KTM Crossbow (2007): first official pictures

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

04 January 2007 10:10

KTM Crossbow: the lowdown

The world's biggest off-road motorbike manufacturer, KTM, is branching out into extreme sports cars. These first sketches of the Crossbow reveal Austria's answer to the Ariel Atom: a flyweight two-seater powered by a 220bhp Audi engine. 'It's a kind of Lotus Super Seven for the 21st century,' KTM's engineering boss told CAR Online. 'It's radically modern, very light and extremely fast.' We would be inclined to agree; it might max out at a lukewarm 136mph, but the Crossbow will scuttle to 60mph in just 3.8sec. Thank a kerbweight somewhere south of 700kg for such electrifying performance.

KTM has used its know-how building lightweight but sturdy off-road motorbikes to full effect with the Crossbow. A carbonfibre monocoque ensures flex-free rigidity and low mass, while the Audi TT's direct-injection 2.0-litre lump is mounted transversely just ahead of the rear wheels for poised weight distribution. The two passengers are sandwiched by twin rear-mounted radiators, and VW's DSG twin-clutch gearbox will be offered. Suspension is by double wishbones all round.

By Tim Pollard