KTM concepts could point the way forward for Austrian brand

KTM, the Austrian purveyor of both two- and four-wheeled motoring lust, has made it clear that it's a force to be reckoned with as it branches out into other enthusiast markets with such ridiculously awesome products as the X-Bow roadster and its RC8 superbike.


Two things that remain a constant feature through all of the firm's recent products are the orange, black and white color pallette and its angular design language. These features, along with KTM's race-ready heritage, makes conceptual vehicle design for the company extremely interesting and proof comes in the form of six concepts designed by industrial design students at FH JOANNEUM University.


This is an instance where pictures speak louder than words, but we've copied the designer's stated vision for each machine with captions in our gallery below. Each of these concepts was designed in conjunction with KTM, so they may offer an early glimpse into what's coming from the company. In a word: awesome. We'll take one of each. Thanks for the tip, Marc!


* KTM AX - A radical off-road four-wheel vehicle concept
* KTM sr 85 Deuce - An environmentally-friendly lightweight vehicle
* KTM CX - A racing vehicle that brings motocross to the water
* KTM 360° - A super-light, silent electric bike
* KTM Ascender Flight Vehicle - A gas turbine-propelled flying vehicle
* KTM Barracuda - A hydrofoil boat
More Photos



Other article:
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KTM X-Bow to Make UK Debut
KTM X-BOW Unveiled in Geneva
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2008 KTM X-Bow Spied On The Ring
KTM to present production ready version of X-Bow at Geneva

Car News: KTM X-Bow gets a Winter Package

Given the chance to take the KTM X-Bow into any environment, a wintery wonderland wouldn't be one of them.


But KTM wants to allow its mid-engine track tool to weather all the seasons – and peddle a few more of its PowerParts and PowerWear accessories to its drivers.


X-Bow owners can choose from either central-locking or five-bolt wheels wrapped in Pirelli Sottozero snow tires, along with an optional set of chains.


And even though a fixed roof is planned for future models, the current generation X-Bow's occupants will have to deal with the climes clothed in Schöffel jacket and pants, and matching Schuberth helmet.


The full line of winter wear will set you back 950 euros, and when you arrive at your chilly destination, you can wrap the X-Bow in either an indoor cover (380 euro) or an outdoor cloak for 325 euro. We think we'll pass and wait for spring.

via autoblog



Other article:
KTM X-Bow Dallara in Geneva: 100 Units Only
KTM X-Bow to Make UK Debut
KTM X-BOW Unveiled in Geneva
KTM reveals completed X-Bow prototype
2008 KTM X-Bow Spied On The Ring
KTM to present production ready version of X-Bow at Geneva

Sao Paulo Motor Show : Fiat Bugster Concept Debuts

This greenish two-seater concept that looks like a crossover variant of the KTM X-Bow (check it out by clicking here) is the Fiat Bugster and it will make its world debut at the bi-annual Sao Paulo Motor Show in Brazil which takes place this year between 30 October and 10 November.


The concept vehicle that has been developed by the Italian firm's automotive engineering division in Brazil features a zero-emissions electric engine while its outer body is made completely out of renewable natural fibers thus reducing the environmental impact of the vehicle. Follow the jump for one more picture of Fiat's Bugster concept.
Source: Carscoop



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Dakar changed to Central Europe Rally

Due to the huge disappointment of this years Dakar Rally cancellation, Amaury Sport Organisation, which runs the Dakar has found an alternative event to be held in Central Europe.

The Dakar is an infamously tough event on both man and machine. If the harsh, arid terrain and environment wasn’t enough for the competitors, the political instability of the many countries included on route must test the organisers to the limit.

And unfortunately this was the case for this years planned Dakar as a Terrorist threat closed the whole show down। Not to be deterred, Amaury Sport Organisation appears to have quickly resolved the situation which will please many fans, competitors and sponsors alike.



The rally, scheduled to run from the 20th to the 26th of April, will be staged in Romania and Hungary and promises to provide a completely contrasting backdrop to the dunes of the Sahara. The prospect of greater media coverage and spectator access has encouraged many of the major teams such as; BMW, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Schlesser and KTM to give their support. Roll on April.
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation

KTM X-Bow Dallara in Geneva: 100 Units Only

Extreme cars, like the Lotus Seven and more recently the Ariel Atom, have always made history in what relates to dynamics and driving pleasure. KTM, a traditional Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, has decided last year to write its own name in this book with the X-Bow, its first adventure in the world of four wheels. And what an adventure it has proven to be with the official presentation of the first X-Bow ready for production, the special series Dallara.

Named after the Italian racing car specialist, the Dallara series will have only 100 units made in order to start production in great style। Not that the car needs this sort of thing, but any help for a beginner is always welcome. And what a beginner this little Austrian machine is: only 750 kg, a 2-litre TFSI engine made by Audi, delivering 240 cv and 310 Nm, a competition-tuned chassis (with the option of a motor racing chassis, that offers highly adjustable suspension) and the amazing looks that come along with it.


This profile allows the car to reach 100 km/h from 0 in 3।9 s. Fuel consumption, nonetheless, is only 13.3 km/l. This proves high performance cars that want to be environmentally friendly do not necessarily have to use hybrid technology. They only must lose weight! In X-Bow’s case, that weight includes the roof, the windshield and all sorts of comfort devices, such as air-conditioning (why for, in a roofless vehicle?) and radio, CD player or any other entertainment device. For the owner of such a car, music is the engine’s noise.



The Dallara special series brings bodywork, aerodynamic parts and wheel mudguards in carbon, instead of plastic, quick release/locking device for the wheels, removable steering wheel, adjustable suspension, mechanical limited slip differential and a metal plaque with the serial number of the car in the interior. Almost needless to say, all 100 units have already been sold, what leaves anyone in love with the car only two choices: wait until someone sells its X-Bow Dallara or buy a “regular” X-Bow. Production starts in the middle of the year in Graz, Austria, and will reach 500 units in 2008. In the following years, it is expected to top 1,000 units annually, considering demand does not make it necessary to increase production. Good luck, rookie!

Source: KTM

Related entries:

KTM X-Bow to Make UK Debut
KTM X-BOW Unveiled in Geneva
KTM reveals completed X-Bow prototype
2008 KTM X-Bow Spied On The Ring
KTM to present production ready version of X-Bow at Geneva