2009 KTM X-BOW

NEWS & REVIEWS With its aggressive design and immense sporting potential, the X-BOW is a milestone in 50-year history of the KTM brand. At the same time it represents a new benchmark in the small but elite segment of radical lightweight sportscars. This exceptional achievement is the result of its highly original design concept and the fact that for its first car, KTM employed the finest materials, advanced technology and the know-how of respected development partners. The result is a street-homologated sport scar with pedigree motorsport technologies – including a cutting edge monocoque made from carbon fiber, identical to those that have become standard in modern Formula 1, for example, because of its weight and safety advantages. Thanks to the car’s light weight and the 240 hp Audi 2.0 TFSI engine, the KTM X-BOW sets new performance standards and outstrips even far more powerful sport scars. Weighing in at around 1,742 lbs., it accelerates from a standing start to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds. At the same time, low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions rival those of powerful compact cars. But the X-BOW isn’t just a racing machine, even if it does achieve spectacular performance on the race track. With its modern technologies and exceptional dynamics, it’s also oriented towards sporty drivers who seek a purist driving experience on the road. By foregoing electronic assistance and extraneous, heavy comfort features, the X-BOW offers an unfiltered driving adventure. This is made possible by the double wishbone suspension front and rear, the exposed mechanical components and the unadulterated concept that leaves the X-BOW without a roof, doors or a windscreen. The sport scar’s only concession is a 70 mm high, transparent wind deflector. So driving the KTM X-BOW becomes an experience with immediacy that otherwise can only be felt when riding a motorbike or driving a single-seater racing car. For the 2009 model year, there is a new X-BOW product line-up – with ownership of the new sport scar phenomenon from KTM starting at only $55,000 for the X-BOW Street that, even with its basic configuration, offers the absolute maximum in driving pleasure. The Street series features in detail - Carbon fiber monocoque with crash box, both in clear coat finish - Audi 2.0 TFSI engine with direct fuel injection and 177 kW (240 hp) - Racing underbody, front splitter and rear diffuser in aluminum - Individually adjustable pedals and multi-function steering wheel - ‘Keyless Go’ system - Lacquered alloy wheel rims - Four-point safety harness Factory-fitted special options are also available: a removable steering wheel, limited-slip differential or street-homologated semi-slick tires – and of course a wide selection of KTM PowerParts. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2008 KTM X-BOW

NEWS & REVIEWS If you really fancy the idea of driving a racecar on the road, KTM, the Austrian motorcycle maker, may have exactly what you’re looking for. The KTM X-Bow features a featherweight carbon-fiber monocoque body—stripped, it weighs just 150 pounds—with two seats, no doors, no windows, no roof. Air-conditioning? Raise your helmet visor. Power comes from a VW 2.0-liter direct-injection, turbocharged four cylinder, packing 220 hp—with plans for a 300-bhp version later. And take your pick between a six-speed manual transmission and Audi’s twin-clutch sequential S-Tronic. KTM claims zero-to-60 acceleration in less than four seconds and the mid-threes with the 300-horsey motor. The racecar connection is reinforced by the fact that the first 100 cars will be built by Dallara, the famed racecar builder, with annual production limited to around 500 cars. Prices will start at around $50,000. www.ktm-x-bow.com PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge