Motorcycle maker KTM really made its mark on the automotive world with its radical X-Bow, but a new report finds that the X-Bow was just the tip of the iceberg. The Austrian company is now preparing to launch four new environmentally friendly vehicles, including an SUV.
Codenamed the New Haflinger, the KTM SUV will actually be a hybrid between a quad bike and a conventional SUV. Although the New Haflinger will be highly capable off-road – KTM plans to enter it in the Paris-Dakar rally – it should be just as comfortable on-road as the X-Bow. The SUV should hit the market in 2010 in closed and open-topped body styles, according to the UK’s Car Magazine.
KTM’s other project – dubbed the ‘innovative urban transportation concept’ – will see the company produce a family of three new vehicles for the masses, all co-developed with India’s Bajaj Auto. Planned for both developing and mature regions, the project will include a four-seat vehicle, a three-wheel trike and a covered two-wheeler.
Keeping an eye on the environment, the three new vehicles will be available with gas and diesel engines, as well as an all-electric powertrain – making the vehicles zero-emissions from day one.
KTM officials have yet to confirm if the vehicles will be sold in the U.S., but the prospect sounds promising. “While car makers like BMW/Mini, Toyota and Mercedes/Smart are still looking at isolated regional solutions and at derivative vehicle layouts, we have mapped out a simple yet sophisticated modular global concept which is tailor-made for all applications,” a KTM official told Car.
07/09, 12:56 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
I thought KTM made tampax.
07/09, 1:05 PM
posted by:
shaver
KTM has been on a role with their bikes, this is exciting news. Especially the quad/suv and covered 2-wheeler.
07/09, 1:05 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Why does everyone have to make an SUV?
07/09, 1:07 PM
posted by:
roger426
I am impressed with KTM there motorcycle quality has doubled in the past 8 years, and the x-bow has made a large impact, I cant wait to see what else they come up with!
07/09, 1:14 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
what? no truck version?
07/09, 1:16 PM
posted by:
tzu13
It doesn’t sound so much like they’re making an SUV as that they’re making a Wrangler-fighter. I wish them the best of luck.
07/09, 1:35 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Yes… I see tons of Wranglers selling now-a-days.
07/09, 1:36 PM
posted by:
xyunya
Interesting, GM, Ford, and Chrysler cant find coin to produce all those models and a piss-ant company can. I would like to see those things hitting the pavement, before further speculation resume.
07/09, 3:15 PM
posted by:
A4
i hope that wasnt sarcasm raineman, wranglers are selling like crazy even with the gas prices, without incentives. the $2.99 gas guarantee doesnt apply to them and the most ive seen them discounted at my local dealer is $600.
Will this ATV/SUV have handlebars or a steering wheel?
07/09, 7:45 PM
posted by:
iFOD
WHAT’S A WRANGLER??? IS IT A DISH WASHER???
07/09, 8:36 PM
posted by:
MugenSentraKen
===>>WHAT’S A WRANGLER??? I THOUGHT IT WAS JEANS??? lol
07/09, 9:43 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
What’s an SUV? Sport Utility Vehicle? If I stick a bunch of Craftsman wrenches in my 911 Turbo, does that count? Or what if I bolt a turbo on one of those cherry picker trucks and give it some tuned suspension?
07/09, 10:51 PM
posted by:
maxcar
that x-bow rocks. i wouldn’t mind seeing 3 other models. didn’t they develop the x-bow with VW?
07/10, 2:49 AM
posted by:
tzu13
Exactly, A4, There’s always going to be a market for Wrangler-type vehicles, so I look forward to all the improvements actually having competition will provide.