Essex tuner starts to tap the potential of the KTM X-Bow. It’s much faster

What is it?

This is the AMD KTM X-Bow, a tuned version of the Austrian hardcore sports car. Now, the standard KTM X-Bow is a lovely car, but there are a couple of things we’d change. First, its exquisite carbon construction makes it very expensive. Second, it wouldn’t hurt it to have a bit more poke.

AMD Technik, Essex-based tuner of most things, and especially those with a Volkswagen engine (the KTM uses VW’s 2.0-litre turbo motor in tweaked Golf GTI form), aims to sort the second part with the AMD KTM X-Bow.

By changing the turbo (for the same as the Audi S3’s), the fuel pump and injectors, exhaust, intake manifold and ECU mapping, AMD has upped the power from 237bhp to 365bhp (restrained to a round 350bhp for our drive).

What’s it like?

In the dry, I’m sure the AMD KTM X-Bow is brilliant. On intermediate tyres, in pouring rain and across standing water through Paddock Hill bend at Brands Hatch, it’s mildly terrifying.

Certainly there is now no shortage of urge. The 790kg X-Bow feels (on a dowsed track) just as punchy as a supercharged Lotus 2-Eleven or a Caterham R500. Maybe even more so, because the turbo whooshes and fizzes power early in the range.

Delivery is still fairly progressive – it was the front tyres’ aversion to standing water, rather than the application of power, that gave the AMD KTM X-Bow most of its grip-related issues at Brands. The exhaust is much raspier, too.

Should I buy one?

Only go for it if you really want a more powerful KTM. The AMD mods add more than five grand to the KTM’s list price (variable because it’s in euros). In the dry I’ve no doubt they get the most from a fundamentally well sorted chassis. But I still feel a Lotus 2-Eleven does it better for less.

 

Matt Prior

Matt Prior
Title: Editor-at-large

Matt is Autocar’s lead features writer and presenter, is the main face of Autocar’s YouTube channel, presents the My Week In Cars podcast and has written his weekly column, Tester’s Notes, since 2013.

Matt is an automotive engineer who has been writing and talking about cars since 1997. He joined Autocar in 2005 as deputy road test editor, prior to which he was road test editor and world rally editor for Channel 4’s automotive website, 4Car. 

Into all things engineering and automotive from any era, Matt is as comfortable regularly contributing to sibling titles Move Electric and Classic & Sports Car as he is writing for Autocar. He has a racing licence, and some malfunctioning classic cars and motorbikes. 

Join the debate

Comments
3
Add a comment…
hibbet 12 February 2009

Re: KTM X-Bow AMD Technik

Paul J wrote:
Why would anyone in the market choose this over a Lotus 2 Eleven?

I can't agree too highly with Paul J. The KTM X-Bow is ugly, overpriced, over here and the price! Don't get me started on the price. 50K or even up to 80K with all the options! I just can't see the point.For that kind of money I could buy a new fully loaded Boxster or Cayman and an Audi or Land Rover for the whole family! I'LL STOP NOW BEFORE I SCREAM !!!

Regards Hibbet

Paul J 4 February 2009

Re: KTM X-Bow AMD Technik

Why would anyone in the market choose this over a Lotus 2 Eleven? The KTM may appeal to the odd science fiction geek, but to me it is waiting for it's bodywork, which would make it even more oversize / weight.

www.amdessex.com 4 February 2009

Re: KTM X-Bow AMD Technik

Hi

If you require any further details please do not hesitate to contact us:

AmD Technik (Essex) Ltd

www.amdessex.com - 01708 861827

This conversion is also available for all 2.0T Volkswagen/ Audi group vehicles.

Shaun Hollamby