To make the SC250 handle, Jetstream has hired a company called Intrax as its suspension supplier. Intrax is run by a guy that used to work on the suspension for Michael Schumacher's Benetton F1 race cars, so we're going to assume that's a good thing. With a price of about $55,000 (£29,495), the SC250 needs all the pedigree it can get. But if you're still not convinced, you might want to wait for the 300 HP version coming next year — or you could just buy an Ariel Atom and have something that's actually good-looking. [via WorldCarFans]

The rumors follow an interview with VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech in German magazine Stern in which he expressed regret for failing to buy Ducati during the '80s when it was troubled financially. He then went on to say, "I would still like a small, valuable motorcycle manufacturer, I myself drive a Ducati. 180 horses and more power per kilogram weight than a 1,001hp Bugatti."

KTM would be a good fit for VW. Not only are they based just across the border, but the two already collaborated on the X-Bow track car. It's this, combined with Piech's statement, which is most likely fueling these rumors.

In our opinion, it's unlikely that VW would consider its own range of bikes. Not only is it litigation adverse, but there's a limited market for motorcycles that pales in comparison to that for cars. Neither does KTM need the partnership, after a fresh injection of capital from Indian motorcycle maker Bajaj, they're on course to become Europe's largest bike manufacturer by 2020, when they aim to produce over 200,000 bikes annually.

It's also extremely unlikely that VW would revive the GX3, an expensive program that caused much controversy within the company before being killed off.

It's much more likely that if VW and KTM are talking it's about producing a lightweight, high-tech, ultra-high-mileage car, something like the 1-Liter Car concept. KTM would be able to offer expertise in both carbon fiber and small production runs, VW could offer money.
[via Auto Express]

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.

KTM presents the first ATV models in the USA! Ready to Race on four wheels! KTM introduces the brand new ATV models 450 XC and 525 XC to the media. With the presentation of these new ATVs, KTM extends its range of products to include a completely new model family. And just like the two-wheeled KTMs, the brand philosophy "Ready to Race" was also firmly in the foreground when developing both the 450 XC and 525 XC ATVs. The world leader in the production of offroad motorcycles has invited the international media to Providence/USA to test these four-wheeled sport machines that represent pure objects of desire "made in Austria". Riding on a challenging course, the journalists at the launch can decide for themselves about the quality of these innovative and sophisticatedly constructed sport ATVs. And to suit this brand new area of business activity, both of the innovative new ATVs are driven by a powerful and extremely reliable KTM single-cylinder four-stroke engine. The stand-alone and extremely light-weight chassis, exclusive use of highest quality components and the typical, purist and fascinating KTM design has already transformed these new models into the most dependable sport ATVs of all time. And the rest of the world also has reason to celebrate: After the introduction of the new KTM model family on American soil, the all-terrain vehicles will be available via through the entire KTM sales distribution network from the summer of 2008.

Hey, kids, it's the KTM X-Bow. Let's go say hi. Sure, the little roadster is just as we pictured it. Compact, busy, and with just enough amusement-park frivolousness to make us wish we were either eight years old or luxuriating in an fortune derived from someone else's sweat. (Both wouldn't be bad.) KTM says it's building a pilot run of 100 by the end of 2007, before deciding on a series run. That's mainly a function of whether motorsports engineering firm Dallara can build them fast enough. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

KTM X-BOW

KTM's first automobile
Racing technology for the road
Light and safe carbon fibre monocoque
Spectacular design
Four-cylinder TFSI from Audi
Puristic, unfiltered driving experience
Supersport performance
Outstanding power-output values
Production of a 100-unit pilot series begins at the end of 2007
A decision about producing a small series will be made until April 2007

Premiere at the Geneva Motor Show

An aggressive design and sporty potential: the X-Bow is not merely a milestone in the KTM brand's more than 50-year history, it's also a new citation in the small, but elite segment of radical, lightweight sports cars. This exceptional position is the result of the concept: for their first car, KTM employs the finest materials, high-tech and the know-how of respected development partners such as Audi and Dallara. The result is a street-homologated sports car with racing technology, like an avantgarde, carbon fibre monocoque. Thanks to the basic version's light weight and the 162 kW (220 hp) Audi TFSI engine, the performance values of the KTM X-Bow outstrip those of super- sport cars with more than twice the power: with a deadweight of approx. 700 kilos, the KTM X-Bow accelerates to 100 kph in just 3.9 seconds. But the X-Bow isn't just a racing machine, even if it is going to accomplish spectacular performance feats on racing circuits. With its modern technologies and exceptional solutions, it's much more oriented towards sporty drivers who seek a purist's driving experience. By foregoing electronic assistants and today's standard comfort features, the X-Bow offers an unfiltered adventure - aided by its standalone wheels in the style of monoposto racing cars, transparent technology and the car's reduced concept, i.e. no roof, doors or windscreen. The sports car has only a 70- millimeter, transparent wind deflector. With all these unique features, driving the KTM X-Bow becomes an experience with an immediacy that otherwise can only be felt when riding a motorcycle.

The Next Step into the Future

For the Upper Austrian motorcycle manufacturer - Europe's second largest - the decision to expand its line of business into the automobile market was of great strategic significance. It was made possible by the company's extraordinarily dynamic growth over the past 15 years. Since 1992, KTM vehicle sales have risen an average of 21% each year, while the volume of sales even climbed to 25% each year. Today, KTM is the world's leading brand in the offroad segment and in recent years has successively expanded its model portfolio into the street sector. "Moving into the automotive sector is the logical continuation of this strategy. With the X-Bow, KTM can now offer the classic KTM driving experience to all those who don't have a motorcycle licence," says Stefan Pierer, CEO of the listed KTM Power Sports AG, explaining this investment in the company's future.

Carbon Fibre Monocoque: Racing Know-How from Dallara

Carbon fibre monocoques have been the Formula 1's safety net for years. On the road, this technology was formerly reserved for the elitist, supersports cars in the highest price classes. KTM would now like to be the first to offer this solution in a much more affordable environment. KTM has thereby been able to call upon the expertise of its development partner, Dallara. These specialists from Varano (near Parma) in Northern Italy have long been acclaimed as carbon technology experts, from the conception to the production of components made of this light, yet rigid material. The monocoque developed for the KTM X-Bow is not only extremely robust it is also safe, thanks to an integrated crashbox. And yet it weighs only about 70 kilos and is therefore a crucial factor in the vehicle's spectacular performance.

The Engine: TFSI Technology from Audi

KTM was able to gain Audi AG as its partner in developing the drive unit. The four- cylinder TFSI engine represents the X-Bow's construction principles in an ingenious way: by featuring lightweight, high-performance and intelligent technologies. The engine's outstanding attribute is its gasoline direct injection technology, FSI. In this case, it's combined with an exhaust turbocharger plus an intercooler. Thanks to FSI, the engine can utilize fuel better than one with ordinary intake manifold injection and it even gets by on less fuel in the frequently used partial load range. The injection takes place at a pressure level between 30 and 110 bar, valves in the intake system direct the inflowing air into a cylindrical movement. A continuously variable intake camshaft ensures optimal cylinder charging at any speed. Two balancer shafts compensate the second order inertia forces and so guarantee superior, low-vibration operation. The KTM X-Bow's long-stroking, four-valve engine delivers a powerful performance: 300 newton-metres of torque peaks at a level between 2200 and 4000 rpm. The peak performance of 162 kW (220 hp) is achieved at 5900 rpm. Even more powerful engine variations in the 300-horsepower range are planned at a later date. The drive unit package is complemented by a manual 6-gear transmission, which is also made by VW and can be equipped with a limited-slip differential if so desired. An optional S tronic transmission will also be offered. The drive comes from the rear wheels.

The Chassis: Direct and Competent

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 Italian brake manufacturer Brembo can also be proud of its reputation for excellence. KTM is also expanding this partnership (which began in the motorcycle sector) into the automobile realm. The X-Bow's powerful braking system consists of 305 mm discs at the front and 262 mm discs at the rear. The interaction of the vehicle'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 100 kph to a standstill.

The Aerodynamics: Exceptional Contact Pressure

The primary development goal for the KTM X-Bow was not attaining extreme final velocities, but in optimising the driving dynamics. The sports car is thereby aided by an ingenious aerodynamics arrangement, the result of many hours in Dallara's wind tunnel. The most vital element in this area is the underbody, which is equipped with a prominent diffusor at the rear. To make this diffusor work even more effectively, the linking points for the rear suspension were set as high as possible. This enables the KTM X-Bow to achieve a phenomenal downforce of about 200 kilograms at a speed of 200 km/h - about three times more than most other supersport cars. In combination with the high-performance chassis, this fantastic downforce makes extreme curve speeds possible. The transversal acceleration of 1.23 g that can thus be attained noticeably surpasses the usual values achieved by street homologated sports cars. The aerodynamic concept was a great challenge for the designer as well. It meant that sufficient air had to be channelled into the inlets located in the sides, behind the passengers. The radiator is also located at the rear of the vehicle, to avoid having to install longer, heavier cooling hoses. This mission was accomplished by using special air baffles, which are installed horizontally on the sides of the car so the passengers can also use them as boarding aids.

Safety: Racing Technology

The crucial component protecting the driver and the passenger is the solid, carbon fibre monocoque - safety technology straight from Formula 1. This structure is supplemented by a crashbox in the nose of the vehicle. The silencer, which is built into the rear of the car, was also designed to act as a crashbox; it absorbs the force of an impact to the rear of the vehicle. The driver and passenger are also protected by four-point safety belts, which were inspired by the racing world. If so desired, this unit can be equipped with a fifth securing point. The two roll bars are clearly visible. They not othey are skilfully integrated into the monocoque's structure.

Extras: for the Automobile and the Driver Supplementary equipment - like kits to increase the engine's performance or an aerodynamics package - give the sporty potential of the KTM X-Bow an even greater boost. Another segment of the accessories programme aims in the opposite direction: together with Dainese, the renowned Italian specialist for motorcycle apparel, a new line of clothing and helmets is being developed especially for the KTM X-Bow. These intelligent components are designed to assume functions that are normally performed by the car: weather protection, climate control and - thanks to integrated technology - even infotainment functions such as sound and mobile telephony.

The Next Steps: Premiere in Geneva, Building a Pilot Series of 100 Units

A prototype of the KTM X-Bow will make its first public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show. This prototype is also the basis for a pilot series of 100 units, which will be produced in Dallara's factory beginning at the end of 2007. The limited series is a result of the Italian company's manufacturing capacity: four to five vehicles can be built per week, with a large share of the work being done by hand. Due to the special status of this pilot series, KTM has decided to equip all the vehicles of this initial production with a number of first-rate accoutrements, which will later be offered as extras. Included in the standard equipment for the first series are the limited-slip differential, lightweight metal rims with a central nut mounting, and a Formula One racing steering wheel that can be removed via a quick-release mechanism to simplify getting in and out of the car. The four body panels - lacquered orange on the prototypes - are made of carbon fibre in the pilot series (later they'll be made of synthetic material), and the chassis's damping elements are adjustable. And of course other individual equipment requests can also be fulfilled. Because of the greater extent of the equipment range, the projected basic price of 40,000 Euros (incl. VAT) is naturally higher for an exemplar of this pilot series. A definitive price will be announced after the Geneva Motor Show. After the publication of the first drawings, the interest in the pilot series prototypes was overwhelming. Every spot on the list of prospective buyers was already filled in January, while the waiting list has got considerably longer.

The KTM X-Bow will be street homologated in accordance with European small series homologation regulations. But since the respective guidelines are defined differently throughout the EU, KTM currently anticipates standardising the X-Bow in the following countries: Germany, Finland, Greece, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Switzerland.

The Vision: Producing a Small Series Beginning in 2008

Depending upon the reactions to the vehicle presentation in Geneva, KTM is considering extending the pilot series of the X-Bow into small-series production. This small-series production would take place in Austria beginning in 2008 and entail an annual production of between 500 and 1000 vehicles. Parallel to this small-series production, an efficient distribution structure would also be established. The plan includes a network of around 15 to 20 partners throughout Europe, who not only have experience in motorsports, but also a connection to the Volkswagen enterprise. A decision will be made concerning the small-series production of the KTM X-Bow by the end of April 2007.

Related:
More on the KTM X-Bow: Real Photos, Track Testing 101 [internal]

The KTM wizards dropped a few more photos of the X-Bow track-day roadster ahead of its unveiling in Geneva next month. They're the first real photos we've seen of the Austrian, Audi-powered two seater. We still can't confirm if that's the old Stig behind the wheel. [Thanks to Bernard for the tip.] – Mike Spinelli

Specs:

Engine
Inline-4-cylinder-engine with direct fuel injection system (FSI), turbo-charger and intercooler

Displacement
cm3: 1984

Max. Power
kW (HP) 162 (220)
@ U/min 5900

Max. Torque
Nm (ft-lbs) 300 (221)
@ U/min 2200-4000

Valves
4 pro Zylinder, DOHC

Bore & stroke
mm 82,5 x 92,8

Emission standard
Euro 4

Transmission
Rear-wheel-drive with mechanical slip differential
Gearbox
6-speed-manual

Kerb weight
kg (lbs) 700 (1,543)

Weight distribution front/rear
37/63

Overall length/width/height
mm 3670 x 1870 x 1160
Wheelbase
mm 2430
Center of gravity
mm 400
Track front/rear
mm 1644/1624
Turning circle
m 10,8
Fuel tank capacity
l (gal) 35 (9.2)

Brake system
Front.: 4-piston-caliper
Rear.: 2-piston-caliper

Brake-disk diameter
Front/rear
mm 305/262

Wheels/tyres
Front: 205/40 R17
Rear: 235/40 R18

Acceleration
0-100 kph (62 mph): 3.91 seconds
Top speed kph (mph): 217 (135)

Braking distance 100-0 kph (warm)
m (f) 33,1 (109)

Aerodynamic downforce
kg at 100 kph 48
at 200 kph 193

Related:
More on the KTM X-Bow [internal]

KTM's released a new set of X-Bow concept shots ahead of its unveiling next month at the Geneva show. It's not exactly the concept we'll see; the subject is really a 1:25 scale aerodynamics tester. Nonetheless, the details remain the same: 1,500 pounds, VW/Audi 2.0 TFSI engine producing around 200 hp and around $50,000. Ariel may have a real competitor here. [Thanks to Bernard for the tip.] – Mike Spinelli

Related:
KTM Reveals X-Bow [internal]

Evo stopped by KTM's lair in Austria and got a look at three prototypes of the company's X-Bow track-day ride. Of the three, one's for crash testing, the other for chassis tuning and the third is for show; that's the one shipping off to Geneva in late February. The first production models should hit in mid-2007, and a single-make racing series is in the works for next year. Want more? The Audi-powered roadsters will come with six-speed manual, but the DSG automanual will be optional, addding 44 lbs to the X-Bow's 1,543-pound bulk. That brings up KTM's former four-ringed partner. Evo says Audi backed out of the joint venture because adding passenger-car safety equipment like airbags was a dealbreaker. That's the spirit! – Mike Spinelli

KTM X-Bow update [Evo]

Related:
KTM Reveals X-Bow [internal]

Everyone's favorite Smoky Mountains motorsports photographer, Killboy, caught shots of an unidentified trike as it traversed the Tail of the Dragon, betraying its duty as a test vehicle by way of various manner of tech gear. Speculation on its origin ranges from a BMW skunkworks project to a KTM-Audi mashup for the weekend-racer set. Like the Volkswagen GX-3 concept, killed by VW legal before it made production, it's got two wheels up front and one in the back, but unlike the GX-3, it's got a far more bike-like seating position. We're sure there's more to come, but from whom? – Mike Spinelli

Mystery Trike Spotted: BMW? KTM? You Decide! [Winding Road]

Related:
Let the Old World Have Some: T-Rex to Attack UK; Ding-Dong the GX3 is Dead: Spawn of Moonraker Officially Killed [internal]

Look in your rearview Ariel Atom, KTM's nearly done with its pure-sports concept, which the Austrian motorcycle concern will show off in Geneva next March. It's called the the X-Bow, and it'll be powered by an Audi-sourced engine of some displacement and weigh slightly over 1,500 pounds. Price is expected to be in the $50,000 range. Rumor has it the car will be built by Italian motorsports firm, Dallara, which builds the Audi R10 racer's monocoques. We'll get the whole debut spiel as the Geneva show gets closer. – Mike Spinelli

[via Motorionline]

Related:
Let's Go Austrian: More News on the KTM Car [internal]

According to the Germans who blog about cars, Austrian bike firm KTM has solidified some details on their joint venture with Audi. Scheduled to go public in the spring of '07 (Geneva, perhaps?) the vehicle will be built in Mattighofen or Graz, and Dallara (who, of course, build the R10 chassis) is apparently one of the contractors involved. Sales will be aimed for 1,000 per year, which makes the vehicle super-nichey, and if KTM and Dallara are involved, probably superleggera as well.

Some News About The KTM Car [The German Car Blog]

Related:
Audi, KTM Partnering On New Vehicle [Internal]

Apparently it's not only the Volkswagen brand that's been infected with the motorcycle bug over at VW AG Audi's reportedly working on a possibly-for-public-consumption project with Austrian motorcycle builder KTM. Supposedly, like VW's GX3, the vehicle requires a helmet, and the phrase "Super Seven-like" has been bandied about. Our wish? Given KTM's noted prowess in the rally-bike realm, as well as Audi's storied Quattro history, we'd love to see an on/off road dual-sport car. Think Meyers Manx for Now People, people.

Audi: A Secret Car Together With KTM? [The German Car Blog]

Related:
Doing the Dakar Rally on a Harley [Internal]