Following many spy shots, KTM introduced the X-Bow GT-XR to function as a race car equivalent to the GT2. Developed with a canopy worthy of the Batmobile, the track-focused engine with license plates is touted as “the most uncompromising super sports car for the road.” The low-slung coupe is the culmination of the X-Bow’s history, which began in 2008. The backbone is represented by a full carbon fiber monocoque.
The GT-XR has an impressive dry weight of just 1,250 kilograms (2,755 pounds) and a large fuel tank that can hold 96 liters for a diesel-like range of up to 621 miles (1,000 kilometers). The canopy we mentioned is electrically operated and even has soft-close functions like luxury car doors and trunks. Needless to say, the car is rear-wheel drive and offers a limited-slip differential for optimal power delivery.
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At the heart of the KTM X-Bow GT-XR is Audi’s proven 2.5 TFSI engine. The turbocharged inline-five produces a healthy 493 horsepower (368 kilowatts) at 6,350 rpm and 581 Newton-meters (429 pound-feet) of torque at 5,550 rpm in these applications, which is a lot more than you’d get in an RS3 or a TT RS. . Also sourced from the Volkswagen Group is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DQ500).
It takes just 3.4 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) from rest and peak at 174 mph (280 km/h). To avoid underside damage, KTM can optionally equip the GT-XR with a hydraulic lift system on the front axle. The new X-Bow uses 19-inch front and 20-inch OZ Racing wheels with 235/35 R19 and 295/35 R20 tires, respectively.
The suspension uses Sachs dampers and the driver can adjust the ride height at the front and rear. KTM says the weight is distributed 44:56 front/rear while ceramic brakes are available at an additional cost. The full carbon fiber body is hand-painted and there are two bucket seats inside where the screen shows footage captured by the mirror-replacement side camera.
Manufactured at the same plant in Graz where other X-Bow derivatives are being built, the Audi-powered GT-XR costs €284,900 before option. This includes the center locking wheel along with the catalytic converter and dampers for the stainless steel exhaust system. The Austrian factory makes around 100 units of the X-Bow every year, meaning new flavors will be a rare sight on the public road.
