As it doesn’t meet federal crash standards, strict regulations have prevented Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM from launching the X-Bow sports car in the US.
However, enthusiasts found a way to drive it in the States, as a handful of units have been imported as kit cars, meaning that the vehicle and engine were sold separately and after the purchase the owner, or a mechanic, had to join the two.
Starting from next year, buying an X-Bow for US citizens will be simplified, as the first 15 units are currently being readied to cross the ocean, where the automaker plans to establish a subsidiary and create a small dealer network, which will be in charge of finding racetracks that plan to buy fleets.
The information comes from KTM CEO, Stefan Pierer, quoted by WardsAuto, who states that the open-top two-seater will be based on the entry-level “R model, but will undergo some modifications before launch.
In Europe, the X-Bow R has 295 HP on tap, while the X-Bow RR racer benefits from 355 HP. KTM also sells the GT, with a small windshield and 295 HP, the GT4, which is a closed racing car with 355 HP, and the carbon fiber-made Black Edition, with 316 HP. All versions are powered by an Audi-sourced 2.0-liter four-cylinder TFSI petrol engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
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