KTM goes from two wheels to four
Specialist bike manufacturer turns its expertise to creating a hardcore Lotus chaserResembling a hopping-mad Christmas beetle, this is the radical KTM X-Bow, an ultra-light Lotus fighter conceived by Austrian bike manufacturer KTM.
The bare-bones open-wheeler is claimed to offer a "purist, filterless driving experience" -- pretty much the same philosophy embraced by the Lotus Elise/Exige/340R.
And it's not just a creative flight of fancy, as KTM plans to unveil the X-Bow at March's Geneva motor show and offer it for sale in selected markets towards the end of 2007. We should point out here that you're unlikely to see one in Oz -- barring, perhaps, the odd great import.
The carbonfibre-chassis X-Bow is particularly significant as it's the first car produced by KTM -- Europe's second biggest motorcycle manufacturer.
It's powered by a 2.0-litre turbo four -- derived from the same 147kW/280Nm unit that we know and love from the VW Golf GTI. However, where the Veedub weighs about 1340kg, the X-Bow tips the scales at a waif-like 700kg.
But there's more. Word has it power will be ramped up to around 165kW for the X-Bow, and 220kW-plus for a range-topping variant.
KTM says it has used much of its bike expertise to keep the X-Bow's weight down, and it claims it's achieved this by using the latest materials, "intelligent construction and purist styling". By purist styling, we take it they mean dispensing with a roof and fenders.
"Thanks to its open form of construction, the 70mm high windshield and the free standing wheels after the style of a Formula racing car, it is not only the appearance, but also the driving experience that is immediately evident as entirely unique," says the official KTM blurb in somewhat tortured English.
"As different as cars and motorcycles may be, KTM has managed to transfer its development principles from two wheels to a sports car in every way."
It's clearly no oil painting (unless you have distinctly offbeat tastes), but we can't wait to drive the thing.
KTM X-Bow quick facts
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo four with165kW or 220kW
Transmission: Six-speed manual or DSG
Weight: under 700 kg
Length: approximately 3.6m
Price (in Europe): $70,000 (estimate)
Estimated start of production 2007/08
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