KTM targets Lotus with 250bhp roadster

[Pebb]

Source: AutoCar

Watch out, Lotus - Austrian motorcycle brand KTM is branching into car production with a potent Elise rival.

The as-yet-unnamed roadster is being developed in conjunction with Italian racing specialist Dallara. It will use predominantly Volkswagen drivetrain, including a tuned version of the TFSI engine producing 250bhp. Austrian firm Kiska, which has previously worked with KTM on its motorcycles, is designing the two-seater.

KTM plans to launch the car at next year's Geneva motor show, and produce up to 1000 examples per year. Some rumours have suggested that the firm's deal with Volkswagen might extend to a servicing and warranty arrangement at the German giant's dealership network. In any case, with a price tag of €35,000 (£23,500), KTM's first offering could make the £23,995 base Elise look a tad expensive.

 

[Jim Prower]

KTM? the Motocross Motorcycle people?

I'll take mine in Orange...though, I've got to wonder about U.S. production possibilities without a front bumper on that car...

 

[Poverty]

Im not sure on what to make of the article as all other sources Ive read stated that KTM were making it in conjuction with audi and that it night become the audi R2, unless VW stole it after their 3 wheeler got shot down. We'll soon found out.

 

[Tornado]

Looks like a Peugoet got hit by a truck when it was sitting next to a Super Seven.

 

[Poverty]

lol yeah dont know where autocar got that crappy photoshop.

 

[exigeracer]

Very odd. This makes the whole VW GX3 failure somewhat hazier. Maybe they took on this project because it was a more feasable sale? I'll wait for more official details to surface to make any sort of opinion.

 

[kikie]

Nice "thing". Won't you get wet when turning??

 

[ExigeEvan]

Bah, my first thoughts were, "Lotus 340R?".

Good luck to them. Not that I like KTM much after they didn't support Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman on their round the world trip

 

[red70mach1]

Take the fenders off and the roll hoop. It will look like a street rod.

 

[niky]

Bah, my first thoughts were, "Lotus 340R?".

Good luck to them. Not that I like KTM much after they didn't support Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman on their round the world trip

(slightly OT) Is that the reason why they did it on BMWs?

Strange place for KTM to go... they don't even have true superbikes and they're going for a track-car? Weird.

I'd understand it, though, if it were weatherproof (the car, ef the driver and passenger...) and had AWD and high-articulation axles...

 

[Bram Turismo]

No roadster can beat a Lotus IMO, look at it, wtf is that? Cheap photoshop? I certaintly hope they don't produce it like this. Cars nowadays look like they've been made quick-quick, just to be able to release it. They better work on a nice design...Elise all the way!