brakes ensure a high level of safety. A side stand, protective metal cover and a variable luggage rack make this extraordinary bike outstanding for day-to-day use. The new Mercedes-Benz Foldingbike is available in silver or white, and costs 1699 Euro.
Mountainbike All Mountain Limited 2009

Even the roughest tracks and off-road biking adventures are sheer pleasure with the new Mountainbike from Mercedes-Benz. Limited to a worldwide edition of 100 examples, this bike is emphatically a high-end product. The lightweight, fully sprung aluminium frame in an exclusive MB design has a suspension travel of 125 mm at the rear and 120 mm at the front. The suspension fork features a lockout function and remote steering.
The Mountainbike also shines with top-class components such as the SRAM X.9/X.0 27-speed gears, Truvativ NOIR carbon-fibre pedals, Avid Elixier CR disc brakes and a set of DT Swiss X 1800 wheels. This high-tech bike is supplied with a damper pump, and is available in three frame sizes in matt black/matt white at a price of 3999 Euro.

Limited racing bike 2009
This new, competition-standard racing bike tips the scales at only 6.9 kg, and is available from Mercedes-Benz 2009 as a limited edition of 100 for particularly dedicated and demanding sports cyclists. Its outstanding attributes are based on the very best components available in the market: high-end carbon-fibre frame, Carbotec monocoque carbon-fibre fork, SRAM RED 20-speed gears, SRAM RED carbon-fibre pedals and a set of DT Swiss RR 1450 "mon chasseral" RWS wheels in white. This extraordinary racing bike is available in five frame sizes in carbon/white/red, and costs 4999 Euro.

Fitnessbike 2009
Mercedes-Benz has made detailed improvements to its well-proven Fitnessbike, which is available in Sport or Comfort editions (Comfort has a low crossbar) and in several frame sizes. From now on, frame size XL is also available. The high-grade components include an aluminium frame in an exclusive MB design - now in white, absolutely the height of fashion - a suspension fork with a travel of 80 mm and a lockout function, SRAM X.5 27-speed gears and disc brakes at front and rear. The Fitnessbike costs 1099 Euro.

Trekkingbike 2009
Matching the new E-Class, a classic in the Mercedes-Benz bike collection has a trendy copper brown metallic/white paint finish this year, and is now also available in XL size for the larger bike enthusiasts among Mercedes-Benz customers: the Trekkingbike. Its improved features include a trekking frame of aluminium in an exclusive MB design, available in four sizes as either a Sport or Comfort edition, a suspension fork with a travel of 80 mm and a lockout function, SRAM X.5 27-speed gears, disc brakes with an integral immobiliser on the front wheel, a high-quality touring kit which includes a Shimano hub dynamo, Busch & Müller lights, a metal protective cover and a Topeak luggage rack. Price: 1349 Euro.
For both small and adult bike enthusiasts, Mercedes-Benz also continues to offer the Kidsbike for 299 Euro and the highly successful Mountainbike for 2790 Euro. All these bikes are available from Mercedes-Benz dealers.

Bike clothing 2009
The Mercedes-Benz collection of clothing specifically tailored for biking fun is also new. It is made from practical, breathable, fast-drying and skin-friendly materials. The trousers have separate bike panties with high-quality, sewn-in seat padding for first-class saddle comfort.

Images : 2009 Mercedes-Benz Sportbikes

[Source : DAIMLER]

Audi A4 2.0 TDI e: Audi Unleashes the Most Efficient Standard-Size Sedan

2009 AUDI A4 2.0 TDI e

• The new diesel-powered Audi A4 consumes a mere 4.6 l/100 km (51.13 US mpg)
  
• Emissions of just 119 grams of CO₂ per kilometer (191.51 g/mile)
  
• Market launch in early June at a price of 30,800 euros
  
• A4 Avant also available as an ‘e’ model

INGOLSTADT : May 29, 2009 - Audi will soon launch the most efficient standard-size sedan. The Audi A4 2.0 TDI e will be available at dealerships starting in early June. Equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, this sedan sips 4.6 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (51.13 miles per U.S. gallon). It consequently emits a mere 119 grams of CO₂ per kilometer (191.51 grams per mile): the best value of any vehicle in its class. “Efficiency is standard in every Audi. The A4 2.0 TDI e is particularly persuasive proof that efficiency, outstanding performance, comfort and driving enjoyment are not mutually exclusive,” says Michael Dick, Board of Management Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG. This ‘e’ model develops an output of 136 bhp (100 kW); it reaches 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.5 seconds and swiftly tops out at 215 km/h (133.59 mph). The sedan can be ordered now and costs 30,800 euros. This remarkably efficient A4 is also available as an Avant.

The combined impact of several features facilitates the vehicle’s increased efficiency. The standard start-stop system is especially effective during city driving. As soon as the vehicle comes to a stop, the shift lever is in neutral, and the driver removes his or her foot from the clutch pedal, the system turns the engine off. The engine then turns back on as soon as the clutch pedal is depressed.

The start-stop system functions extremely quietly, smoothly, and quickly. While the driver is stepping on the clutch pedal to shift into first gear, the engine instantaneously returns to its idle speed. In the standardized driving cycle, the start-stop system reduces fuel consumption by some 0.2 liters/100 km, which equates to about 5 grams CO₂/km (8.05 g/mile).

Furthermore, this ‘e’ model features a 6-speed manual transmission with a final-drive ratio higher by five percent — enabling a reduction in engine speed in each of the six gears. The engine-management system has also been modified for maximum efficiency. The fuel-saving low-resistance tires (205/60 R 16) improve rolling resistance and are exclusive to the A4 model line’s ‘e’ model. Standard equipment also includes the recovery of braking energy. Aided by intelligent alternator regulation, this system converts surplus kinetic energy to electrical energy during a vehicle’s braking phases. This electrical energy is temporarily stored in the electrical system’s battery. When the vehicle resumes acceleration, the battery supplies this stored energy to the vehicle’s network — reducing the load on the alternator and thus saving fuel.

An on-board computer with efficiency program is also part of the standard-equipment package. The driver information system with gearshift indicator and efficiency-data display notifies the driver when it is sensible to shift gears to conserve fuel. The on-board computer displays all fuel-efficiency data on the center screen. These recommendations enable drivers to conserve fuel to the tune of 30 percent — simply by modifying their particular driving habits. Audi’s efficiency program continuously analyzes the vehicle’s energy consumption and gives the driver situation-specific advice on how to optimize fuel efficiency based on the given driving situation or driving style.

The A4 2.0 TDI e also consumes less fuel thanks to enhanced aerodynamics made possible by additional aerodynamic-drag optimizations such as an underbody trim panel, the partially enclosed radiator grille, and the reduction in ride height of 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) facilitated by the sports chassis.

The A4 2.0 TDI e is also available as an Avant. Its combined fuel consumption amounts to just 4.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (48.00 miles per U.S. gallon). This Avant consequently emits 129 grams of CO₂ per kilometer (207.61 grams per mile). The basic price for the Avant is 32,800 euros.

Images : 2009 AUDI A4 2.0 TDI e

[Source : AUDI]