New range of small eco cars coming from KTM
Click the above image for a high-res gallery of the KTM X-BOW
KTM, the Austrian maker of some of the world's finest dirtbikes, is currently on a new product blitz which covers nearly every niche in both the automotive and motorcycle markets. While the company is currently rolling out new streetbikes, like the awe-inspiring RC8 superbike, the firm's first-ever four-wheeler, the X-Bow, has been generating tons of buzz amongst automotive gear-heads which would likely otherwise be uninterested in the orange and black brand. That newfound audience will soon be greeted by "the world's first frugal and eco-friendly off-roader" and a small city car, which could even see electric-only power at some point.
The new off-road model will attack the rally scene that KTM often dominates on two wheels. Somehow, the rally-bred vehicle is expected to be extremely light and perform admirably on both the tarmac and the dirt. The cycle-making firm's recent dealings with Bajaj will soon bear fruit in the form of three new city vehicles, one of which could be a modern take on the classic rickshaw platform. So far, Audi (which is owned by VW) has supplied engines to KTM for its on-road offerings, and the word is that both gasoline and diesel engines are expected for the newest models. It sounds like KTM is setting itself up to become a major player in both the auto and cycle realms, and rumors indicate that KTM may be the brand VeeDub hinted interest in a few months back.
Gallery: KTM X-BOW roadster
[Source: CAR]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ale 6:17PM (7/09/2008)
ALRIGHT!!! If KTM could build a decent sized car using VeeDub money, we could get that diesel city car that we have all wanted, maybe to fit in below the segment left by the growing Golf/Rabbit. Then again, as all of those hopes go, we'll get nothing in the process, but that K-bow is cool, could be a good Lotus competitor. Maybe thats what VeeDub needs a performance minded niche lineup, which means no U.S..
Remember, VW is looking at building cars in Chatanooga or Huntsville, so maybe we can get some.
*fingers crossed*
K-Bow (or City car) + 2.0 TDI + U.S. = very nice
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EV-1 4:19AM (7/10/2008)
..or :
K-Bow (or City car) + 150 kW electric = very Very nice ;)
ivor 9:48AM (7/11/2008)
Very cool news indeed. KTMs are some fine machines with great design, esthetics and functionality... the prospect of a KTM commuter, esp if electric powered is very exciting. For one thing, they know suspension, so hitting a pothole wouldn't result in a chiropractor visit. I'd rather they stay independent of a mega car company though...
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