KTM X-Bow

The KTM X-Bow (pronounced "crossbow") is an ultra-light sports car for road and race use, produced by Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM. It is the first car in their product range. It was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008. It was completely different from what the Austrian manufacturer had ever produced before. If the 1190 RC8 was a break from their tradition of making only off-road and dual sport bikes, then  the X-Bow was a break from their tradition of making only bikes itself. KTM, known for their 990 Adventure and motocross bikes, had produced a stunning car. And the whole world took notice.

KTM developed the X-Bow in collaboration with Kiska Design, Audi, and Dallara. The X-Bow uses aturbocharged four-cylinder 2.0 litre Audi engine. The 2008 model produces 237 hp (177 kW; 240 PS) at 5500 rpm and 310 newton metres (230 lb·ft) of torque between 2000 and 5500 rpm. and can accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds. Its top speed is 217 km/h (134.9 mph). In the 2011 X-Bow R model the Audi engine is further tuned to produce 300 hp (224 kW; 304 PS) and 400 newton metres (300 lb·ft) of torque at 3300 rpm. 

Originally, KTM planned a production of 500 units per year, however, the company increased production to 1,000 cars a year and built a new plant near Graz due to high demand.

Other Features

• Tires front: 205/45 ZR17
• Tires rear: 235/40 ZR18
• Brakes front: Brembo 305 mm (12.0 in) diameter discs
• Brakes rear: Brembo 262 mm (10.3 in) diameter discs

Racing

The KTM X-Bow was raced in the Supersport category of the 2008 FIA GT4 Championship (#100 Catharina Felser, #101 Christopher Haase and Dennis Retera, by Reiter Engineering), taking a podium finish at Monza and pole position in the wet qualifying session at Nogaro.

The FIA-homologated KTM X-BOW GT4 is available for racing purposes.

The car has been raced at annual Race of Champions events since 2008.

The KTM X-BOW Battle race series started in 2010 and was a support event for the DTM German Touring Car series at Adria Raceway in 2010 and Lausitzring in 2011.

In a March 2012 episode of Top Gear, presenter Jeremy Clarkson drove an X-Bow around Donington Park circuit in England. He applauded the tires' grip, saying during a James May-inspired session of donuts (burnouts), "It's like driving on Superglue." But later in the same episode during a cold and rainy road trip from Donington Park to Top Gear's production studio, due to it lacking a windshield and roof, he had to buy a scarf, snow jacket, and a toboggan to finish the trip.

Awards and recognition

• 2008 Sports Car of the Year, Top Gear