RE: Windows and doors for KTM X-Bow

RE: Windows and doors for KTM X-Bow

Monday 11th June 2012

Windows and doors for KTM X-Bow

'Civilised' model for KTM from March next year



The Austrian motorcycle manufacturer and maker of the extreme X-Bow track car is due to introduce a more mainstream version of its four-wheeled offering.

Speaking in an interview with Top Gear magazine, KTM CEO Stefan Pierer revealed that the new X-Bow model will come with doors and a windscreen - and even a roof. Of sorts.


KTM had considered a full-on roof, but decided against it as the issues with making it adhere to all the many and varied homologation and type approval regulations would have made it prohibitively expensive. Instead, there will be a removable roof panel that will work at up to 80mph.

KTM is also going after Le Mans glory, with plans to enter the LMP2 class with a modified X-Bow, possibly powered by a version of the turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine from the Audi TT RS. And a road version with the same powerplant could even be in the offing.

Author
Discussion

jimroyale

Original Poster:

97 posts

173 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
Is it still too expensive? Probably more so now that it's weather proof. Cost is king, especially right now. Lets hope there is a budget version.

anonymous-user

53 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
Wont be long before there is a Ducatti like this!

356Speedster

2,293 posts

230 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
Last I heard KTM had stopped X-Bow production due to low sales... did production re-start again?

I can't see that adding doors, a screen & a roof will help them shift cars, TBH. It's extreme nature is it's USP, I can't see many people wanting to spend getting on for 911 money on a slightly sanitised X-Bow. Ariel put a screen on the Atom (as an option) and it didn't bring in a whole new clientel, so I can't see this helping KTM either.

All this weather geat is going to add weight and will inevitably spoilt the looks. I think the answer to shifting more X-Bows is lowering the price. At £60'ish, they have always been way too expensive for what they delvier vs the competition.

GTRene

16,369 posts

223 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
here, the KTM X-bow Stratosferica biggrin







more>>

http://www.buntycars.com/gallery/119/org-ktm-x-bow...

GTRene

16,369 posts

223 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
and this





or this way?



the KTM X-bow Montecarlo




andrew.delamare

74 posts

254 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
GTRene said:
here, the KTM X-bow Stratosferica biggrin







more>>

http://www.buntycars.com/gallery/119/org-ktm-x-bow...
I love that.. very cool! its looking like 80K though at a guess which is a lot of cash even if it does look excellent.

GTRene

16,369 posts

223 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
pretty cool me thinks








kambites

67,461 posts

220 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
Looks like someone has nicked half the body panels of a Stratos. hehe

KDIcarmad

703 posts

150 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
GTRene said:
and this





or this way?



the KTM X-bow Montecarlo



I like this, but KTM's X-Bow is just a Lotus Elise! This should be seen as Elise with a roof, an Exige. Why buy this over the Exige? I think KTM should go back to bikes and let others do cars, unless they can bring the price down.

Person I had hope for a small cheaper car from a bike maker. How about a three wheeled KTM car?




pagani1

683 posts

201 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
For foolish millionaires and speed freaks only. Get a Hawk Stratos, add V8 from GM or Alfa V6 and go daddy go.

stuckmojo

2,955 posts

187 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
GTRene said:
here, the KTM X-bow Stratosferica biggrin







more>>

http://www.buntycars.com/gallery/119/org-ktm-x-bow...
wow I love that!

356Speedster

2,293 posts

230 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
The white car now looks bland and has lost the mad look of the original..... the other cars look very awkward with the top attached. Oh well.

TW

536 posts

201 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
You'd just buy a V6 Exige S and pocket the change though, wouldn't you?

ugg10

681 posts

216 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
Isn't it called the Alfa 4C ? (based on X Bow chassis IIRC ).

Hunky Dory

1,049 posts

204 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
356Speedster said:
Last I heard KTM had stopped X-Bow production due to low sales... did production re-start again?
I thought this too.

They've already proved that it's too expensive - adding a roof and doors will just make it even more expensive and less enjoyable compared to its competitors. Just think how loud and unpleasant it'll be inside that cabin when it's fully enclosed!

Much as I love the X-Bow, I wish they'd just let it die.

The Obeast

99 posts

143 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
I wish there were a few more car makers who were batsh*t crazy like ktm.

anonymous-user

53 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
The Obeast said:
I wish there were a few more car makers who were batsh*t crazy like ktm.
There are quite a few!

PATTERNPART

693 posts

200 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
I prefer the white one. The version I've seen looks horrid in my opinion!

davepoth

29,395 posts

198 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
Hunky Dory said:
I thought this too.

They've already proved that it's too expensive - adding a roof and doors will just make it even more expensive and less enjoyable compared to its competitors. Just think how loud and unpleasant it'll be inside that cabin when it's fully enclosed!

Much as I love the X-Bow, I wish they'd just let it die.
I think KTM probably realised that many people put windscreens and roofs on their cars, and perhaps that was what they should have done to start with - it becomes a bit more of a viable proposition if you can use it without a crash helmet...

356Speedster

2,293 posts

230 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
davepoth said:
I think KTM probably realised that many people put windscreens and roofs on their cars, and perhaps that was what they should have done to start with - it becomes a bit more of a viable proposition if you can use it without a crash helmet...
There can't be more than a handful of people who have retrofited some kind of weather protection, surely? It's openness is part of it's design / appeal, much like the Atom (who's optional windscreen isn't a big seller, I believe). I think KTM should have concentrated on getting the price down instead, then they might have shifted a few more units.