SPY PICS: KTM X-Bow spied at Nurburgring

Think KTM and chances are you're thinking trials/motocross bikes, but the Austrian two-wheeler specialist is looking to diversify its line-up with this, the X-Bow, the first four-wheeled contraption in the company's 73-year history.

It debuted in concept form at this year's Geneva motor show, but the accompanying images are of a production mule, captured by our startled spy photographers at Carparazzi, while the X-Bow was putting in hot laps at the Nurburgring's Nordschleife (northern loop).

Although armed with a host of diagnostic gear and pair of ungainly mirrors, these images of the test hack show the showroom variant will carry over the unconventional, insect-like lines of the concept.

KTM isn't going it alone with the development of the X-Bow as Audi and racecar constructor Dallara are also involved in the project. It's essentially being billed as a street-homologated sports car with racing technology -- similar in concept, if not execution, to the Caparo T1.

The X-Bow is built on a carbonfibre monocoque chassis and its propulsion comes from a 177 kW Audi TFSI engine.

Given that the car weighs a Lotus Elise-like 700kg, it's no surprise the maker is claiming a 100km/h split of 3.9sec -- that's up there with a Porsche 911 Turbo.

It's designed as a purist's delight, with no electronic driver aids or extensive comfort features. The X-Bow is a barebones car with no roof, doors or windscreen and the only protection from the elements is provided by a 70mm transparent wind deflector.

KTM claims the X-Bow provides "an immediacy that otherwise can only be felt when riding a motorcycle."

Production is scheduled to start around April/May next year, with the first deliveries expected to reach Euro-based customers soon after.

In order to meet the "high demand", KTM says it will strive to reach the maximum annual production capacity of about 1000 units as soon as possible. In the years that follow, KTM expects annual sales volume of more than 500 units.

KTM says the X-Bow meets the requirements for road use as defined by the new EU guidelines for small series homologation, but in countries outside the European Union, the X-Bow is classed as a pure racing car for use solely on racetracks.

-- with Carparazzi