Preview: 2011 KTM X-Bow R

KTM have just unveiled an upgrade to their X-Bow in the form of the X-Bow ‘R’. The KTM X-BOW R will be powered by the same engine as the new Audi S3. If Audi's engine is left in standard form, it means the KTM X-BOW R will develop 265PS and 350Nm of torque.

KTM is still in the process of developing the car. The major change is an upgraded powerplant generating at 300 horsepower, a significant jump from the standard X-Bow’s 237 horsepower. The engine for this even more powerful version comes again from Audi--but it is the more potent unit found in the Audi S3 sports hatch.

The packages each include a vast number of completely new developed parts, which increase the performance of the car dramatically. Many of these parts will be also available separately in the PowerParts program, so all current KTM X-BOW owners will enjoy the benefit of the new developments

The standard version of the KTM X-Bow delivers 240 hp, and has a total weight of 790 kilograms.




Press Release

At the moment KTM is working intensively on the 2011model of its super sports car
X-BOW. The first ever small series manufactured and street legal homologated car with a carbon fibre monocoque has been sold around 500 times since its launch in 2008. Around 50 X-BOW partners throughout Europe and currently ten importers globally look after sports car enthusiasts all over the world in order to supply the only 790 kilogram light, 240 horsepower strong extreme athlete.

After having been on the market for approximately two years now, the KTM X-BOW line-up will be supplemented with the introduction of the “R” model in the upcoming year. The engine for this even more powerful version comes again from Audi – but it will be exactly the same engine used among others in the actual Audi S3.

Changes to the engine electronics and peripheral devices will boost the performance up to 300 horsepower. Additionally, a considerably lower positioning and a modified mounting of the engine will lead to even higher cornering speeds and increased driving precision. In addition, two optional equipment packages should customize the X-BOW “R” as ideally as possible to the requirements of the customers: The road legal and homologated “Sport” package, as well as the “Race” package, which is optimised for track use. The packages each include a vast number of completely new developed parts, which increase the performance of the car dramatically. Many of these parts will be also available separately in the PowerParts program, so all current KTM X-BOW owners will enjoy the benefit of the new developments.

The prototype shown, pictured at a first rollout on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, has nearly all new parts installed, which will raise the enthusiasm amongst the numerous X-BOW customers and which should attract many more new customers.

Detailed information, prices and pictures will follow at the beginning of next year.

KTM Quake concept

The KTM Quake concept features not only a striking asymmetric body and multi-component wheels, it also has an extraordinary propulsion system which uses the principle of piezoelectric. Piezoelectricity describes the ability of some materials (notably crystals like quartz and certain ceramics) to generate an electric current when compressed. Currently Piezoelectricity is used commonly in items like piezo lighters, and starters for gas-fired barbecues etc.


Going on the lines of clean energy, the KTM Quake concept embraces it all out by using piezoelectricity for power. The Piezoelectric effect has been used in a number of gadgets, but none of them requires energy on such a large scale as to propel a car. Designer of the KTM Quake, Enrico Vettorato estimates that such technology will be in place by 2020, and has dated his concept for the same year.


As the styling and shape suggests the Quake is aimed at younger buyers who want something stylish, sporty and unusual. The two-seat layout and lightweight construction helps to keep power consumption to a minimum and increase the overall performance.


The Quake gets an asymmetric body form with multi-component wheels. The body is made mainly of natural coconut fiber, and a touch of carbon fiber as well. To continue the theme of asymmetry, the concept’s doors open in opposite directions, and the compartment is divided by a high center console. Each wheel of the car houses a 60hp electric motor, arranged to evenly distribute the weight and get the maximum out of the piezoelectric effect.


via:diseno-art