KTM preparing low-cost, clean city cars and SUV
As suspected, the KTM X-Bow is just the beginning of the bike-cum-automaker's assault on the four-wheeled world. According to CAR, KTM is in the process of creating a "slew" budget oriented vehicles, including a city car and "the world's first frugal and eco-friendly off-roader."The SUV, codenamed the New Haflinger, will split the difference between KTM's world-renowned bikes and a traditional utility vehicle, with a small footprint, an open- or closed-top body and the ability to handle the rigors of the Paris-Dakar rally (which it plans to compete in with four wheels) while still holding its own on the road.
Three separate city vehicles are also part of the product onslaught, which is being co-developed with Bajaj Auto, India's third largest automaker. One will be a four-seat, four-wheel runabout, while a scooter and three-wheeled modern take on the tuk-tuk is under development. KTM's aim is to produce a wide variety of bodystyles and drivetrains, and its plans to include gasoline- and diesel-powered models, along with an EV in the future.
[Source: CAR]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
srivendel 11:38AM (7/09/2008)
A small, economical, fun off-roader? Awesome.
Nice to see KTM doing what Jeep and Hummer should have been working on yesterday.
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Vintage 11:59AM (7/09/2008)
Jeep still has the Wrangler you know.
srivendel 12:03PM (7/09/2008)
I do, but 15 mpg city is pretty tough with $4 gas.
brandon 12:30PM (7/09/2008)
couldnt agree more.
cheap? off-roader? eco-friendly? able to paris-dakar? sign me up!
G-Meister 10:26PM (7/09/2008)
That 4000lb pig Jeep now calls a Wrangler is hardly small. The Jimny does all those things though.
Brent 11:51AM (7/09/2008)
Sweet!
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Alex 11:54AM (7/09/2008)
These things going to see duty in the US? I hope so. I would love to park my (future) KTM runabout next to my (closer future) KTM 990 Super Duke R.
...dreams ...they are fun
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Talkurt 12:30PM (7/09/2008)
the world needs more minimalist cars. before dodge brought out the neon srt-4 the engine was slated to be in a "copperhead" based car, no carpet/no radio, 2300 lbs 240 hp, starting at $14,000. Imagine how well that would have sold right as import tuners were at their height. Mabye KTM can come up with a winner.
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RMc 12:32PM (7/09/2008)
"KTM" and "Low Cost" in the same sentence? That's a new one for me.
They are an innovative company so I'm sure whatever they bring to market will be worth their development time and money.
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HotRodzNKustoms 2:57PM (7/09/2008)
I was thinking the same thing. KTM demands a huge premium over it's rivals.
Hot_Carl 12:54PM (7/09/2008)
Maybe a real contender to the Wrangler's crown? Exciting.
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Pacman 1:00PM (7/09/2008)
Where is the power plant going to come from? Are they going to tap Audi again or develop something inhouse? I'd like to see it but I am not holding my breath.
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imoore 1:30PM (7/09/2008)
I remember when Harley Davidson built the Wildcat mini cargo van back in the 1980's. I still see a few running around today.
I wish KTM the best of luck and I would love to see one in person when they do. But honestly, I always expected Polaris to do something like this, too.
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imoore 1:31PM (7/09/2008)
I remember when Harley Davidson built the Wildcat mini cargo van back in the 1980's. I still see a few running around today.
I wish KTM the best of luck and I would love to see one in person when they do. But honestly, I always expected Polaris to do something like this, too.
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RLQ 5:20PM (7/09/2008)
Not a bad idea, but I think KTM should stick to bikes.
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JS 6:08PM (7/09/2008)
why ? what if bmw and audi would have stuck to bikes ?
RLQ 3:52AM (7/10/2008)
Good point and all, but I just don't this will work w/ todays
economy.