2011 KTM X-Bow R

KTM has unleashed the most powerful X-Bow ever. The new R version will feature an Audi sourced engine from the S3, but while the engine delivers 265 HP in the S3, it has been tuned to provide 300 HP for the X-Bow R.

The X-Bow R features a considerably lower positioning and a modified mounting of the engine that will lead to even higher cornering speeds and increased driving precision. If KTM receives enough interest, they will offer two road legal and homologated packages: a “Sport” version and a “Race” package, which is optimized 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.

UPDATE 05/20/11: The KTM X-Bow R has made its debut on the Red Bull Ring in the presence of national and international motorsports personalities. At the event, it showed exactly what it is capable of, giving the company a grand opportunity to provide some more images for us to ogle.

Exterior and Interior

 

Next to the impressive engine under the hood, the X-Bow R will be distinguished by a carbon fiber racing monocoque with a crash box in visible carbon fiber, smooth surface racing underbody with a rear diffuser in aluminum composite, individually adjustable pedals as well as adjustable and removable multi functional steering wheel, painted rims, 4-point safety belts, and special paint work in the “R” design.

Engine

 

For the engine, KTM has chosen one of the most efficient and powerful engines with a 2.0 liter displacement. The engine delivers a total of 300 HP and a peak torque of 295 lbs-ft of torque at 3,300 revs.

The push rod suspension on the front axle, which comes directly from the Formula racing sport, and the suspension on the rear axle have both been revised. The KTM X-BOW R is characterized by an additional increase in handling, even more extremely exact and delicate than up to this stage of the development.

Prices

Just recently, the KTM X-Bow has officially received its pricing details for the US, giving us an idea just how much money we’re going to have to part with to be able to bring one of these bad boys home. The base "Street" model of the X-Bow is now being sold for an eye-popping $88,500. Other versions of the X-Bow include the "Clubsport" edition that fetches $103,500, the Superlight Edition that’s priced at $134,000, and the cream-of-the-crop GT4 Edition, which comes with a staggering $139,000. Not exactly chump change, is it?

In Europe, the KTM X-Bow R is priced at 58,795 euro, or about $83,800 at the current exchange rates.

Competition

The main competitor for the KTM X-Bow R is still the Ariel Atom. For the R version, Ariel has prepared the V8 500 which is powered by a V8 engine that delivers 500HP and 284 lb-ft of torque at 7750RPM. The model will sprint from zero to 60mph in 2.3 seconds, making this the fastest accelerating production car on the planet, on its way to a true 168mph.