Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show
More images of the KTM X-Bow released
Over the weekend, we were finally able to catch a glimpse of a computer-generated mockup of the X-Bow, KTM's track day terror. Now, a month ahead of its debut in Geneva, images of a scale mockup have been released, providing much more detail on the Ariel Atom's closest competition.
Looking over some of the close-ups, the exhaust outlet is a pretty trick component, along with the bevy of carbon fiber diffusers, exposed coilovers and that subtle, yet menacing wing. We could go on, but our salivary glands are working overtime every time we start thinking about this 1,500-pound apex assassin. March isn't coming quick enough.
Click the image above for our full gallery, or choose one of the thumbnails below.
Thanks for the tip, Helmut!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Steve 4:12PM (2/06/2007)
So questions:
1. Street legal?
2. Cost?
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Rob P 4:21PM (2/06/2007)
KTM, please build this! I'm ready to write a check!
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vectorbug 4:40PM (2/06/2007)
Eh, not as good looking as the Atom. Looks like an unfinished Elise2 Killer. Which is what they should aim for. Finish it up with real body panels and a top instead of making it some kind of atom look alike from down under.
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chewy 6:09PM (2/06/2007)
This will be built, as KTM has already announced that it would.
Looks great.
And with the Auid 2.0 T FSI with 220-300 hp it will have amazing performance.
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JIM 6:27PM (2/06/2007)
The KTM won't meet federal safety standards because it won't have airbags, so it won't be street legal in the U.S. unless registered as a kit car. The Atom can be purchased as a kit and home assembled, but KTM hasn't announced an unassembled version.
As for adding a roof, this contradicts the car's ultra low mass concept and would, obviously, require a windshield. If a car has a windshield, then it also needs wipers and defoggers, and therefore more weight.
I think it looks great, but the Ariel offers a more user-friendly design. With the Atom, a moderately skilled mechanic should be able to perform a fair amount of the maintenance. The KTM, if it is anything like their bikes, will need to be serviced at a dealership.
In this category of car, though, I think looks come second to performance. Performance for these two cars means low mass and it looks like he Atom will weigh about 400 lbs less. I'll take an Atom.
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John P. 6:28PM (2/06/2007)
Looks WAYYYYYY better than the Atom, that one looks like something put together in a garage. NOW THIS! Wow!
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Rocket Punch 9:08PM (2/06/2007)
This thing will be very expensive, Dont expect this to be in the same price range as a 300hp atom or the Caterham CSR260. Unless it is much faster that those 2, then it "may" have a point.
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RGT88 10:08PM (2/06/2007)
Yea Kit Car registration is the only way to get this into US. I love loopholes in laws. I'd love to own one, cars like these are all about driving, nothing more.
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Dan 4:23AM (2/07/2007)
"Are you going out wearing THAT?"
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Keija 6:08AM (2/07/2007)
I'm not sure what to think of it :/
It's not as good looking as the atom.
It's not as focused (i think it weighs about 150 kg more)
and it might be more expensive .:/
but at least you'll now have the option of choosing =]
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Zo 8:23AM (2/07/2007)
Very few will be able to afford these babies
If you figure in:
1) Track fees
2) Truck and trailer to pull
3) Standard maintenance, tools and broken parts
4) Tires, brakes and other accessories
5) Hotels and fuel if you need to travel far to events or even a weekend track.
You are going to drop 25K a year min to run one of these even in an amature series.
Even the kiddie carts are expensive with my neighbor plopping down 10k per year
I believe for most people, they will have to live with a Nitro R/C Car and a dream
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H 8:47PM (2/07/2007)
An excellent idea updated from the BMW concept car, the Z21. Way more hardcore and most likely well executed given KTM's excellent reputation.
Z21 info: http://www.zroadster.net/tim/future/z21.html
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CarExpert 1:22AM (2/08/2007)
It looks awesome. It seems powerful. I can’t wait to see that for real. I want to see the parts and the performance. I wonder what rotors are there. Rotor has been my problem before I got to have EBC rotors - http://www.activebrakesdirect.com/ebcrotors.html - for my car… I hope that would be out in the market soon.
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