The track-focused KTM X-Bow that
became available for sale in North America last year, will get much more civilized for regular road use thanks to the addition of a windscreen and hinged doors. Currently, a driver and one passenger need to step into the vehicle over its sides and should wear a helmet or at least eyewear to protect their faces from road debris and other hazards.
The newly redesigned model should arrive in March of 2013,
Top Gear learned, though it may be just one version of a few. Currently, the X-Bow range includes the hardcore
Clubsport, base
Street, and the most powerful and carbon fiber-laden
R.
KTM CEO Stefan Pierer revealed the changes aren't simple ones, as fitting a windscreen also requires a heater to demist it, along with wipers. It may turn out to be heated for quicker demisting as well. The Austrian company said doing this will pose enough homologation challenges, as the X-Bow is raced in various race series.
A convertible, clip-on top will also be on offer that's meant for use in light rainfalls and would clip onto the top of the windshield. It would be good for speeds of up to 80mph.
At the same time, KTM is likely to field a race car in the LMP2 class at Le Mans, with the most suitable powerplant being the 2.5-liter turbo inline-five found in the
2012 Audi TT-RS, where it makes 360 horsepower.
