When KTM first launched its radical X-Bow open-cabin track car in 2008 the Austrian-based company almost immediately suggested that they had plans for future models to come touting more power and styles – and then the economic collapse hit.
Because the X-Bow is essentially a grown man’s toy – complete with an adult-style $50,000 price tag – the X-Bow was hit particularly hard when the world’s economies came to a halt in 2008 and 2009. At one point, production was even halted on the X-Bow and its future was in question.
Now, as some economic indicators show signs of recovery, KTM has reportedly gone back to suggesting the future of an X-Bow R model, according to Autoblog Italy, complete with a 300 horsepower Audi S3-sourced engine. This significant bump in power from the current 237 rating would likely drop the 3.9-second zero-to-60 time to somewhere in the realm of a flat three seconds.
The X-Bow R will certainly be the model to drum up the most attention from enthusiasts and track-goers, but the X-Bow T might be of more interest to those looking to justify purchasing a X-Bow in the first place. The model T would address the need for certain creature comforts, such as a windshield, and possibly airbags as well. This model would be aimed at becoming a street-legal version of the X-Bow, and might bow as soon as 2012.
References
1.’KTM: in arrivo X-Bow…’ view
2.’Report: KTM planning ‘R’ and ‘T’…’ view
