Austrian motorbike manufacturer KTM is aiming right at the Ariel Atom with the new KTM X-Bow sports car.
The doorless, roofless machine will start at £31,650 plus taxes when it goes on sale in the UK in spring 2008, which means £37,189 plus delivery.
That puts the 2.0-litre turbocharged X-Bow head-to-head with the British-built Ariel Atom 300 Supercharged, which costs £37,676 and uses a 2.0-litre supercharged Honda engine.
The X-Bow's TFSI Audi engine puts out 237bhp, which means it's unlikely to be as quick as the Atom, unless it is significantly lighter. That'll be a tough challenge for KTM, seeing as the Ariel is a featherweight 540kg.
Earlier this year KTM told us that the X-Bow would weigh in at around 700kg and manage 0-60mph in 3.9sec – a second slower than the Atom.
As standard, the X-Bow has a carbonfibre monocoque chassis and fully adjustable dampers.
Production starts in spring with a limited-edition 'Dallara' model with a limited-slip diff and extra carbonfibre components.
All cars will be distruibuted from the firm's Austrian base, though delivery through third parties can be arranged.
Add your comment