KTM X-Bow Coming to America, Ariel Owners Yawn.

Editor

The KTM X-Bow looks really hot, and all the automotive blogs are just losing their heads over the fact that street legal versions will be available in the States. Now, don’t get me wrong, I think this little track toy is cool. But when I watched today’s Fast Lane Daily podcast, I was a little shocked at its numbers. I mean, a 135MPH top speed, and zero to 60 in 3.9 seconds? For something that weighs 1,500 lbs and sports a 2.0 liter turbocharged Audi motor mated to a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, those figures don’t seem terribly impressive. If I wanted a street-legal go kart, I think I’d go for the Ariel Atom. Sure, it lacks bodywork, but it’ll sprint to 60 in just 2.9 seconds. What do you think? Am I being too picky?

Permalink:

Posted at 10:42 pm in John Coyle, KTM, News, X-Bow

Comments

Chad
Aug 26, 2008 at 7:59 pm

Next showroom showdown candidates.

Son Of a Beach
Aug 26, 2008 at 2:23 pm

Despite the rakishness of the design it has the aerodynamics of a piece of Origami, hence the relatively low top speed. You also have to remember that when the Atom first appeared it had a smaller engine and wasn’t as fast as it is now. If the asking price is 70k euros, that would be hard to swallow, though.

Derrick
Aug 26, 2008 at 1:38 pm

First off it only has 237hp as opposed to 245-300hp from the Atom, which would be why its a tad bit slower, secondly I’ve read its supposed to be around $70,000 (in Europe! OUCH! that’d be around $102,543), and lastly I’d rather have the Atom (you know that gold one with 500hp), just because I no longer have a mind anymore.

Pixel
Aug 26, 2008 at 1:11 pm

I have to agree with you. Despite the carbon fiber & bigger motor it is slower than an Atom? Also the bodywork on that looks bulky and excessively “stylish” as compared to the Atom’s simple “Function is Form” look.

I’d take the Atom too.

Maffew
Aug 26, 2008 at 12:14 pm

hell no your not being picky! The Atom will always be the Xbow’s daddy.

Anonymous
Aug 26, 2008 at 3:48 am

wow, the very first disposable car….

looks like it would fall apart anyway

Chris
Aug 26, 2008 at 3:37 am

anybody know the price?
if its reasonable then i might consider buying one, seriously.

GTwildfire
Aug 26, 2008 at 1:41 am

hmmm… it looks awesome… it accelerates faster than a Ferrari and it can do 135. Not impressed? I guess a Veyron is in order to best it off the line, look better and have a truly impressive top speed.
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I’ve only done 130-140ish a couple times. I like to go fast and do more than most but those are speeds I do rarely, and with a family at home, unlikely anymore. I let off at 120, lol.
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I’d be impressed with it. The notion otherwise is like some audiophile bashing Harmon Kardon.

oldscoob
Aug 26, 2008 at 12:50 am

thay have to do something with those crazy motorcycle engines. they are just getting ahead of their extinction makin the go karts where they belong. 135mph in 1500 pounds for a 2 liter inline is a miracle. I bet thier fibbing a bit and it doesn’t even do that much. A 2 liter boxer on the other hand…well, that would be at the bonneville salt flats with a driver wearin diapers, and a big big aerodynamic helmet. I mean goofy big aero helmet.

SpeedCanHurt
Aug 26, 2008 at 12:27 am

135mph? Most passenger cars can do better. I hope its gonna be cheap…

Rohit.
Aug 25, 2008 at 11:46 pm

I agree John, It should be MUCH quicker which might soung absurd b/c 0-60 in 3.9 will still kill 99% of the cars on the road, but the Ariel is quicker and the KTM shouldn’t have any problem matching its numbers. I agree the top speed on these things should be much more than 135 b/c i’ve driven a atom and 135 mph comes up SOOOOOO FAST that your eyes can’t keep up with the speed needle.