KTM Announces 2011 X-BOW R Model

Austrian motorcycle specialist KTM is hard at work on the 2011 model year version of its X-BOW track-focused sports car, which will gain a higher performance R model. The original 790 kg (1,742 lb) X-BOW is powered by an Audi-sourced 240HP 2.0-liter TFSI. Around 500 have been sold worldwide since it was launched into the market in 2008.
The R model will have an additional 60 hp (45kw) over the standard model thanks to the adoption of the more powerful 2.0 TFSI from the Audi S3, which features changes to the engine electronics and peripherals to bump output to 300-horsepower.
It will be available in two equipment packages: a road legal / homologated "Sport" package and a more track orientated "Race" pack.
Many of the parts that go into the R will be available through X-BOW's PowerParts, so owners can tune their existing X-BOW to Sport and Race specifications.
Pictured in our gallery is a prototype version of the 2011 X-BOW R with the new parts installed undergoing testing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
More detailed information, including pricing, will be released early next year.

photos

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2011 KTM Sport Cars X-Bow R Exclusive Class

KTM is developing another variant of its X-BOW model called the X-BOW R for 2011. The prototype of the model is featured in the photographs published here doing some testing. Pictured above is a prototype of the new X-Bow R taken at its first test outing at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany. The 2011 KTM Sport Cars X-Bow R Exclusive Class will be a sportier version of the current X-BOW from the boutique Austrian automaker (KTM is mainly a motorbike and bicycle maker) which has been available since 2008.

As far as streetable open-track cars go, the KTM X-Bow is in a very exclusive class, kept company primarily by the Ariel Atom and the Lotus 2-Eleven. But KTM is reportedly planning to up the ante with a pair of new models, including a race-bred R model and a more practical T model. The R model will likely be an evolution of the GT4 car.

The T model will up the comfort and practicality factor a bit for folks looking to get more double-duty out of the X-Bows, adding a windshield to divert air over the cockpit. That will no doubt be a welcome addition for those that would like to drive the car without wearing a helmet all the time. The X-Bow T will wait until 2012 to hit the streets.

After having been on the market for approximately two years now, the 2011 KTM Sport Cars X-Bow R Exclusive Class line-up will be supplemented with the introduction of the “R” model in the upcoming year. The engine for this even more powerful version comes again from Audi – but it will be exactly the same engine used among others in the actual Audi S3.

The X-BOW R will boast a 2.0-litre TFSI engine from the Audi S3, and this motor is good for 221kW of power. All of this will fit into the 790-kilogram body which boasts an upgraded suspension which is lowered, and better handling — thanks for a new engine mount setup. The two-seater will include a road-legal Sport package and a Race kit for the track only version.

At the moment KTM Cars is working intensively on the 2011 model of its super sports cars X-BOW. The first ever small series manufactured and street legal homologated car with a carbon fibre monocoque has been sold around 500 times since its launch in 2008. Around 50 X-BOW partners throughout Europe and currently ten importers globally look after sports cars enthusiasts all over the world in order to supply the only 790 kilogram light, 240 horsepower strong extreme athlete.

Preview: 2011 KTM X-Bow R

KTM have just unveiled an upgrade to their X-Bow in the form of the X-Bow ‘R’. The KTM X-BOW R will be powered by the same engine as the new Audi S3. If Audi's engine is left in standard form, it means the KTM X-BOW R will develop 265PS and 350Nm of torque.

KTM is still in the process of developing the car. The major change is an upgraded powerplant generating at 300 horsepower, a significant jump from the standard X-Bow’s 237 horsepower. The engine for this even more powerful version comes again from Audi--but it is the more potent unit found in the Audi S3 sports hatch.

The packages each include a vast number of completely new developed parts, which increase the performance of the car dramatically. Many of these parts will be also available separately in the PowerParts program, so all current KTM X-BOW owners will enjoy the benefit of the new developments

The standard version of the KTM X-Bow delivers 240 hp, and has a total weight of 790 kilograms.




Press Release

At the moment KTM is working intensively on the 2011model of its super sports car
X-BOW. The first ever small series manufactured and street legal homologated car with a carbon fibre monocoque has been sold around 500 times since its launch in 2008. Around 50 X-BOW partners throughout Europe and currently ten importers globally look after sports car enthusiasts all over the world in order to supply the only 790 kilogram light, 240 horsepower strong extreme athlete.

After having been on the market for approximately two years now, the KTM X-BOW line-up will be supplemented with the introduction of the “R” model in the upcoming year. The engine for this even more powerful version comes again from Audi – but it will be exactly the same engine used among others in the actual Audi S3.

Changes to the engine electronics and peripheral devices will boost the performance up to 300 horsepower. Additionally, a considerably lower positioning and a modified mounting of the engine will lead to even higher cornering speeds and increased driving precision. In addition, two optional equipment packages should customize the X-BOW “R” as ideally as possible to the requirements of the customers: The road legal and homologated “Sport” package, as well as the “Race” package, which is optimised for track use. The packages each include a vast number of completely new developed parts, which increase the performance of the car dramatically. Many of these parts will be also available separately in the PowerParts program, so all current KTM X-BOW owners will enjoy the benefit of the new developments.

The prototype shown, pictured at a first rollout on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, has nearly all new parts installed, which will raise the enthusiasm amongst the numerous X-BOW customers and which should attract many more new customers.

Detailed information, prices and pictures will follow at the beginning of next year.

Electric bikes ignored?

When the UK government announced earlier this week it was ring-fencing £43 million for Plug-in Car Grants, there was a mostly positive response from the motor industry.

However, the exclusion of electric motorcycles from the scheme has been met with criticism. The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) is not too happy, and it has already contacted the Department for Transport demanding an explanation for the omission.



Quite rightly, the MCI points out that electric bikes beat congestion better than any car and so reduce journey times. Its stance is that the government should therefore be encouraging them, not ignoring them.



There is already a selection of electric motorcycles and scooters available on the market. These include the Econogo Yogo and the Zero range, with more - such as the KTM Freeride - coming soon. In general, these bikes are more expensive than their petrol-powered counterparts, due mainly to the cost of the batteries. Therefore, some cash from the government would help to narrow the price gap.

But maybe the government feels that as two-wheelers usually emit less CO2 and use less fuel than cars, the benefits of getting riders to switch to electric won’t actually be that great?



Or perhaps it’s a question of economics. One of the objectives of the Plug-in Car Grant is to encourage the development and manufacture of low emissions vehicles within the UK.



With the likelihood that the majority of electric bikes (especially scooters) would come from the Far East, the government may have already determined that including motorcycles will be of little advantage to the UK. And after all, why should it spend taxpayers’ money on grants that effectively subsidise imported products?

Electric KTM Freeride

Austrian manufacturer KTM has unveiled its Freeride electric bikes at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show.

Available as either an off-road enduro or a street-orientated supermoto, both versions share the same battery and motor technology. That means a peak 30 horsepower and a top speed of 43 mph (70 km/h). Performance is helped by the two bikes being so diminutive - total all-in weight is only 90 kg, including the battery pack.

As with most electric vehicles, it’s the battery that will be so critical to the success of the product. Price, performance, range and recharging time are all directly influenced by it.

According to KTM, the Freeride’s 2.5 kWh battery should be good for one hour of off-road riding. After that, it’ll take 90 minutes to fully recharge, although alternatively it can simply be swapped over for another one - assuming the rider can afford the cost of a spare.

KTM is planning to commence European Freeride sales in spring 2011, with a price expected to be ‘under €10,000’ - that’s around £9,000 at today’s exchange rates. By comparison the KTM 125 SX, a two-stroke petrol-powered enduro, is £5,256. Such a difference can partly be explained by the money spent on developing the Freeride, but it’s mostly down to the cost of that battery.



There are already a few electric scooters on the market, but the Freeride’s main competition will probably come from the Zero Motorcycles range.



Zero’s X and MX off-roaders are less powerful than the Freeride, producing 23 hp from a 2.0 kWh battery. However, they do only tip the scales at 73 kg and 78 kg respectively, so that weight advantage should help to overcome some of the power deficit versus the KTMs.

UK prices are also much less than those envisaged for the Freeride, with the X starting at £5,995 and the MX at £6,595. The other Zero models are the S supermoto and DS dual-purpose. Both cost £7,995, and use a more powerful 4 kWh battery that allows a top speed of 67 mph and a range of 50 miles (80 kilometres).

The current state of electric vehicle technology means bikes like KTM’s Freeride seem expensive. But they may safeguard the future of off-road motorcycle sport, because of their virtually silent running. True, reduced carbon emissions are a benefit, but noise is often a real problem. It causes objections from nearby residents which, combined with local regulations, often mean it’s difficult to stage events or build a track.

KTM Quake concept

The KTM Quake concept features not only a striking asymmetric body and multi-component wheels, it also has an extraordinary propulsion system which uses the principle of piezoelectric. Piezoelectricity describes the ability of some materials (notably crystals like quartz and certain ceramics) to generate an electric current when compressed. Currently Piezoelectricity is used commonly in items like piezo lighters, and starters for gas-fired barbecues etc.


Going on the lines of clean energy, the KTM Quake concept embraces it all out by using piezoelectricity for power. The Piezoelectric effect has been used in a number of gadgets, but none of them requires energy on such a large scale as to propel a car. Designer of the KTM Quake, Enrico Vettorato estimates that such technology will be in place by 2020, and has dated his concept for the same year.


As the styling and shape suggests the Quake is aimed at younger buyers who want something stylish, sporty and unusual. The two-seat layout and lightweight construction helps to keep power consumption to a minimum and increase the overall performance.


The Quake gets an asymmetric body form with multi-component wheels. The body is made mainly of natural coconut fiber, and a touch of carbon fiber as well. To continue the theme of asymmetry, the concept’s doors open in opposite directions, and the compartment is divided by a high center console. Each wheel of the car houses a 60hp electric motor, arranged to evenly distribute the weight and get the maximum out of the piezoelectric effect.


via:diseno-art

Geneva : KTM Reveals X-Bow ROC & X-Bow Superlight

Railway, manufacturers changed the prototype to completely eradicate the production of vehicles in just two and a half years, has returned to Geneva, to celebrate one year, because they produce X-Bow premiere. Founded in the spring of last year in Geneva, at X - Bow's position is on at five variants, 2, to make their world debut: at train X-Bow X-chiu, and the Republic of China bow.


Austrian motorcycle manufacturer's strategy, in 2009 amendments to the revised prediction of the output figure dropped to 600 units in 1000 from the alterered with X-Bow line.


X-BOW Street, utilising like all X-BOW models Audi's 2.0 TFSI engine, remains the range's base model and is priced at 49.980 euros (exc. national taxes and import duties). The X-BOW Clubsport, 'perfect' entry-level for the track, is priced at €59.980 and the GT4, with its FIA seal of approval, is priced at €82.900.


Basic authentication on lightweight X-Bow's carbon fiber chassis structure, material reservations to the current aerospace and Formula 1, X-Bow will be showing off its ultra-racing-derived technology, for all to see. This means that the application of black body panels and carbon fiber wheel cover can be seen to give ultra-unique 'technoid' Look. Carbon boat accident and the suspension of the two boxes are installed in the other monomer.


At 79,980 euros (plus tax and import tax country), are in the ultra range, breaking the KMT's X-Bow and equipped with limited-slip differential, lightweight alloy wheels, paint a single central nut and all the important race timer.


X bow at the Republic of China to give a nod to the legendary race of champions' event, last year at London's Wembley Stadium, where thousands of fans cheered the car drivers of different vehicles and the names, including迈克尔舒Mach, Loeb, Tom Kristensen and Mattias斯埃克Strom. This is the train X-Bow first time.


With the praise of the world's leading driver, but obviously the team, limited edition model is necessary. So enter the X-Bow 'Championship run, or short-term Republic of China. Set to run only 30, our exclusive use of the body-panel design, paint, draw in particular lightweight alloy wheels, sports exhaust pipe and Mobile multi-function steering wheel. This € 69,980.

And resigned from the production of 600 units in the current economic climate, the driver will be the focus of attention to its customers a series of special PowerParts and PowerWear products, as well as take part in X-bow Cup and RaceOrange plan.
via:World Car Fans



Other article:
KTM concepts could point the way forward for Austrian brand
KTM X-Bow gets a Winter Package
KTM X-Bow Dallara in Geneva: 100 Units Only
KTM X-Bow to Make UK Debut
KTM X-BOW Unveiled in Geneva
KTM reveals completed X-Bow prototype
2008 KTM X-Bow Spied On The Ring
KTM to present production ready version of X-Bow at Geneva

KTM concepts could point the way forward for Austrian brand

KTM, the Austrian purveyor of both two- and four-wheeled motoring lust, has made it clear that it's a force to be reckoned with as it branches out into other enthusiast markets with such ridiculously awesome products as the X-Bow roadster and its RC8 superbike.


Two things that remain a constant feature through all of the firm's recent products are the orange, black and white color pallette and its angular design language. These features, along with KTM's race-ready heritage, makes conceptual vehicle design for the company extremely interesting and proof comes in the form of six concepts designed by industrial design students at FH JOANNEUM University.


This is an instance where pictures speak louder than words, but we've copied the designer's stated vision for each machine with captions in our gallery below. Each of these concepts was designed in conjunction with KTM, so they may offer an early glimpse into what's coming from the company. In a word: awesome. We'll take one of each. Thanks for the tip, Marc!


* KTM AX - A radical off-road four-wheel vehicle concept
* KTM sr 85 Deuce - An environmentally-friendly lightweight vehicle
* KTM CX - A racing vehicle that brings motocross to the water
* KTM 360° - A super-light, silent electric bike
* KTM Ascender Flight Vehicle - A gas turbine-propelled flying vehicle
* KTM Barracuda - A hydrofoil boat
More Photos



Other article:
KTM X-Bow gets a Winter Package
KTM X-Bow Dallara in Geneva: 100 Units Only
KTM X-Bow to Make UK Debut
KTM X-BOW Unveiled in Geneva
KTM reveals completed X-Bow prototype
2008 KTM X-Bow Spied On The Ring
KTM to present production ready version of X-Bow at Geneva

Car News: KTM X-Bow gets a Winter Package

Given the chance to take the KTM X-Bow into any environment, a wintery wonderland wouldn't be one of them.


But KTM wants to allow its mid-engine track tool to weather all the seasons – and peddle a few more of its PowerParts and PowerWear accessories to its drivers.


X-Bow owners can choose from either central-locking or five-bolt wheels wrapped in Pirelli Sottozero snow tires, along with an optional set of chains.


And even though a fixed roof is planned for future models, the current generation X-Bow's occupants will have to deal with the climes clothed in Schöffel jacket and pants, and matching Schuberth helmet.


The full line of winter wear will set you back 950 euros, and when you arrive at your chilly destination, you can wrap the X-Bow in either an indoor cover (380 euro) or an outdoor cloak for 325 euro. We think we'll pass and wait for spring.

via autoblog



Other article:
KTM X-Bow Dallara in Geneva: 100 Units Only
KTM X-Bow to Make UK Debut
KTM X-BOW Unveiled in Geneva
KTM reveals completed X-Bow prototype
2008 KTM X-Bow Spied On The Ring
KTM to present production ready version of X-Bow at Geneva

Sao Paulo Motor Show : Fiat Bugster Concept Debuts

This greenish two-seater concept that looks like a crossover variant of the KTM X-Bow (check it out by clicking here) is the Fiat Bugster and it will make its world debut at the bi-annual Sao Paulo Motor Show in Brazil which takes place this year between 30 October and 10 November.


The concept vehicle that has been developed by the Italian firm's automotive engineering division in Brazil features a zero-emissions electric engine while its outer body is made completely out of renewable natural fibers thus reducing the environmental impact of the vehicle. Follow the jump for one more picture of Fiat's Bugster concept.
Source: Carscoop



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Dakar changed to Central Europe Rally

Due to the huge disappointment of this years Dakar Rally cancellation, Amaury Sport Organisation, which runs the Dakar has found an alternative event to be held in Central Europe.

The Dakar is an infamously tough event on both man and machine. If the harsh, arid terrain and environment wasn’t enough for the competitors, the political instability of the many countries included on route must test the organisers to the limit.

And unfortunately this was the case for this years planned Dakar as a Terrorist threat closed the whole show down। Not to be deterred, Amaury Sport Organisation appears to have quickly resolved the situation which will please many fans, competitors and sponsors alike.



The rally, scheduled to run from the 20th to the 26th of April, will be staged in Romania and Hungary and promises to provide a completely contrasting backdrop to the dunes of the Sahara. The prospect of greater media coverage and spectator access has encouraged many of the major teams such as; BMW, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Schlesser and KTM to give their support. Roll on April.
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation