The KTM X-Bow may not be the prettiest ride on the track, but looks don't help you win races. With 240 horsepower motivating a mere 1,742 pounds, the X-Bow has plenty of punch to dice through a track with relative ease. And if 240 ponies can help you win at the track or the next stop light, then 300 horsepower ought to be even better. We caught wind of rumors back in July that KTM was prepping just such a beast, with the ability to hit 60 miles per hour in a scant three seconds, and it looks like those rumors were based in fact.

KTM has officially announced that the new X-Bow R is, in fact, the real deal, with a 300 horsepower version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter Audi engine sourced from the S3. The X-Bow R will also sit lower with a lower engine mounting to increase cornering speeds and impress your friends at the same time. The R model will reportedly come in two forms; a "Sport" variant for the street and a "Race" pack for the track.

If you're already one of the 500 existing X-Bow owners, don't worry about your sudden case of horsepower envy. KTM is said to be prepared to offer many of the parts that add up to an R designation through X-Bow PowerParts, giving owners the opportunity to tune their four-wheeled motorcycle to Sport or Race specifications. Additional details and pricing information will be available after the first of the year.


Gallery: 2011 KTM X-Bow R





More...