Tuesday 25th February 2020

New KTM X-Bow GTX revealed

Unlimited and GT2-spec cars announced as KTM aims its X-Bow higher still

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When most people think KTM, they think bikes. In 2018 the Austrian motorcycle company leapfrogged Harley Davidson to become the fourth largest manufacturer of two-wheelers in the world - although the 261,000 units it shifted that year still paled in comparison to the 20 million that top dog Honda sold. Regardless, in PH circles it's far more likely that the marque's four-wheeled offerings are what spring to mind first.

That's all down to the success of the X-Bow. The brand's first foray into the world of cars, the X-Bow was initially met with criticism for being underpowered in comparison to rivals from Ariel and Caterham. A 25 per cent bump to 300hp and 295lb of torque solved that problem when the X-Bow R was launched, while a GT version added the comfort of a windscreen and doors for less dedicated drivers. Thanks to its broadened appeal, a total of over 1,300 X-Bows have been sold worldwide.

We mustn't forget the GT4, though; an FIA-approved racer built alongside Dallara and Reiter Engineering, its 360hp and 370lb ft have been propelling its radically different form around some of the world's best-known circuits for a good few years now. Having won the inaugural ADAC GT4 Germany title for KTM drivers Eike Angermayr and Mads Siljehaug last year, it has more than proven the X-Bow's racing potential.

Which brings us to the X-Bow GTX. Described as "the next logical chapter", it'll form the centrepiece of a one make series from 2021, while a BoP'd variant of the car is set to compete in GT2 championships around the world. To do so, it'll use Audi's 2.5-litre five-pot motor to produce over 600hp in its rawest form, dropping to around 500hp depending on regulations and resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of less than 2kg per hp.

Speaking on how soon we might expect to see the GTX in action, General Manager Hans Reiter said: "The first 20 cars will be available this year. Subject to the final homologation by the SRO, it then could be entered in all GT2 racing series, whereby KTM will become, alongside Audi and Porsche, the third manufacturer in this arena to offer such a racing car." He went on to add that, "KTM is also planning a one-make Cup series with the car from 2021. I am absolutely convinced that we have exciting times ahead of us and that the KTM X-Bow GTX and the KTM X-Bow GT2 will be enthusiastically received by customers and teams around the world."

Full technical details and prices are set to be announced soon, with the X-Bow GT2 expected to race for the first time as part of an SRO event in autumn this year. As for how the developments filter down to the road car, we can't wait to find out.

[dom9]

Like the look of this!