KTM-X-BOW in great Demand
Discussion
If the KTM X-Bow has had such huge demand, why can't a specialist kitcar manufacture tap into this maket, apart from the Ariel Atom ?
http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evonews/208419/ktm_xbow....
To be honest, a few kitcar manufacturers, have invested in new models, that could compete in the same niche, being the Mev Rocket, the Storm, and the new RCR roadster, and would expect of them to do real well in the future, but they are not enough in my opinion.
Research and development Money could be a factor, but I'm not so sure......, the seven was born on a shoestring, and it was more about design creativity, and tapping into a desire......
Could it be a lack of design/styling investment....shifting needs, because the engineering capabilities are out there......just a thought...
As much as i love Sevens and cobras, this industry can't survive the future on two major products alone......I could be wrong, by their is a sea change in shifting buying taste ,coming from the younger generations, and very few are taking notice, apart from the above mentioned kits, and a few others like the Murtaya.....
There needs to be a vision for the future of the kit industry, otherwise the big car/motorcycle manufacturers are going to fill this specialist sportscar niche.........and we will loose our toys.......
Would like to hear your thoughts and considerations, ?
Italo
http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evonews/208419/ktm_xbow....
To be honest, a few kitcar manufacturers, have invested in new models, that could compete in the same niche, being the Mev Rocket, the Storm, and the new RCR roadster, and would expect of them to do real well in the future, but they are not enough in my opinion.
Research and development Money could be a factor, but I'm not so sure......, the seven was born on a shoestring, and it was more about design creativity, and tapping into a desire......
Could it be a lack of design/styling investment....shifting needs, because the engineering capabilities are out there......just a thought...
As much as i love Sevens and cobras, this industry can't survive the future on two major products alone......I could be wrong, by their is a sea change in shifting buying taste ,coming from the younger generations, and very few are taking notice, apart from the above mentioned kits, and a few others like the Murtaya.....
There needs to be a vision for the future of the kit industry, otherwise the big car/motorcycle manufacturers are going to fill this specialist sportscar niche.........and we will loose our toys.......
Would like to hear your thoughts and considerations, ?
Italo
KTM are a multi-national company with the resources to match. Now they don't have the resources of a major car manufacturer but they still have huge cash when compared to any kit manufacturer. They are big enough for VW to allow them to use engines and assist with technical information on installation and development etc. Because they are already a known name (albeit in a different field) the magazines and TV programs will take them serious and cover what they are doing. Add to this they have the PR and marketing support that allows them to keep their presence in the magazines month after month. The car also has a proper dealer network and service support at VW/Audi establishments, this means the car will be able to be sold anywhere and have backup.
Compare this with your average specialist or kit manufacturer where all the money goes into the engineering. The brand has no cachet and there is limited (in terms of scope and geography) backup for the product once it is out there. Most of the guys who set up these enterprises are perfectly nice, but they are out and out engineers with little or no commerical savvy, which is ultimately their downfall. Also the standard of fit and finish on some of these cars can be poor and the styling is not always brilliant. Compare the X-Box, developed with Dallara and with significant time spent in the windtunnel with your average back of envelope kit car design...
Compare this with your average specialist or kit manufacturer where all the money goes into the engineering. The brand has no cachet and there is limited (in terms of scope and geography) backup for the product once it is out there. Most of the guys who set up these enterprises are perfectly nice, but they are out and out engineers with little or no commerical savvy, which is ultimately their downfall. Also the standard of fit and finish on some of these cars can be poor and the styling is not always brilliant. Compare the X-Box, developed with Dallara and with significant time spent in the windtunnel with your average back of envelope kit car design...
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