From Italy with Love
By Matt DeLorenzo and Photos by John Lamm
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To mark its 95th anniversary, Bertone is bringing a 2-seat roadster to the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the Fiat Panda 100HP mechanicals, the diminutive barchetta is expected to offer stellar performance from the 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, which makes 100 bhp and 96 lb.- ft. of torque. Bertone estimates 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) times of 9.5 seconds.
The concept sports a cut-down windshield and innovative clear door panels that add to the open-to-the-air feel of the cabin. The sleek body sweeps rearward into large rear wheel arches that give the car a muscular look.
As part of Bertone's anniversary, the roadster concept traces its roots back to 1947 when Nuccio Bertone designed a similar open car based on a Fiat 500, which he built for his own use.
The roadster also features polished aluminum body panels that cover the hood and rear deck. At the back, a leather-covered hatch provides access to the trunk. The roadster sports scissor-style doors that are hinged in the rear, offering ample access to the cabin.
The interior design has a biomechanical look with exposed shifter linkage, seats that appear to be molded into the floor and large aluminum pedals.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Saturday, March 31, 2007
KTM X-Bow Concept
By Matt DeLorenzo and Photos by John Lamm
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The X-Bow concept is the first car ever built by KTM, Europe’s second-largest motorcycle maker. The X-Bow’s motorcycle roots are evident in its barebones open construction, which features a carbon-fiber chassis developed by race car builder Dallara. Design house Kiska developed the shape, which is more of an open-wheeled Formula car than a conventional roadster. As such, it does away with many conventional automotive amenities like a sound system and air conditioning.
According to the Austrian cycle maker, the X-Bow allows it to “offer all those who do not have a motorcycle license a driving experience that is typical for the brand.”
KTM teamed up with Audi to develop the 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder engine which produces 220 bhp. A high-output version of 300 bhp is contemplated. The X-Bow is also equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox, while a Dual Shift Gate (DSG) sequential-shift gearbox that features clutchless operation may be offered later as an option.
Weighing just 1500 lb., the X-Bow is expected to be blindingly fast. The factory estimates 0-60 mph acceleration of less than 4 seconds. This light weight allows KTM to dispense with such features as power steering; the lack of a windshield means no wipers and the elemental nature of the vehicle itself eliminates the need for electronic driving aids.
Designed as a high-performance piece of sporting equipment, the X-Bow has no doors and features seats fitted with 4-point harnesses—the use of these belts and the crash performance of the carbon-fiber chassis mean that airbags aren’t necessary. In keeping with the extreme nature of the X-Bow, KTM has developed suits and helmets to be used by the vehicle’s two occupants. The first cars are expected to go on sale in Europe late this year and a KTM-sponsored race series for the X-Bow is planned for 2008.
provided by:
The X-Bow concept is the first car ever built by KTM, Europe’s second-largest motorcycle maker. The X-Bow’s motorcycle roots are evident in its barebones open construction, which features a carbon-fiber chassis developed by race car builder Dallara. Design house Kiska developed the shape, which is more of an open-wheeled Formula car than a conventional roadster. As such, it does away with many conventional automotive amenities like a sound system and air conditioning.
According to the Austrian cycle maker, the X-Bow allows it to “offer all those who do not have a motorcycle license a driving experience that is typical for the brand.”
KTM teamed up with Audi to develop the 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder engine which produces 220 bhp. A high-output version of 300 bhp is contemplated. The X-Bow is also equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox, while a Dual Shift Gate (DSG) sequential-shift gearbox that features clutchless operation may be offered later as an option.
Weighing just 1500 lb., the X-Bow is expected to be blindingly fast. The factory estimates 0-60 mph acceleration of less than 4 seconds. This light weight allows KTM to dispense with such features as power steering; the lack of a windshield means no wipers and the elemental nature of the vehicle itself eliminates the need for electronic driving aids.
Designed as a high-performance piece of sporting equipment, the X-Bow has no doors and features seats fitted with 4-point harnesses—the use of these belts and the crash performance of the carbon-fiber chassis mean that airbags aren’t necessary. In keeping with the extreme nature of the X-Bow, KTM has developed suits and helmets to be used by the vehicle’s two occupants. The first cars are expected to go on sale in Europe late this year and a KTM-sponsored race series for the X-Bow is planned for 2008.
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