Filed under: Convertibles, Euro
For Why? KTM offers winter wear for your X-Bow

Click above for a high-res gallery of the KTM X-Bow playing in the snow
Given the chance to take the KTM X-Bow into any environment, a wintery wonderland wouldn't be one of them. But KTM wants to allow its mid-engine track tool to weather all the seasons – and peddle a few more of its PowerParts and PowerWear accessories to its drivers. X-Bow owners can choose from either central-locking or five-bolt wheels wrapped in Pirelli Sottozero snow tires, along with an optional set of chains. And even though a fixed roof is planned for future models, the current generation X-Bow's occupants will have to deal with the climes clothed in Schöffel jacket and pants, and matching Schuberth helmet. The full line of winter wear will set you back 950 euros, and when you arrive at your chilly destination, you can wrap the X-Bow in either an indoor cover (380 euro) or an outdoor cloak for 325 euro. We think we'll pass and wait for spring.
Gallery: KTM X-Bow Winter Wear
PRESS RELEASE
Since the launch of the KTM X-Bow in mid-2008, the radical, lightweight, mid-engined concept with its stunning carbon fibre monocoque has attracted massive interest from both consumers and from the media. It has been bestowed with numerous awards, of which the latest is Top Gear magazine's "Sportscar of the Year". Anyone wishing to experience KTM's first sportscar doesn't have to wait until the spring: just in time for the cold season, the open top sportscar has been made winter proof!
To assist with catching that perfect four-wheel drift through the pristine white winter wonderland, there are numerous accessories from the KTM PowerParts and PowerWear collections to choose from. Pirelli Sottozero snow tyres are available – with central locking as well as with five bolt wheels. For intrepid drivers that like their thrills to be more extreme – a common trait of X-Bow buyers – snow chains are available, which are of course homologated and ensure good traction under the most demanding of conditions. Drivers are protected against "Jack Frost" with advanced clothing by Schöffel and a helmet by Schuberth, all specifically designed for winter action in the X-Bow. The full set (helmet, jacket and trousers) is available from 950 Euro*. And once the fun is over, the X-Bow too is allowed to jump into its protective winter attire: an indoor cover is available from 380 Euro*, and for protection on the ski-lift car-park an outdoor cover is available from 325 Euro*.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mobius_1 7:33PM (12/12/2008)
Screw snowboards, I'm snow-X-bowing.
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MachinaDC5 7:36PM (12/12/2008)
Finally I can drive a X-Bow in the winter. That seals it, I'm getting one. The heck with your SUVs for winter driving!
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timurjonchik 7:40PM (12/12/2008)
You gonna die if roll over on this car.
Stupid
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Luke 7:46PM (12/12/2008)
First of all, how would you roll a car that low? Second, what do you think that thing above the headrest is for?
Mobius_1 8:38PM (12/12/2008)
You could die if an asteroid hits you in the head.
Adam 9:07PM (12/12/2008)
Screw possibilities, you should let darwinism run it's course and just die. Die or do some research before you share your asinine comments.
why not the LS2LS7? 9:01PM (12/12/2008)
The indoor cover costs more than the outdoor cover? Couldn't I just put the outdoor cover on when I'm indoors instead?
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dac 4:46PM (12/13/2008)
No, that would be a violation of the Outdoor Cover's Terms of Use and would void your warranty.
Davin Black 12:50AM (12/13/2008)
I am all over this shizznit; good stuff, KTM!
I could see the climate-controlled suits seeing use throughout the year, when what you thought was warm weather gets markedly chillier when moving at 50+ mph.
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nagmashot 5:02AM (12/13/2008)
You guys should think about were cars come from, KTM is from Austria a country mainly placed in the Alpen. They have there long winter with lot of snow, many winter days are ice cold but with blue sky and a joy to drive (if you have the skills) on snow roads. Why should they park their toys in the garage for 2/3 of the year?
Should they miss such fun?
http://bilder.autobild.de/ir_img/57459717_cdb5a8099f.jpg
http://bilder.autobild.de/ir_img/57459694_d180f14673.jpg
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ahkmel foley 1:06PM (12/13/2008)
Damon, I'm not sure where you live, but here in Michigan winter drifting is a way of life. If you have a car that handles amazingly, why not throw some snow tires on it and take it for a spin?
There is a reason why many people from the midwest naturally know how to handle a car that hangs out its tail, because we grew up driving like that in snow.
If the writers of Autoblog as a whole (you used the term "we") believe that driving a sports car in the winter is a dumb idea, you should choose new professions because you're not true automobile enthusiasts.
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Davin Black 3:57PM (12/14/2008)
I don't think the writers are surprised at the idea of driving a sportscar in the winter; it's the fact that we're talking about taking out a sports car with no roof, screen, or heat. I'm sure some people have no problems dropping their convertible tops in sub-50 degree weather and romping about, but you have to admit that would be the exception rather than the rule. The X-Bow, in comparison to any other convertible sports car, would be significantly LESS protected from the elements.
I don't know how they do things in Michigan, but see if people pull out their supermotards or dirtbikes to do some winter drifting, as that's the kind of elemental exposure the X-Bow would simulate.
Mark 4:33AM (12/15/2008)
You want to know why? I'll tell you why, the thing's made in Austria, and it's bloody cold there for a sizeable chunk of the year.
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