KTM X-Bow GT-XR spy shots: New race car-derived supercar coming

Jessica Thompson

Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM expanded into the world of cars when it launched the original X-Bow in 2008.

The X-Bow has undergone multiple updates since then, the most significant being 2020’s launch of the X-Bow GT2 race car, which sports an enclosed body and 600-hp powertrain.

Now KTM is in the midst of developing a supercar derived from the X-Bow GT2, and a prototype has been spotted testing hard at Germany’s Nürburgring.

2020 KTM X-Bow GT2 race car

2020 KTM X-Bow GT2 race car

It will go by the name X-Bow GT-XR, and according to KTM the car will basically be the GT2 racer fitted with the necessary requirements for street-legal status.

This means a 2.5-liter turbo-5 sourced from Audi will be mounted behind the cabin, and power the rear wheels via a sequential transmission. The engine is tuned to deliver 600 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque in the race car, though it isn’t clear if the road car will match this performance level.

It’s possible the road car will be closer in performance to the X-Bow GTX race car, a slightly tamer version of the X-Bow GT2 that packs 530 hp.

2021 KTM X-Bow GTX race car

2021 KTM X-Bow GTX race car

The suspension in the X-Bow GT2 is comprised of push-rods with Sachs dampers. Stopping power comes from a brake system with six-piston calipers up front and four pistons at the rear, with the rotors measuring more than 14 inches at all four corners. It looks like a similar setup will also feature in the road car.

Carbon fiber will be used for the body and the central monocoque structure, just like the race car. However, the road car will reportedly be heavier than the 2,310-lb dry weight of the race car due to all the extras required to make it street legal.

Timing for the X-Bow GT-XR hasn’t been mentioned but a launch in 2023 in markets where KTM operates is likely.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *