Unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show this past February, the 2008 KTM X-Bow was caught on video undergoing tests on the Nürburgring. Shot earlier today, the X-Bow showed off its handling in front of our crafty photographers.
If you want to live a life of anonymity, this is not the car for you. Almost ridiculously unique compared to other cars on the German roads, the X-Bow looks incredibly fun to drive. This first video presents a car with a great sounding engine, and shows a vehicle that corners very well. We can't tell how fast the X-Bow is going on the 'Ring,
On previous occasions we have seen spy photos of the basic version of the X-Bow, with a turbocharged 2.0 litre Audi four cylinder engine. Audi's engineering gives the car 240 horsepower. KTM's engineering brings the weight of the street-legal go-kart to a tiny 721 kilograms, which lets the X-Bow go from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. That's a power-to-weight ratio of .151.
Although we have not yet seen it, rumor has it that KTM is working on an even more robust X-Bow, to be powered by an engine from an Audi S3. That engine churns out around 300 horsepower, which would give a .189 power-to-weight ratio for a beefier X-Bow.
With a $65,000 base price, over 1000 units of the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer's first car have already been sold. Production of the vehicle begins in a few months, with delivery beginning during Spring 2008. KTM currently has a production capacity of 1000 units for 2008. Up to 5000 cars may be produced in successive years.
The first 100 KTM X-Bow will be specially made by Dallara, each with a unique number badge signifying the limited edition. All other X-Bow vehicles are slated for assembly in Austria.
Sadly, the KTM X-Bow can only be registered by its EU customers in Austria, Finland, Germany, Greece, The Netherlands, Portugal, and Switzerland. Apologies to U.S. residents: it does not look like you will be able to take the X-Bow onto the highways of America.
