Hot Cars

2007 KTM X-Bow

February 15, 2007 on 1:05 am | In Sports Cars |

KTM, Europe’s second biggest motorcycle manufacturer, will introduce the first ever car in the company’s 50-year history: the X-Bow. Since the beginning of the new century, KTM, as the world market leader in the offroad segment has successively expanded its range of business activities into the street segment. The first step into the automotive sector is therefore a logical extension of this strategy. With the X-Bow, KTM can offer all those who do not have a motorcycle license a driving experience that is typical for the brand.

Speed from every perspective: the design

Aggressive, edgy, dynamic, a personality from every angle: the design of the KTM X-Bow originates unmistakably from the house of Kiska. AustriaÂ’s biggest design studio has had close links to KTM for almost 15 years and is not only responsible for the design of the motorcycles, but also for the corporate image of the company. The design of a lightweight sports car is where passion and challenge meet, resulting in a product that fits seamlessly into the KTM brand family.

The stylish hallmark of the X-Bow is its light-footed, optical presence evoked by the apparent floating panels of the bodywork, the rangy wheels and the transparent area that allows a perspective of the vehicle technology, which for example makes parts of the suspension and damping visible. The technical elegance of the carbon chassis has been used as a design element for the graphic concept. The two outer mirrors which are fixed to double guided stays are symbolic of the lightweight construction.

The purist attitude of the X-Bow also finds its expression in the striking headlights and rear lights. The rear is dominated by a central silencer and a powerful diffuser which is an indication of the level of painstaking work on the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

And as the first ever KTM sports car, the X-Bow naturally comes in the Mattighofen fashion colours: black and orange.

Cooperation with Dallara: The carbon fibre monocoque

The core of the KTM X-Bow is the sophisticated carbon fibre monocoque. This high-tech solution was until now reserved for use in top class motor sport and for elite street sports cars. Through a new construction- and production process developed together with the Italian development partner, the tradition-rich racing car specialist Dallara, this technology can now be offered in a significantly cheaper version. The KTM X-Bow therefore takes on the role of a forerunner that can use new insights and production processes to its benefit.

These advantages are impressive everywhere: With an extremely light weight of around 70 kg, the chassis of the X-Bow offers a maximum amount of rigidity and safety. A crash box in the front nose of the monocoque absorbs collision energy, while the roll bars are integrated into the structure.

An options kit is available on request which increases the recognized safety levels to that of the motor sports authorities FIA: this includes having additional struts mounted at already designated points.

Intelligent Turbo Power

KTM was able to secure Audi AG as a partner for the engine, which when delivered from the company in Ingolstadt Germany, is a congenial extension for the slim concepts of the KTM X-Bow. The four cylinder engine completely made of aluminium is light, compact and includes the most modern engine technology: four valve technology, FSI direct fuel injection, high pressure injection valves, turbo charge, a smooth, adjustable intake camshaft and two balancer shafts.

With this engine, the basic version of the KTM X-Bow will achieve 220 hp. An additional version will have a performance in the area of 300 hp at its disposal. First simulations for the KTM X-Bow in any case demonstrate its superior characteristics; the acceleration to 100kph should be comfortably under four seconds.

The transmission versions also come from Audi AG. A manual six-gear transmission comes with the series production, while an optional DSG-transmission will also be offered.

Motorsports for the highway

Apart from the optimal distribution of weight with the engine mounted between the axles, a guarantee of high speeds in the corners comes from the chassisÂ’ high quality suspension and damping elements. In this area KTM can call upon competence in its own company: the KTM Netherlands subsidiary White Power has at its disposal chassis experts for both on road vehicles and motor sports.

The brakes also come from the best possible source: KTM has had a long-term and fruitful partnership with the Italian specialists Brembo.

And for further improvements in the traction, KTM will offer a limited slip differential for the rear axle. This component part is particularly targeted at drivers who want to engage in certain activities on racing circuits.