The X-Bow is the first four-wheeled machine from bike manufacturer KTM. It looks like a track day car, but KTM says the X-Bow is homologated for street use. Most intriguing is the fact that KTM sourced the engine from Audi. This is the same highly tractable, direct-injected 2.0T power plant used in the A4, although it has been tuned for 220 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque in the X-Bow. A six-speed manual gearbox with a limited slip is standard, and KTM plans to offer Audi's six-speed autobox as an option.
Thanks to its carbon-fiber monocoque construction, the X-Bow weighs in at just 1,543 pounds -- which means that the standard drivetrain delivers it to 60 mph in under 4 seconds. KTM is studying the possibility of producing a 300-hp variant.
The suspension is a wishbone design, with 205/40-17 tires fitted in front and 235/40-18s in back.
Hours in the wind tunnel resulted in a car that produces hefty amounts of downforce, says KTM, and the company is claiming a 1.23g lateral acceleration figure.
KTM will test the waters with a 100-unit European production run at the end of 2007. Pricing is projected around 40,000 euros. --Erin Riches, Senior Content Editor
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