The KTM X-Bow which was first revealed at the 2007 Geneva Motor
Show is the product of a collaboration between Austrian motorcycle
maker KTM and Audi, who developed the engine.
|
The X-Bow is the first automotive product
from KTM |
 |
|
The Ariel Atom-like two seat roadster is powered by a 2.0 litre
four-cylinder producing in base spec a thouroghly respectable
220 horsepower, and in top spec a brutal 300 horsepower. Power
is sent to the KTM X-Bow's rear wheels through a six-speed manual
transmission. The chisleled and athletic structure of the KTM
X-Bow is made from a carbon
fiber monocoque
chassis. Total weight for the KTM X-Bow is just 700 kg (1543
lbs).
Although KTM have built their business on producing motorcycles,
the X-Bow looks superb, and almost matches their other product's
design style.
Gerald Kiska’s design studio designed the shape of the
X-Bow. Coming from Salzburg, he has worked closely with KTM
for the past 15 years and is entrusted not only with the design
of the motorcycles, but also with the appearance of the company
itself.
For the concept of the KTM brand’s first automobile, Kiska
incorporated many characteristics that are more closely associated
with motorcycles than cars. Every part of the X-Bow fulfils
a function, the technology remains transparent, the form is
noticeably simple. The few, orange-coloured body panels are
“floating elements”, like those of motorcycles, and
suggest lightness and simplicity.
The deliberate reduction in all things even includes the lights:
simple headlamps, embedded indicators flush with the car’s
contours and round lights at the rear forego superficial, showy
effects. Instead, the carbon structure also takes on design
duties, meaning that components which are frequently hidden
in cars, such as the silencer, suddenly serve an aesthetic purpose
in addition to their usual functions.
As a result of its design, the KTM X-Bow can do without a lot
of elements that ordinarily add complexity and extra weight.
So the narrow wind deflector makes an elaborate heating system
and windscreen wipers unnecessary; doors are also not included
in the design, due to the X-Bow’s low profile and the extra-low
side profile.
The seats are further examples of the KTM X-Bow’s intelligent
and simple construction: the shells for the driver’s and
passenger’s seats are already integrated into the carbon
fibre construction of the monocoque. An overlay provides solid
comfort. In order to provide the best ergonomics for drivers
of various heights, the X-Bow has manually adjustable pedals.
The driver can find all the information needed for driving on
the hub of the steering wheel.
The KTM X-Bow doesn’t have a luggage compartment. But it
does feature an innovative, mobile storage box for the car documents.
The equipment required by law, such as the warning triangle,
first aid kit and a tyre-fit system, are kept in storage compartments
beside the passenger’s foot well. A cover is stowed in
this same location; it protects the interior of the car when
it’s parked. Two helmets can be fixed in the passenger’s
legroom.
The X-Bow’s driving dynamics profit not only from the car’s
low centre of gravity but also from its superior chassis, which
also draws on racing technology for its basic principles. Suspended
on double triangular wishbone axles, the wheels feature suspension
and damping elements by WP Suspension, with a pushrod arrangement
up front.
The X-Bow’s powerful braking system consists of Brembo
305 mm discs at the front and 262 mm discs at the rear. The
interaction of the X-Bow’s light weight, ideal balance,
low centre of gravity and a 17-/18-inch tyre mix results in
spectacular braking performance: when the brakes are warm, the
KTM X-Bow needs only 33.1 metres to decelerate from 60 mph to
a standstill.
Similar and related vehicles:
KTM X-Bow Superlight
Ariel Atom 2
Deronda F400
|
