A Road Legal Track Car

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KTM are a company more known for motorcycles, so for its first foray into four wheels it’s maybe not surprising that the X-Bow looks like something a motorcycle designer might come with for a car. There’s no (proper) windscreen, roof or side windows – basically all the comfort of a sports-bike. However, it’s under 800kg and can sprint its way to 100kph in 3.9 seconds, so has the performance of a sports-bike. It’s less “wind in the hair motoring” and more hurricane in your face motoring. Read on...

The KTM X-Bow was launched in 2008 and was a joint effort with design company KISKA, Audi and race car manufacturer Dallara. It has a 4 cylinder, Turbocharged Audi engine that produces 237hp and is mated to a 6 speed gearbox.

So, ideally, the X-Bow is suited to the track. It weighs 300kg less than a GR Yaris with slightly less  horsepower, but will reach 100kph 1.5 seconds before the mighty homologation special Yaris. It also his high levels of grip and the handling of a go-kart. It’s a phenomenal track day weapon.

But where something like the Yaris beats the X-bow is the roof and windows and general comfort on the road. You see, the KTM is a road legal car whilst barely being a car. You don’t need a helmet for road use so you will forever be picking out wasps from your teeth while negotiating rocks thrown up by passing trucks. And if it rains you get wet. But you don’t buy a X-bow for comfort and safety. You buy one for excitement.

This car sold new in NZ in 2009 and must be one of very few here. Despite its lack of creature comforts it has still clocked up over 40,000 of the most exciting/terrifying kilometres imaginable. It’s at Turners Christchurch.

More details here.