Autoblog

KTM X-Bow GT allows the freedom of going helmetless [w/video]

Chris Paukert — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Videos, Specialty

We've never quite understood exactly how air manages to negotiate the KTM X-Bow's unusually contoured carbon monocoque form, but nature's stiff breeze ought to have a clearer path over the trackday hero now that this new GT model includes a windshield and side windows.

The added foul weather protection doesn't include a roof (good luck designing one of those, KTM). However, it does include an integrated defroster similar to that of a Land Rover, along with a windshield wiper/wash system, too. Those two additions that should go a long way toward increasing the X-Bow's day-to-day livability, as one won't feel so vulnerable to bugs and kicked-up rocks when driving without a helmet. Other changes to the model include a redone center console, as well as new heating and ventilation controls.

No word yet on whether the X-Bow GT will be available in North America (the standard car recently found distributorship in the US). Want to learn more? Scroll down to check out the press release, and while you're there, check out a new KTM-produced video of the X-Bow Battle.

Continue reading KTM X-Bow GT allows the freedom of going helmetless [w/video]

KTM X-Bow GT allows the freedom of going helmetless [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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KTM reveals slightly more accommodating X-Bow GT ahead of Geneva

Chris Paukert — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Specialty, Design/Style

Being a purist is hard work. That's true with just about everything, but it's particularly true when it comes to lightweight roadsters. Jettisoning all manner of refinements including sound deadening, ride compliance and weather protection makes for a more vivid motoring experience, but it also demands a lot more of the driver. As diehard enthusiasts, we're all for that kind of compromise, but if you're on the retailing end, offering such uncompromising, narrowcast cars as the KTM X-Bow has a way of narrowing one's buying audience.

Enter the new KTM X-Bow GT, which adds at least a thin veneer of refinement to the spindly trackday hero in the form of a windshield and side glass. The standard X-Bow, you'll recall, makes do with but a sliver of a wind blocker - the sort of assembly that doesn't keep the bugs out of your teeth, let alone the rain and chill away from your body. So even if it doesn't look quite as racy, this new X-Bow GT should improve the car's long-distance livability and add a few more driving days to the season. It will even be available with heated front and side glass and, luxury of luxuries, a windshield wiper/washer system. Still no word of a top of any sort, however.

The GT is based on the X-Bow R, which relies on a version Audi's ubiquitous 2.0-liter turbo four. In this tune, the engine is said to be good for 285 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. For the moment, KTM isn't releasing any performance, pricing or availability information, but we should know more when we see the car unveiled at next week's Geneva Motor Show.

KTM reveals slightly more accommodating X-Bow GT ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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KTM working on more conventional X-Bow with doors, windscreen

Noah Joseph — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, MISC

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You could call the KTM X-Bow a great many things, but "practical" is not one of them. That could be changing - if ever so slightly - in the near future, however, if the latest reports are anything to go by.

Speaking with the blokes over at Top Gear, KTM chief exec Stefan Pierer admits his company is working on a version of the hardcore track car with actual doors, a windscreen and removable roof panels. We're dying to know how Team KTM will stick a lid on the X-Bow's angular close-coupled sheetmetal without looking like a crumpled mess. Will the hardtop X-Bow lose its cycle fenders in favor of a more traditional closed-wheel design, too?

We're told to look out for the X-Bow GT, or whatever they call it, around March 2013 - less than a year from now.

KTM working on more conventional X-Bow with doors, windscreen originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MTM-tuned KTM X-Bow R lays down the law in Monaco

Noah Joseph — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Videos, Police/Emergency

Policing the streets of Monte Carlo and the outlaying Monegasque countryside (little of it though there is) presents a unique set of challenges. Contrary to popular perception, there is an enforced speed limit in the Mediterranean principality. Enforcing it, however, is another issue, because Monaco has a higher concentration of supercars than 99-percent of the countries on the globe. So while they may get away with patrolling in puny Citroën diesels just across the border in France, the gendarmerie in Monaco needs something a little faster.

Solution: the KTM X-Bow. And not just any X-Bow - the X-Bow R, which tuner MTM has fortified to the tune of 400 horsepower. Considering the vehicle's 1,700-pound curb weight, that's enough juice to give this patrol vehicle a power-to-weight ratio capable of embarrassing most supercars. Of course, the KTM wouldn't be of much use in the rain, but considering the Austrian plates on this car, we get the distinct feeling that the officials haven't actually acquired any of these just yet - as much as KTM and MTM might like to sell them a few. Check it out in the video clip below.

Continue reading MTM-tuned KTM X-Bow R lays down the law in Monaco

MTM-tuned KTM X-Bow R lays down the law in Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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KTM X-Bow gets a roof, thinks it's a Stratos [w/videos]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance

If you miss the classic wedge shape of the Lancia Stratos, there are a few things you can do about it. You could buy yourself a vintage example, which will set you back a pretty penny. Or you could have Pininfarina build you one based on a Ferrari F430, and run the risk of legal action from Maranello. Or you could buy a KTM X-Bow and bring it to the creative folks at Montenergy.

The Italian carrozzeria has developed a body kit for the Dallara-built carbon-fiber chassis called the Stratosferica that gives it the look of the Stratos with the handling of the Austrian motorbike company's four-wheeled track monster. The conversion will set you back 12,000 euros (around $17,300 USD), but a simpler canopy addition called the Monte Carlo is also available and will take you most of the way there for less cash.

An engine upgrade is also available to boost the Audi-sourced TFSI four from 237 horsepower up to 310, which just sweetens the deal to a downright mouthwatering degree. Check it out in our galleries, or watch the pair of rudimentary video clips after the jump.

Gallery: KTM X-Bow Stratosferica

Gallery: KTM X-Bow Monte Carlo by Montenergy

Continue reading KTM X-Bow gets a roof, thinks it's a Stratos [w/videos]

KTM X-Bow gets a roof, thinks it's a Stratos [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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KTM X-Bow will start at $88,500 in the U.S.

Aaron Richardson — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Specialty

KTM X-Bow R - Click above for high-res image gallery

The KTM X-Bow is nearing its stateside launch as a ~~special-interest vehicle~~ kit car, and pricing for the track-ready toy has just been announced. For the basic "Street" model, expect to lay down a whopping $88,500 greenbacks.

If the lowest-end X-Bow is too soft for you, be prepared to shell out quite a bit of cash for the upgrades. The Clubsport version will command $103,500, the Superlight will set you back $134,500 and the top-of-the-line GT4 will carry a very hefty $139,000 sticker. In case you were wondering, that's Porsche 911 GT3 RS money. That price does not include the Audi engine and transaxle, which will cost buyers an extra $7,900 since the X-Bow can't be sold as a complete car in the United States.

By contrast, the Ariel Atom starts at $49,980 here in the U.S., again without any associated go-bits. Of course, that's for the most-basic 200-horsepower model, so it may be a little unfair to compare the X-Bow directly with the Atom. If you go for the Ariel Atom V8 when that makes its Stateside debut, look at plopping down around $160,000. Follow the jump for the full details in KTM's press release.

Gallery: 2011 KTM X-Bow R

[Source: KTM]

Continue reading KTM X-Bow will start at $88,500 in the U.S.

KTM X-Bow will start at $88,500 in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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300-hp KTM X-Bow R revealed

Chris Shunk — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance

2011 KTM X-Bow R - Click above for high-res image gallery

The KTM X-Bow may not be the prettiest ride on the track, but looks don't help you win races. With 240 horsepower motivating a mere 1,742 pounds, the X-Bow has plenty of punch to dice through a track with relative ease. And if 240 ponies can help you win at the track or the next stop light, then 300 horsepower ought to be even better. We caught wind of rumors back in July that KTM was prepping just such a beast, with the ability to hit 60 miles per hour in a scant three seconds, and it looks like those rumors were based in fact.

KTM has officially announced that the new X-Bow R is, in fact, the real deal, with a 300 horsepower version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter Audi engine sourced from the S3. The X-Bow R will also sit lower with a lower engine mounting to increase cornering speeds and impress your friends at the same time. The R model will reportedly come in two forms; a "Sport" variant for the street and a "Race" pack for the track.

If you're already one of the 500 existing X-Bow owners, don't worry about your sudden case of horsepower envy. KTM is said to be prepared to offer many of the parts that add up to an R designation through X-Bow PowerParts, giving owners the opportunity to tune their four-wheeled motorcycle to Sport or Race specifications. Additional details and pricing information will be available after the first of the year.

Gallery: 2011 KTM X-Bow R

[Source: CarScoop]

Continue reading 300-hp KTM X-Bow R revealed

300-hp KTM X-Bow R revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: KTM planning fresh X-Bow variants

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Specialty

KTM X-Bow - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to reports streaming out of Italy, KTM is set to debut new versions of its X-Bow sportscar. Good news indeed, as the last we heard the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer was putting the brakes on its four-wheeled endeavors in the wake of losses due to the economic downturn.

If you thought 0-60 in under four seconds was plenty quick... well, it is, but KTM will still be upping power from the standard car's 237 horses to something over 300 for the new R model, which should put the X-Bow into the 3.0-second-flat range. With acceleration like that, the only things likely to beat you from stoplight to stoplight are on two wheels, and then only maybe.

If you don't need such mind-bending forces on your body and would rather pamper your posterior a wee bit, KTM is also said to be working on a T model. We'd guess that moniker would stand for Touring, as the machine is said to be equipped with such niceties as an actual windshield. Time for a cross-country road-trip, no?

Gallery: KTM X-Bow

[Source: Autoblog.it via Motor Authority]

Report: KTM planning fresh X-Bow variants originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: KTM halts X-Bow production

Noah Joseph — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, MISC

KTM X-Bow - Click above for high-res image gallery

Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM had high hopes for its first foray into the world of four-wheeled motoring, but that was before the economy took a dive. Now reports suggest that the company has had to rethink how many of its X-Bow track cars it can sell, but further than that, they've had to stop production as supply outstrips demand.

KTM originally figured on building 500 units of the X-Bow each year, but soon thereafter increased their targets to 1000 per year. So far the factory in Graz, Austria, has built 500. Unfortunately, only 80 of those have reportedly been sold. According to reports coming from across the Atlantic, the extra stock has forced KTM to stop production altogether while it tries to sell the units it has on hand, with production not expected to resume again until January 2010.

Gallery: KTM X-Bow

[Source: PistonHeads]

REPORT: KTM halts X-Bow production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MTM tunes up the KTM X-Bow and Audi TTS

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertible, Coupe, Europe, Audi, Specialty

Click either image for a high-res gallery of MTM's creations

MTM tunes all things Audi, so it didn't take long for the firm to tweak the KTM X-Bow (with its VAG-sourced inline-four) and the all-new Audi TTS. Of the two, the X-Bow gets the milder tuning (if that's possible), with the 2.0-liter TFSI four-pot getting a boost in output from 240 to 318 horsepower. Torque rises accordingly, with 310 lb-ft on tap, sent through a modified six-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels. Four-piston Brembos with 305 mm discs are nestled within 18-inch wheels coated in Nokain Hakkapeliita-4 rubber sized 245/40. Although MTM doesn't cite a revised 0-60 mph time, it claims a top speed of 156 mph (one mph more than stock).

For those who are looking for a more friendly daily driver but aren't willing to wait around for the TTRS, the MTM-tuned TTS boasts 380 hp and 364 lb-ft of torque from an upgraded turbocharger that huffs 22.5 psi of boost into the 2.0-liter's four cylinders. A new intake and exhaust manifold is fitted, along with eight-piston Brembos clamping onto 380mm discs, with 20-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (245/30) tires. A 330 hp version is also available, starting at €63,103 ($85k USD), while the full-bore 380 hp package will set you back €73,715 (a cool $99k USD).

Gallery: KTM XBow by MTM

Gallery: Audi TT-S by MTM

MTM tunes up the KTM X-Bow and Audi TTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ABT gets its hands all over the KTM X-Bow

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners

Click above to view the ABT X-Bow in high resolution

Think of the most extreme vehicles on the road, and if you're brushed up on your adventurous automobiles, the KTM X-Bow should come to mind. Made by the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer and looking something like a Transformer caught between car and robot modes, the X-Bow is about as extreme as they come. So ABT has decided to tinker with it a bit.

The result of the German tuning firm's poking and prying is a boost to the 2.0-liter TFSI mill from the standard 240 horsepower, which was good enough to propel the lightweight track-day special to 60 in 3.9 seconds, up to 300 horsepower, which should be enough to tear your face right off. Now if you're thinking that the X-Bow is already in such high demand that ABT isn't likely to get its hands on one, think again: the tuning house will act as the X-Bow's official sales and service agent. Hilarity, in the form of wicked tail-slides and curb assaults, should ensue.

Gallery: ABT KTM X-Bow

[Source: ABT Sportsline]

ABT gets its hands all over the KTM X-Bow originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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KTM X-Bow confirmed for Race of Champions

Noah Joseph — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Click above to view the KTM X-Bow at Wembley in high resolution

One look at the KTM X-Bow should tell you it's about as close to a race car for the road as you're ever likely to see. Add to that the European GT4 Sports Light championship and it pretty much seals the deal. But if that still isn't enough, here comes the news that the 2008 Race of Champions has chosen the super-light Austrian track car to compete in this year's event.

For the uninitiated, the Race of Champions takes place every year, fielding a roster including some of the best racers from various motor sport disciplines on two wheels and four against each other on identical machinery. Each year the list of vehicles is changed, and has in the past included Ferrari, Aston Martins, Porsches, Renaults, Abarths, various rally cars and a specially-made sprint car. Last month, RoC officials took a look at the X-Bow, alongside a 4WD racer powered by a pair of Suzuki Hyabusa motorcycle engines, but the final decision just came down. You'll be able to watch the X-Bow, along with the rest of the motor-pool, being man-handled by some of the world's greatest, including F1's Sebastian Vettel, WRC's Sebastien Loeb, DTM's Mattias Ekstrom and WTCC's Andy Priaulx along with recently retired legends Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard at Wembley in London on December 14. More info in the press release after the jump, and images in the gallery below.

Gallery: KTM X-Bow for 2008 Race of Champions

[Source: Race of Champions]

Continue reading KTM X-Bow confirmed for Race of Champions

KTM X-Bow confirmed for Race of Champions originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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KTM taking orders on X-Bow 'Race' for ?82,900

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Click above for a high-res gallery of the KTM X-Bow "Race"

KTM and its four-wheeled racer, the X-Bow, had an incredibly successful season, dominating the GT4 Sports Light class in its inaugural year. With a serious campaign under its belt, KTM is finally making its "Race" version of the X-Bow available to consumers, and the bike-manufacturer-turned-automaker has big plans for the future.

Over 30 modifications were made to the standard X-Bow - ranging from semi-slick tires to an adjustable brake balance controller - to bring it up to GT4-spec, and if the €82,900 cost of entry isn't enough, KTM is offering a variety of optional "PowerParts" to take the X-Bow to the next level. Adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, central-locking wheels, an airjack system, Kevlar front panels, a carbon fiber tonneau cover and a revised rear bumper are available for track addicts abroad. But that's not all.

KTM is launching a new program billed the "Customer Racing Concept" which allows owners of the X-Bow "Race" to campaign in a number of events throughout Europe with full support provided by the KTM crew. For around €3,000 per race, CRS will take care of all the logistics on race day, including transport, race service, spare parts, hospitality, tires, fuel, driver and team equipment, making it easy - if not cheap - to campaign an X-Bow in a number of European series.

In 2009, KTM will launch the X-Bow Super Sport Cup, with two separate competitions. The SSC North will cover Germany, the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands, while SSC South covers France, Spain and Italy. A number of races are planned throughout the year, and there's talk of extending the program to the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar, and even the possibility of bringing it to the States.

Hit the jump for all the details in KTM's lengthy release.

Gallery: KTM X-Bow Race

Continue reading KTM taking orders on X-Bow 'Race' for ?82,900

KTM taking orders on X-Bow 'Race' for ?82,900 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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KTM GT4 X-Bow ready for race day

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:18:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Click above for a high-res gallery of the KTM GT4 X-Bow

In just under a month, KTM will be campaigning two race-prepped versions of the X-Bow in the FIA GT4 European Cup Sports Light class, and the purveyor of our newest track tool obsession has finally released images of its race-ready X-Bow. As detailed before, the GT4 version only receives a few modifications for track duty, including a steel rollover bar that replaces the production model's aluminum units, some added zylon fibers to cope with road debris, modified wheel covers and a Sparco integrated impact-absorbing head restraint system. Aside from those few safety-regulated changes, it's the same X-Bow you'll be able to pick up when sales begin this summer -- right after the GT4 version debuts at Silverstone on April 20th with Loris Bicocchi and Catharina Felser behind the wheel.

Gallery: KTM X-Bow GT4

Gallery: KTM X-Bow

[Source: KTM]

Continue reading KTM GT4 X-Bow ready for race day

KTM GT4 X-Bow ready for race day originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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