There have been a number of versions of KTM's X-Bow since the first in 2008, including the 2013 GT and the current GT4. A newly-announced Black Edition, though, is surely the most seductive and exclusive of them all, forged, as it is, entirely in black carbon fiber and with only five being produced.
The use of carbon fiber begins with the monocoque chassis, although this is the case with other X-Bow models too. The chassis is designed to provide "the rigidity and security of a Formula racing car." It is the material's use for other components that's out of the ordinary, including for the underfloor (the aerodynamics of which help to provide requisite downforce), for body parts at the front and the rear of the vehicle, the wheel arches and engine covers.
The Black Edition has been factory-tuned to kick out 320 hp (239 kW), which makes it more powerful that the 300-hp (224-kW) GT4. Coupled with a low weight of just 1,867 lb (847 kg), this gives it a top speed of 146 mph (235 km/h) and a 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) time of 4.0 seconds. It also boasts 18-in and 19-in rims, a quick shifter for faster gear-changing and a black anodized sport exhaust.
Inside, the seats are hand-stitched with color coordinated stitching and feature a "Black Edition" logo on their headrests, while an aluminum badge on the center console displays the vehicle production number. There's a suede leather steering wheel, as well as all-aluminum machined gear and handbrake levers and a multimedia interface with a rear-view camera.
Announced at the Geneva Motor Show, the KTM X-Bow Black Edition is available now at a cost of €99,000 (US$108,000) excluding taxes, which is actually €10,000 ($11,000) cheaper than the non-limited model. Buyers who pick the car up from the KTM factory in Graz, Austria, will also be given a tour of the facility.
Source: KTM
