Abarth Lineup to Include KTM X-Bow Based Lotus Elise Rival
Along with a new stand-alone coupe and convertible, Fiat sub-brand Abarth will look to expand its lineup of original models with a Lotus Elise rival based on the KTM X-Bow (above). If you’re not familiar with KTM or the X-Bow, the company is best known for building motorcycles and the X-Bow was a limited project to build a track car along the lines of the Ariel Atom or Lotus 2-Eleven.
A report by AutoExpress says sources inside the Italian automaker have confirmed the model and have already begun work on a prototype using an X-Bow carbon fiber chassis. The VW-sourced 2.0 TFSI engine would, however, be tossed in favor of a Fiat 1.8-liter four cylinder featuring a turbocharger and the Italian automaker’s MultiAir technology. It’s also expected to get Abarth/Fiat styling and weigh a good chunk more than the 1,750 lbs that the stripped-down K-Bow does.
Interestingly, Abarth reportedly looked at sourcing the Elise chassis from Lotus for the project, but the platform was deemed to be too old and too expensive.
Only a small number (around 2,000) versions of this new Abarth model will be built, retailing for £42,000 to £50,000, ($65,000 to $78,000). Yikes!
If in fact the Abarth X-Bow does make it to market, look for a 2013 launch date.
[Source: AutoExpress]
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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