KTM Shows Off Extreme X-Bow R
Hardcore X-Bow snapped at the 'Ring
This is the first working prototype of the new KTM X-Bow R, a hardcore version of the already pretty hardcore track car from the Austrian bike maker.
After a couple of years on sale, and 500 X-Bows down the line, KTM has decided that the time is right for a faster version, and has given the R 300horsepower - up from the original's 240hp.
In order to get the extra power from the Audi-sourced turbocharged 2.0-litre motor KTM says, rather endearingly, that it has made, "changes to the engine electronics and peripheral devices" to boost the engine to 300 horsepower.
The X-Bow R isn't just a matter of extra power, however; the engine has also been lowered in the chassis for an improved centre of gravity, and two optional equipment packages have been revealed. These are 'Sport' for road-going X-Bows, and 'Race', for those who don't want to compromise on-circuit performance in the cause of a pesky numberplate and tax disc.
KTM also says that its existing customers will be able to make many of the R upgrades to their own cars.
That's it for details for now - KTM promises more pics, prices and specs in the new year...
IMO making it more hardcore is the wrong direction for the company. In order to sell it to human beings they need to get a windscreen on it and a rudimentary rain cover (along the lines of Boxster Spyder).
There will only ever be a tiny number of people wanting to spend £50k+ on a trackday special.
IMO making it more hardcore is the wrong direction for the company. In order to sell it to human beings they need to get a windscreen on it and a rudimentary rain cover (along the lines of Boxster Spyder).
There will only ever be a tiny number of people wanting to spend £50k+ on a trackday special.
As a track specific car, it's just not worth more than a far superior Radical, or twice a Caterham R500.
You would hope that in materials cost it is significantly under £30K so really all they need to do is try to suck some dev cost back. So, what do they think is the best plan... sell 500 cars at £50K ech or 5000 cars at £30K. Go figure.
As above though, a 2-11 or an R500 is less money. That and that alone is the KTM's problem given how highly regarded those cars are.
If someone is that concerned about low COG and tweaked handling then they buy a track only race car which is light, quick and agile.
What's the point in a tweaked road car that you can't take on the road?
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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