Click for more eMTB.
Audi of America said this morning that it will increase its range of e-mobility products with the launch of a limited-edition enduro-style electric pedal assist mountain bike – dubbed eMTB – powered by Fantic. It becomes available through Audi Genuine Accessories by the summer of 2024. The Audi eMTB has livery said to be inspired by the design of Audi’s electrified Dakar Rally-winning RS Q e-tron race car. Audi eMTB at ~$9795 comes from a deal with Italian motorcycle and e-bike manufacturer Fantic based upon its XEF 1.9 Factory enduro e-bike.
“The geometry of its lightweight aluminum frame is designed to allow a relaxed riding position so riders can better react to obstacles and terrain. Its mixed 29 in.-front/27.5 in.-rear wheel setup provides the best of both rollover ability and tight cornering agility,” Audi said.
Audi eMTB has a coil-sprung Öhlins TTX22m.2 rear shock, and an air-sprung Öhlins RXF38 m.2 fork. Shifting for the 1×12 drivetrain are handled by SRAM’s GX rear derailleur and bar-mounted shifter, working across an 11-51-tooth rear cassette. Stopping is by Sunstar Braking’s F.I.R.S.T. calipers and S3 Batfly rotors (220/203mm F/R).
There are four levels of electrical assistance at speeds of up to 20 mph – Eco, Tour, Sport and Boost – with estimated battery range of between 12 and 90 miles (20-150 km) depending on terrain, rider weight and amount of assist used. Eco mode is calibrated to deliver maximum efficiency and range with notable electrical assistance, while Tour brings a more significant level of electrical boost. Sport mode is engineered to add powerful assistance for sport cycling, and the most powerful setting – Boost mode – delivers the maximum level of electrical assistance for ascending challenging, hilly routes.
The 720-Wh, 36-volt lithium-ion battery pack is located wholly within the aluminum frame, supplying power to a Brose S-MAG 250-watt motor, which delivers up to 90 Nm of torque. A small digital display located on the handlebars provides an overview of key data at a glance, including assist level, battery charge status, and speed. When the battery level drops to less than 10%, the charge level indicator flashes in the top right corner of the display.
Customers can register their interest can find additional information on the AudiUSA website through Audi Genuine Accessories. No surprise, Audi is also offering a selection of branded accessories including riding gloves, cycling jerseys and shorts, water bottles and packs, as well as a variety of compatible bike racks to fit some models.
By 2025, Audi says its U.S. model lineup will be at least 30% electrified, including fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Globally, Audi is promising net CO2 neutrality by 2050.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Annals of Marketing – Audi Electric Mountain Bike
Click for more eMTB.
Audi of America said this morning that it will increase its range of e-mobility products with the launch of a limited-edition enduro-style electric pedal assist mountain bike – dubbed eMTB – powered by Fantic. It becomes available through Audi Genuine Accessories by the summer of 2024. The Audi eMTB has livery said to be inspired by the design of Audi’s electrified Dakar Rally-winning RS Q e-tron race car. Audi eMTB at ~$9795 comes from a deal with Italian motorcycle and e-bike manufacturer Fantic based upon its XEF 1.9 Factory enduro e-bike.
“The geometry of its lightweight aluminum frame is designed to allow a relaxed riding position so riders can better react to obstacles and terrain. Its mixed 29 in.-front/27.5 in.-rear wheel setup provides the best of both rollover ability and tight cornering agility,” Audi said.
Audi eMTB has a coil-sprung Öhlins TTX22m.2 rear shock, and an air-sprung Öhlins RXF38 m.2 fork. Shifting for the 1×12 drivetrain are handled by SRAM’s GX rear derailleur and bar-mounted shifter, working across an 11-51-tooth rear cassette. Stopping is by Sunstar Braking’s F.I.R.S.T. calipers and S3 Batfly rotors (220/203mm F/R).
There are four levels of electrical assistance at speeds of up to 20 mph – Eco, Tour, Sport and Boost – with estimated battery range of between 12 and 90 miles (20-150 km) depending on terrain, rider weight and amount of assist used. Eco mode is calibrated to deliver maximum efficiency and range with notable electrical assistance, while Tour brings a more significant level of electrical boost. Sport mode is engineered to add powerful assistance for sport cycling, and the most powerful setting – Boost mode – delivers the maximum level of electrical assistance for ascending challenging, hilly routes.
The 720-Wh, 36-volt lithium-ion battery pack is located wholly within the aluminum frame, supplying power to a Brose S-MAG 250-watt motor, which delivers up to 90 Nm of torque. A small digital display located on the handlebars provides an overview of key data at a glance, including assist level, battery charge status, and speed. When the battery level drops to less than 10%, the charge level indicator flashes in the top right corner of the display.
Customers can register their interest can find additional information on the AudiUSA website through Audi Genuine Accessories. No surprise, Audi is also offering a selection of branded accessories including riding gloves, cycling jerseys and shorts, water bottles and packs, as well as a variety of compatible bike racks to fit some models.
By 2025, Audi says its U.S. model lineup will be at least 30% electrified, including fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Globally, Audi is promising net CO2 neutrality by 2050.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.