If you were like most children, you spent at least a little time driving a go-cart. So you will remember the first time you strapped yourself in, donned your helmet and cracked a devious smile as the track worker told you which pedal was the gas… And you probably don’t remember anything else he said.

Well you are all grown up now.  But there is a way to rekindle your lost romance with the rushing air lateral G pushing excitement we now know as speed.  Please stand as we introduce the KTM X-Bow.

A little 220 hp corner carving monster, the X-Bow is sure to put that smile back on your face.  Just 220 hp you say?  Well given the fact that this machine weighs a paltry 1,500 lbs--that gives the driver a weight to power ratio of just 7.01 lbs/hp.  To put that ratio in perspective, the 2006 Porsche 911 Turbo has a weight to power ratio of 7.13 lb/hp.

This means unadulterated power delivered by a turbocharged and inter cooled Audi FSI four cylinder engine that will launch the X-Bow from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds.  This makes the just under $55,000 price tag very appealing.  And in other good news, KTM plans to introduce a 300 hp version further improving the thrill.

Notice the lack of a roof.  Or for that matter the lack of a door, a rearview mirror or even a windshield.  Don’t worry because the X-Bow comes with a special helmet to keep the bugs off.  But with a choice of a 6 speed transmission or the optional DSG we doubt anyone will be paying attention to the bugs or the local allergen report.