It was an opportunity that wasn’t to be missed. The International German Motorcycle Championship at the Salzburgring was practically on the doorstep of the KTM head office. Luckily, there were a couple of gaps in the schedule that were big enough to fit in the KTM X-BOW. So a small group was able to feel the 240 hp extreme sports car with semi-slick tyres in action – literally, with their entire bodies.
 
Getting into the car over the monocoque was quick and easy. Once in the hard seat, it was time to strap in using a full safety harness like in a Formula racing car. Donning a helmet before setting off is also recommended; with no windscreen, getting hit with insects at 200 kilometres per hour really isn't pleasant. Once strapped in and with helmet donned, the trips round the 4.22 km track commenced, with X-BOW expert and PR man Manfred Wolf behind the wheel.

Getting into the car over the monocoque was quick and easy. Once in the hard seat, it was time to strap in using a full safety harness like in a Formula racing car. Donning a helmet before setting off is also recommended; with no windscreen, getting hit with insects at 200 kilometres per hour really isn't pleasant. Once strapped in and with helmet donned, the trips round the 4.22 km track commenced, with X-BOW expert and PR man Manfred Wolf behind the wheel.
 
At a top speed of some 220 km/h, the X-BOW relies more on traction and cornering speed. Known as a high-speed course, the Salzburgring is therefore certainly no parade course for the racing machine from Mattighofen. Nevertheless, the slightly banked Nocksteinkehre turn and, especially, the legendary Fahrerlagerkurve (paddock bend) offer a breath-taking sensation when it comes to lateral acceleration. Here are a few of the comments:

"Wow! It exceeded my expectations for cornering speed and acceleration. A once-in-a-lifetime experience that was still new to me even after years of motorsport. The sense of safety you get from the car even on fast S bends is impressive. How could you top the experience? By letting me sit in the driving seat! For me, the KTM X-BOW is the ultimate sports car."

Dirk Röhm, 43, Project Manager and offroad racer from Velbert, Germany

"I'm impressed by the pure, direct handling of the X-BOW. The wide tyres make it possible to take bends at great speed and brake alarmingly late. I am certain that, with its excellent handling, the X-BOW will become a tough opponent for high-performance and high-priced sports cars both on winding race tracks and any country road. It truly is an amazing toy with perfect workmanship."

Bastian Breuer, 29 years old, Managing Director from Cologne, Germany

"I actually far prefer to travel on two wheels, especially on a race track. However, I have to admit that the X-BOW really is great fun! Even getting in and out of the car has something fascinatingly radical about it. It wouldn't be my first choice when going to the hardware store but it's otherwise brilliant. A little crazy and damn fast – KTM in other words."

Ronald Kabella, 45 years old, Motorex, Langenthal, Switzerland

"The course has enough potential for even drivers to be afraid. To keep the experience enjoyable and go easy on the car, I didn't go at top speed. Fortunately, you can't hear the passenger anyway. It was still great fun though."

Manfred Wolf, 32 years old, Austria , X-Bow driver