Paul Tan's Automotive News » KTM

Geneva 2009: KTM reveals the X-Bow ROC and X-Bow Superlight

Harvinder Sidhu — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:28:36 +0000

Our favorite motorbike company turned sports car maker KTM arrived in Geneva with the X-Bow Superlight and the X-Bow ROC. The Superlight features motorsport-derived technologies such as a lightweight carbon composite monocoque that weighs only 90 kilograms, carbon crash box, inboard pushrod suspension and black body panels of visible carbon fiber. This range topping X-Bow also comes with limited-slip differential, lightweight lacquered alloys with a single central wheel nut and as well as a lap timer and more, all with a price tag of 79,980 Euros.

The Superlight features a 240HP 2.0 litre TFSI power plant from Audi, individually adjustable pedals, adjustable and removable multi-function steering wheel, ‘Keyless Go’ system, and of course a performance suspension, with adjustable compression and rebound rates, and with preload-adjuster.

The X-Bow ROC on the other hand is a limited edition model offered inline with the X-Bow’s recent involvement in the Race of Champions, where only 30 units will ever be produced. This exclusive model features weight-saving all-carbon body, sports exhaust which attracts special attention with its deep sound, specially painted light-weight alloy wheels with a central wheel nut, adjustable sports suspension, a removable multi-function steering wheel and lastly, exclusive ROC design on the body panels. This special edition model retails for 69,980 Euros. Continue reading to view an image gallery of both the KTM’s.

KTM X-Bow ROC

KTM X-Bow Superlight

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:57:53 +0000.

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KTM tests two-wheel-drive motorcycle

Paul Tan — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 17:59:11 +0000

Following the footsteps of Yamaha with their 2-Trac two wheel drive system for motorcycles, Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM has developed it’s own version and has been testing it on a motocross bike.

KTM says the results are good, allowing the bike to accelerate much harder out of corners due to less slippage. However, it’s harder to take the inside line around a turn due to both wheels being powered, which causes the bike to run wide and straighten up. Kurt Nicholl of KTM says the system would benefit amateur riders more than professionals because pros have gotten used to riding with the back wheel slipping most of the time.

KTM’s two wheel drive system uses a mechanical/hydraulic system to distribute torque between the front and rear wheels. How exactly does it work? There is a small hydraulic motor inside the front hub, powered by hydraulic fluid pumped through the two tubes running down the fork leg. You can see the tubes in the image in this post. The motor drives the front wheels.

One of the major problems with this system is weight, it adds 6 kg to the bike, and half of that is directly on the front hub. KTM says reducing the system’s weight to 2 kg will revolutionize bikes the way Audi’s quattro revolutionised car drivetrains.

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Audi and KTM working on lightweight baby TT

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:57:53 +0000.

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Audi and KTM working on lightweight baby TT

Paul Tan — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 20:20:09 +0000

German marque Audi and Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM are working on a yet to be named Lotus Elise fighter, similiar to Volkswagen’s EcoRacer concept. The photoshopped artist’s impression above is based on the Pontiac Solstice.

Rumours are that a 2.0 litre turbo FSI from the Volkswagen/Audi stables will be powering the sub-750kg lightweight car. The light weight would likely mean a carbon fibre chassis, and that together with the 2.0 TFSI’s 200 horses and above of power will give the Audi KTM roadster a 0-100km/h sprint of less than six seconds, while maintaining good fuel economy.

Despite the 2.0 litre TFSI engine rumours, I personally think Volkswagen’s 1.4 litre twincharged engine is also suitable for this car, especially if it focuses on lightweight and fuel economy. A 1.4 litre engine would definitely be lighter than a 2.0 litre, allowing for easier engineering of weight balance. The current 170hp is more than sufficient for a sub-750kg car, and if that is not enough, 200hp versions of the 1.4 are on the way.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:57:53 +0000.

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