KTM X-Bow

KTM X-Bow

Austrian company KTM is better known as a manufacturer of high-speed racing and off-road motorcycles. But what happens when the fans of motorcycles they want to build a no-compromise car? Turns out the KTM X-Bow.

The history of the company KTM started in 1934, when engineer Hans Trunkenpolz opened in his native Austrian town Mattighofen small workshop for metal processing "Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen", services which were popular in the area. After the Second world Trunkenpolz decided to switch to the production of bicycles, and by 1954, the gates of the factory left the first motorcycle. As is known to us Yamaha line of motorcycles has become the main KTM: their off-road models several times won the rally-RAID "Dakar", and ring are widely used by MotoGP riders Cup. In 2006, the company thinking about creating an ultralight supercar, which later became the name X-Bow.

2012 – KTM X-Bow RR

KTM X-Bow

For those customers, which was not enough abilities X-Bow R, KTM has prepared an even more hardcore version, justly received the prefix RR in the title. All the same engine Audi 2.0 TFSI subjected to intensive revision in MTM, where famous tuners installed a new intercooler and larger forged pistons with connecting rods, and increased the boost pressure. As a result, the heroic power of the engine jumped to 360 HP Engine was segregational with a sequential racing box.

Threw out from the car air conditioning, audio system and electronic dog collars, and also improved the aerodynamics of the body, installing new side skirts and rear diffuser. The result was not long in coming – RR weight of only 720 kg accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and the maximum speed reached 250 km/h! By the way, the Roadster running racer Christoph Haas, the winner of the marathon "24 hours nürburgring" North loop in just 7 minutes and 25 seconds, beating the lap time of cars such as the Ferrari 458 Italia (7:28) or the Porsche 911 GT3 RS (7:27). The price of a new body which was made entirely of unpainted carbon fiber, amounted to 66 000 Euro.

2013 – KTM X-Bow GT

KTM X-Bow

For clients who desire a pleasure car, so that it can be and to try out on the track, and ride on a summer evening along the coast of nice, the Austrians have prepared a "domesticated" version of their Roadster, is better adapted to public roads. Novelty presented at the Geneva motor show, received the prefix GT. From earlier versions of X-Bow new modification is characterized by a frontal and side Windows, which allowed to drive without a helmet. Also, the car was easily removable canvas roof, which is designed to move at speeds not exceeding 130 km/h, with an owner should closely monitor the weather forecast – it will have to be stored separately in the garage. For things the owner has arranged the Luggage compartment, which can fit only genuine travel bags.

A car equipped with dual-zone climate control, electric mirrors, sound system with four speakers and ABS. Under the hood is located two-liter Audi TFSI engine, which develops 240 HP In tandem with his staff working seven-speed robotized transmission DSG with two clutches, however, on request can install and manual transmission and limited slip differential. As a result, the acceleration time to "hundreds" of "civilized" version amounted to four seconds and maximum speed reached 220 km/h.

2015 – KTM X-Bow GTR

KTM X-Bow

In the spring of 2015 to the race tracks of the FIA GT4 came out indoor racing prototype, built on the basis of X-Bow by KTM company and racing team Reiter Engineering. Carbon monocoque, based on the body of the car, left virtually unchanged, adding only a steel safety cage. Exterior panels of the closed body has complied with all of the same CFRP, with no doors, to get into the cockpit, we have to raise the front part of the car body. Serious changes were made to the rear, the car became longer to increase stability at high speeds has been developed diffuser and a huge rear wing to generate downforce.

Behind the driver is the Volkswagen two-liter turbo engine, developing 400 HP, which has supplied lubrication system dry sump. Paired with him running a sequential gearbox Xtrac. Although GTR and has no tolerance on public roads, the Austrians sell the car to any interested teams just 139 000 euros – and this is one of the most inexpensive cars in the peleton.

Production cars:

KTM X-Bow

Originally, KTM planned to release 500 roadsters a year at the Dallara plant in Italy, but the car proved so popular that the expansion of production built a special factory in Graz, Austria. However, the carbon fiber monocoque still made in the autoclaves of the Dallara factory, where people come to Graz, where final Assembly of cars. The plant is designed to produce 1,000 cars a year. To buy a X-Bow only in Europe, 50 authorized dealers of the brand.

Interesting facts:

KTM X-Bow

The logo mark is a stylized letter KTM orange, which, incidentally, is the brand for the company.

X-Bow is one of the official cars participating in the "Race of Champions" – The Race of Champions, an annual international event in which participating riders-winners of the most prestigious world series: Formula 1, WRC, ALMS, WTCC, NASCAR. The Roadster was recognized by many of the legendary riders, among whom was Michael Schumacher, who spoke fondly about the dynamics and controllability of the Austrian sports car.

Cars KTM X-Bow in different versions are officially licensed for many automotive simulations. To ride them you can, for example, in Gran Turismo 6 or Forza Motorsport 5, as well as in GRiD 2, Assetto Corsa and Project CARS.

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The thing KTM?

The company is a developer of high-end motorcycles.

This is the first supercar built in Austria.

The car was developed in cooperation with Dallara, one of the largest manufacturers of racing cars in the world.