ABT Sportline has massaged and fine tuned the X-Bow's standard 2.0-liter TFSI engine gaining a healthy bump in power along the way. Previously laying down 240 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque, the $8,760 ABT package offers 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of rotational fortitude. With this increased spec, the X-BOW manages a 380 horsepower per ton power-to-weight ratio, 3.5 second 0-to-60 MPH blasts and a full factory backed two year warranty.

Jeff Lau, KTM's X-BOW Manager for the UK had this to say of the new package;

"X-BOW's racecar-inspired chassis and sophisticated aerodynamic package have always given owners the ability to go head-to-head with some of the world's most exotic machinery. This power upgrade will ensure that X-BOW owners seeking an even more extreme experience can do so in total confidence, building upon the quality assurance of the expert engineering and exquisite finish for which X-BOW is recognised."

[ktm via carscoop]

Some crazy Scandinavian motorcycle journalists had booked the up-specced, all carbon fiber KTM for a review, but when the car arrived, it started to snow. Rather than be put off by the inclement weather, they suited up in full winter riding gear and took it for a spin. The results are simply epic.

This KTM X-Bow retails for about $130,000 in Sweden, but doesn’t include a heater, even on the options list.

The biggest problem proved to be the lack of a windscreen. Not only was the full-face helmet necessary for warmth, but for keeping the constant spray of road-salt and slush thrown up by the snow plow-like front splitter out of the driver’s eyes. The test driver reported “limited visibility” as his greatest issue.

We’ll let them tell you the rest:

The car is actually doing fine on the snow. It runs on winter tires, but no studs. Compared to an old Porsche 911 with a similiar set-up (rear engine, rear wheel drive and no weight on the front wheels) it's a beauty for winter driving.

The steering is "ultraquick" and there's no ABS, ESP or any other three letter electronic devices. The same goes for power steering and servo-assisted braking. Feedback from the steering wheel is excellent. Steering, gearing and braking is direct, precise and "distinct" - although it's hard to tell how powerful the brakes are.

[via MC24]

The KTM X-Bow is just beginning to reach customers in Europe and, predictably, one of the first has already gone and crashed it. According to The Sun, the driver “skidded on two wheels” before mounting a crash barrier at the Nurburgring. Well, if you’re going to total your $70,000, 237 HP Austrian trackday special, we can think of worse places to do it. We predict more insanity when the X-Bow reaches US shores “some time in 2010.” [The Sun via Autoblog]

Just a few months after the official unveiling of the KTM X-Bow (read: cross-bow), the Austria-based motorcycle-manufacturer has more than 1000 confirmed orders for the vehicle. This is far more than ever expected.

The X-Bow can be ordered by telephone, internet or at one of over 700 KTM-dealers across Europe. Production starts in early 2008, and the first "cars" with deliveries beginning in the spring.

KTM plans to build around 1000 units in 2008 and up to 5000 X-Bows in each of the following years. The first 100 vehicles, which are long sold, will be specially equipped and will wear a number-badge to indicate they are one of the first 100 and part of a limited series.

While there are currently only a handful of photos so far - all showing the car r in standstill, here's proof KTM is dead serious about delivering their customers a refined product: Our shooters caught the car at speed undergoing handling tests on the Nürburgring earlier today.

The basic version will be powered by Audi's two-liter four-cylinder engine with FSI direct injection and turbo, delivering 220 bhp. Insiders state this will accelerate the car from 0 to 100 km/h in less than four seconds.

Down the line, an even more powerful version could make use of the Audi S3's engine and have an output of up to 300 bhp.