The KTM X-Bow is a prototype of a new lightweight sports car. How lightweight is it? Well, it does not have a windshield, doors or a roof, and its chassis is entirely made of carbon fibre.Powering the X-Bow is Audi's famous turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder. This engine develops 220 hp and has to move only 700 kg (1,500 lb). Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox. The X-Box rockets to 100 km/h in a very brisk 3.9 seconds. Scrubbing off all that speed is a set of 4-wheel disc brakes clamped on by 4-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers.
This vehicle is devoided of ABS, air bags and stability control and carries all of its instrumentation on the steering wheel like an F1 car. KTM, an Austrian company better known for its motorcycles, plans to produce 500 units per year, however the company will strive to reach its maximum annual capacity of 1,000 units. The first 1,000 have already been spoken for.KTM is Europe's second-largest motorcycle maker and has been in business for over 50 years. Production of the X-Bow will begin in early 2008.
photo: KTM