KTM X-Bow - Coming to a highway near you!

Famed Austrian motorcycle builder KTM recently unveiled its first-ever passenger car, the 1650-lb, 240-hp X-Bow, and unlike most low-volume vehicles that are scary-fast and a bit dangerous, reports suggest this one will actually be street-legal in America.

Deliveries of the X-Bow are already being made in Europe and Asia. Up until now, KTM stated that the car would only be approved in the U.S. for use on racetracks. As Hubert Trunkenpolz, managing director of sales and marketing, now says, "We will do whatever is possible to bring the car to the U.S. -- that, I promise." Originally intended to be produced at a rate of 500 vehicles per year, the motorcycle builder has already gotten more than 600 requests for X-Bows from the U.S. alone.

The X-Bow is essentially unchanged from the car that is currently racing in the GT4 European Cup. The mid-engine sports car features Audi's 2.0L, TFSI turbo four-cylinder coupled to a six-speed manual transmission making 240 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque between 2000 and 5000 rpm. When combined with a VW-sourced limited-slip differential, this powertrain rockets the little roadster from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.9 sec.

KTM is currently looking to partner with VW/Audi for assistance in clearing any legals hurdles that may get in the way of introducing the car to U.S. roads. However, Trunkenpolz believes the company will do what is necessary to make this happen, saying, "At the end of the day we want to see this car on the streets in America." Given its many unusual features -- among other things it lacks a full windshield, instrument panel, heating system, and doors -- buyers will most likely be required to take a class to help them understand the X-Bow's dynamics and handling, but after that they should be free to hop in the car and take to the streets.

So line up thrill seekers. For those of you who think the Lotus Elise is too soft or offers too many creature comforts, you car will soon arrive.