KTM builds a car, the X-Bow. This comes after Bombardier builds the Can-Am Spyder, a road going 3 wheeler and Buell says they’re going to race Rotax powered motocross bikes. You have to wonder what else is cooking in some of those back rooms.
Since the beginning of the new century, KTM, as the world market leader in the offroad segment has successively expanded its range of business activities into the street segment. The first step into the automotive sector is therefore a logical extension of this strategy. With the X-Bow, KTM can offer all those who do not have a motorcycle license a driving experience that is typical for the brand.
They concentrated on the functional and left out what they considered non essential components. What’s left out? Not present are sound system, air conditioner, roof, doors, windshield wipers, power steering, electronic driving aids of any sort, and because of the carbon fiber chassis and 4 point harness, no airbag is necessary.
What do you get? You get a carbon fiber monocoque chassis driven by an Audi supplied turbo 4 cylinder with an output of 220 hp in the basic version, a 300 hp version will be available. The entire car weighs just 1540 pounds which means acceleration will be brisk, 0-60 comfortably under 4 seconds.
The open environment and no creature comforts means you wear a specially designed driving suit from Dainese.
These garments will take over some of the comfort functions that are usually available with a vehicle with a roof – for example entertainment and communication systems. These functions are directly integrated into the clothing, which will also naturally serve as protection against cold and windy weather.
An important part of the custom-made driver equipment will be a helmet specially designed for this project. Wearing of the helmet is not required by law but is recommended by KTM. In this way the X-Bow also represents a bridge to a motorcycle. Special storage space is also provided for these two helmets.
The images here are of the scale model used for wind tunnel testing, the actual car will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Race car specialists, Dallara, will build 100 units. Then, depending on reaction, KTM plans small series production of 500 units per year in Austria. “According to the present situation, sales offices for the X-Bow could be considered for the following countries: Germany, Finland, Greece, Britain, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Switzerland.” No mention of any sales in the U.S.
This is an interesting way of spreading business across more than one market segment and KTM looks like they’ve done a very nice job. If this is a bridge from motorcycle to car, I wonder what they would build if they finish crossing the bridge.
More photos below:
coho says
Wow, that would have made a badass 3wheeler…
John Bonanno says
KTM look to have built the VW prototype by adding the 4 wheel and selling it as a car avoids all the “legal” problems of a 3 wheeler. I’ll bet we never see it here legally, it would be a blast to drive kinda like a street legal go-kart on steroids…
John Bonanno says
I just remembered Suzuki built a show vehicle like this using Hayabusa power, lets hope someone will bring it here.
Alejandro Martinez says
That looks sweet. It is just a matter of time before the consumer really does have several options in vehicles that are hybrids between motorcycles and sport cars. It is a cooler looking Ariel Atom.
Fred says
Great stuff and cool looking! However at $35,000 (expected price), it will be hard to be a $14,000 Can-Am Spyder!
daddyc479 says
At 35k the same people who buy the T-Rex will be buying this, just another piece of garage candy never gets used…just there to impress.
chris says
dude, this sucks. someone finally builds the car i would build if i could, and i’ll never see it on the street. . . :o( a roof WOULD be nice though. there’s been more than a few of these minimalist cars shown around lately. the Atom, Elise, even Nissan had a concept car. a car like this is exciting. i Hope we’ll see one of the bigger manufacturers get in on this idea in the next few years. and when they do, lets also hope they have the sense to make it look like THIS, because it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
sfan says
If Colin Chapman were alive today, he would heartily approve. This is a spiritual successor to the Lotus 7 and its descendants. Very interesting, innovative and effective styling IMO.
Sid says
The KTM “edgy” straight-line styling looks better on 4 wheels than 2.
anon says
At $20k to $25k, I would buy one of these. Today.
Many people would buy one of these.
Whole Spec racing series would spawn around these.
At $30k to $35k and up, the market will / would fall off dramatically.
At $50k, most people in the target audience will just buy a Lotus Elise.
Chris says
This is a pretty cool track day car, but it looks an awful like the open wheeled Lotus 340R which is on the Lotus Elise platform.
300 horsepower!! That power to weight ratio might be beyond the extreme category, and may be getting into the silly category, but I like it. Sign me up for a test drive.
Dodgy says
But why the Audi engine?
I figure 3 x 990cc = 2970cc V6
and 3 x 118 = 354 Hp @ 9,000 Rpm!
Or 4 x 990 = 3960cc V8, 472 Hp @9,000 Rpm!!!
What would they call it?
Maybe the Super Duper Duke?
Trey says
Brilliant!
Trey