RE: KTM Shows Off Extreme X-Bow R
Discussion
Happy to see some updates, gives me more options for the Christmas list 
As for whether it could have been more 'extreme' , the answer is yes but at what cost. Interested to see how they price this model.
At least they haven't put comfier seats in, a stripe down middle, special paint job and called it a special or limited edition
M
As for whether it could have been more 'extreme' , the answer is yes but at what cost. Interested to see how they price this model.
At least they haven't put comfier seats in, a stripe down middle, special paint job and called it a special or limited edition
M
Maybe not clear from the article but there is in fact a lot of improvements on the X-Bow R, including new forged wheels which significantly reduce weight, redesigned aero package with much more downforce, new rear subframe and suspension mounting points, new LSD, uprated engine and ancillaries, uprated dampers etc...
For those folks who get their kicks on track you really should try one. Two years in and I'm still savouring every drive. One of the very quickest road legal cars money can buy - fantastic to drive, low running costs.
For those folks who get their kicks on track you really should try one. Two years in and I'm still savouring every drive. One of the very quickest road legal cars money can buy - fantastic to drive, low running costs.
Real shame as the first ever motorbikes I rode last year were KTM 250 and 450's and it was on of the best days of my life - never ridden a bike before (Nevada desert). Sadly howver, the car just left me cold. I would say that because we hire Caterham Sevens, but we attended a promo track day in N Yorks last year and we did some demo laps and so did the KTM and there was only one real excitement. Fab looking thing but they somehow need to get the thrill of their bikes into a car. It's not aout lap times!
I've always liked the X-bow. Now that it's on par with the Atom, I like it even more. But I would have a real hard time choosing one over an Atom, and that white/orange/black paint scheme is horrid! I suppose they figure since it's nearly October....
I WOULD, however, have one of their bikes! The low growl of those big singles sound so much more interesting than any Japanese bike.
I WOULD, however, have one of their bikes! The low growl of those big singles sound so much more interesting than any Japanese bike.
Spot on.I wonder how many of the commentors have actually driven an X-Bow ? I have been most fortunate in owning two Ariel Atoms and have owned an early X-Bow for almost two years. That a small manufacturer can produce such a beautifully finished and well engineered car on a realistic budget is in itself astounding. The "hardcore" version is frankly unnecessary but will provide a little more PR opportunity for KTM for what is probably not a siginifcant cost to them. From my understanding, only the most accomlished drivers would benefit from the additional 60bhp.
It's seems obvious that the first thing most owners do is up the power. Therefore there needs to be more money spent right from the off which will disuade a lot of people.
KTM could have EASILY extracted another 50bhp from the std car without doing anything other than a remap.... no cost to them at all really. At least this would have gone a little way to justify the much increased cost compared to originally rumoured. Either that, or keep the power low and knock £15K off the asking price.
I think they really shot themselves in the foot with this one to be honest. It might be a great drive but it's the initial perception that has been ruined.
I think it looks absolutely astounding by the way. Massive prescence, there really is nothing like it visually.
KTM could have EASILY extracted another 50bhp from the std car without doing anything other than a remap.... no cost to them at all really. At least this would have gone a little way to justify the much increased cost compared to originally rumoured. Either that, or keep the power low and knock £15K off the asking price.
I think they really shot themselves in the foot with this one to be honest. It might be a great drive but it's the initial perception that has been ruined.
I think it looks absolutely astounding by the way. Massive prescence, there really is nothing like it visually.
ScottL said:
The issue isn't KTM, it's Audi, imposing limits on power.
In regards the comments about weight, at 790kgs the car isn't exactly heavy. Yes there are lighter cars around (Caterhams and Atoms for example) but none that offer the combination of passive safety and advanced aerodynamics.
Aside from the 211 maybe?In regards the comments about weight, at 790kgs the car isn't exactly heavy. Yes there are lighter cars around (Caterhams and Atoms for example) but none that offer the combination of passive safety and advanced aerodynamics.
HeMightBeBanned said:
The X-Bow is to the Lotus 2-11 what the Renault Sport Spider was to the Elise.
That's why I think KTM should try to angle it more as a road car instead of making it increasingly hardcore yet still falling short of what the nutter trackday market is looking for. They're just backing themselves into a corner within what's already a very small trackday market.Ozzie Osmond said:
HeMightBeBanned said:
The X-Bow is to the Lotus 2-11 what the Renault Sport Spider was to the Elise.
That's why I think KTM should try to angle it more as a road car instead of making it increasingly hardcore yet still falling short of what the nutter trackday market is looking for. They're just backing themselves into a corner within what's already a very small trackday market.The other issue for KTM is the dealer network. In the UK for example they only have one full service dealer (Dick Lovett in Swindon). The others dealers, whilst adding value in various ways, don't have showroom facilities, don't offer finance, don't take part exchanges etc...
I understand KTM have got the business operating on sensible cost base now. They are building cars strictly to order (around 5 per week) from an existing facility and the initial investment is written down.
ScottL said:
Stephanie Plum said:
Aside from the 211 maybe?
I love the 2-11. Fantastic car. Whilst it's around 80kgs lighter than a X-Bow, it isn't easy to get a lot more power out of the engine and there is very little aero.
It's about as safe a tub as you can find, imho, on a track car anyway. Aerodynamics wise you can help it with the addition of the carbon fibre wing, and bigger splitter, plus the hard tonneau helps a bit - but I grant you it's not brilliant. Power wise - a new close ratio box from Lotus allow improvements, lighter flywheels and chargecooling will help too, but when the Toyota goes bang we can drop a Honda in
PS I like the XBow - I just don't want to buy one
Stephanie Plum said:
I like them but you do need to spend decent money on a standard car to keep up with the competition. I nearly bought an Atom but then saw sense and went for the 2-11 If neither of those cars had existed then I might have bought an XBow, but the competition was just too stiff. However, production of the 2-11 is now finished - so maybe the X Bow does have a future if they price it right?
I hope it's lack of sales doesn't put other manufacturers off designing and building track cars though - life would be very boring without cars like this I think.
What put you off the Atom out of interest Stephanie? If neither of those cars had existed then I might have bought an XBow, but the competition was just too stiff. However, production of the 2-11 is now finished - so maybe the X Bow does have a future if they price it right?I hope it's lack of sales doesn't put other manufacturers off designing and building track cars though - life would be very boring without cars like this I think.
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