New KTM X-Bow GTX revealed
Unlimited and GT2-spec cars announced as KTM aims its X-Bow higher still
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.
If it uses a full lifting canopy, as they've employed before, you might actually be able to get in and out, too, which would be a step up from an Exige.
Shall we open the book at X being equal to £50k?
Shall we open the book at X being equal to £50k?
The dedication of the 25 man team that build the cars in Graz , the sophistication of the purpose built factory , and the thought and care that goes into each and every one of these bespoke car is astounding . The car was designed by Sebastien Stassin of KISKA ( based in Anif , just outside Salzburg ) , but the aerodynamics and the chassis was designed by none other than Giampaolo Dallara's ( think , Lamborghini's first Technical Director in 1963 , Father of the Miura , Haas F1 , every current IndyCar chassis ) R&D team at Varano de Melegari , just outside Parma in Italy .
For a Lamborghini enthusiast , the highlight of this 2 year research and writing exercise , was meeting Dallara - at 84 , he still puts in a 6 1/2 day week . An e-mail that I wrote to him one Sunday morning was answered 4 minutes later at 8.02 AM .
And I have never been surrounded by so many PhD's in such a small space -- if I remember correctly , Dallara employs about 70 PhD's .
I would strongly recommend attending one of the KTM X-BOW Battle race meetings . The GT4 with its elevating 1 piece canopy is mesmerising , but this new variant looks even more sleek , and even more purposeful .
Good to see KTM progressing .
In my opinion , comparing scaffolding-tubed rivals to the X-BOW is a travesty , simply because one is laden with genuine technical innovation , is hugely safe ( the world's first production carbon fibre chassied car ) , and has genuine and on-going history and provenance , while the other does not .
And of course , Loris Bicocchi ( who fettled the Veyron , Chiron , Zonda , Koenigsegg ) did the chassis development work on the X-BOW .
Hopefully the funds generated from this new GTX will allow for the road car to be developed further .
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff