KTM readies R-rated X-Bow

Although best known for its enduro bikes, Austria's KTM has found a small but devoted following for its offbeat X-Bow.

With 500 X-Bows already in the hands of owners, the company is now readying an "R" version of the barebones tearaway -- billed as the first-ever series manufactured and street legal homologated car with a carbonfibre monocoque.

The 179kW bogger is already a relatively quick device, thanks to a kerb weight of just 790kg, but the imminent "R" gets an even more potent version of the 2.0-litre engine purloined from the Audi S3.

Changes to the engine electronics and "peripheral devices" are said to boost power to 224kW, while revised engine mounts that lower the motor's positioning are said to boost cornering speeds and driving precision.

The R-rated X-Bow will be offered in road-legal and homologated (in Europe) "Sport" guise, as well as with a "Race" package that optimises it for track use. Each spec level is said to bring a "vast number" of newly developed parts (although KTM doesn't specify what they are) that boost the roadster's dynamic capabilities.

Current KTM X-Bow owners needn't despair too much as many of these parts will be available separately in the PowerParts program, enabling them to upgrade their existing cars.

The prototype pictured here (KTM itself released the images) was captured at a first rollout on the daunting Nürburgring Nordschleife, and allegedly has nearly all the new parts fitted.

The company says detailed technical specs, prices and pictures will follow at the beginning of 2011.

Could be just the thing for a concerted Targa Tasmania assault...

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