RE: Windows and doors for KTM X-Bow
Monday 11th June 2012
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.
Windows and doors for KTM X-Bow
'Civilised' model for KTM from March next year
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.
Discussion
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.
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 said:
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 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. or this way?
the KTM X-bow Montecarlo
Person I had hope for a small cheaper car from a bike maker. How about a three wheeled KTM car?
GTRene said:
wow I love that!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.
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...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.
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.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff