KTM X-Bow#X-Bow GTX

{{Infobox automobile

| image = KTMX-Bow.jpg

| name = KTM X-Bow

| manufacturer = KTM

| production = 2008–present

| model_years = 2009–present

| predecessor =

| assembly = Graz, Austria (KTM Sportcar GmbH)

| class = Track day car
Sports car (S)

| body_style = Open two-seater speedster

| layout = Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive

| engine = 2.0 L Audi turbo

I4 (R, RR, GT, GT4)
2.5 L Audi TFSI I5 (GTX, GT-XR, GT2)

| doors = Open cockpit (R, RR, GT)
Canopy (GTX, GT-XR, GT4, GT2)

| wheelbase = {{Convert|2430|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| length = {{Convert|3738|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| width = {{Convert|1915|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| height = {{Convert|1202|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| transmission = 6-speed manual
6-speed Holinger sequential gearbox

| weight = {{convert|790|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
{{convert|810|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (RR)
{{convert|847|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (GT)
{{convert|1048|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (GTX)
{{convert|1250|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (GT-XR)

| related =

| designer = KISKA

| sp = uk

}}{{Listen

| type = sound

| filename = KTM X-Bow.ogg

| title = KTM X-Bow

| style = float

}}

The KTM X-Bow (pronounced crossbow) is an ultra-light sports car manufactured by Austrian automotive manufacturer KTM, a company known for their production of motorcycles. The X-Bow was the first mass-produced car in their product range and was unveiled and launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008. The X-Bow road car was developed in collaboration with KISKA, Audi, and Dallara.

Specifications

KTM developed its X-Bow road cars in collaboration with design studio KISKA, Audi, and Dallara. It uses a carbon fiber monocoque.

The X-Bow uses a 2.0-litre transversely-mounted turbocharged inline-4 engine from Audi that produced {{convert|237|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} at 5,500 rpm and {{convert|230|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}} of torque between 2,000 and 5,500 rpm.{{cite web |title=TFSI Technology from Audi |url=http://www.ktm-x-bow.com/Engine.643.0.html |access-date=2009-01-21 |publisher=KTM}}{{Cite web |title=KTM X-Bow (2008) review |url=https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/ktm/ktm-x-bow-2008-review/ |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=CAR Magazine |language=en}} In the X-Bow R model for 2011 and for other models onwards, the Audi inline-4 is further tuned to produce {{convert|300|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|400|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 3,300 rpm.{{cite web |last=Pollard |first=Tim |title=KTM X-Bow R (2011) CAR Review |url=http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/Search-Results/First-drives/KTM-X-Bow-R-2011-CAR-review/ |access-date=2 December 2011 |work=CAR Magazine |publisher=Bauer Media Limited}} Two transmission options were available for the X-Bow; a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed Holinger twin-clutch DSG sequential manual.{{Cite web |date=2007-02-01 |title=2008 KTM X-Bow |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15147883/2008-ktm-x-bow-auto-shows/ |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=Car and Driver |language=en-us}} The front tyres are 205/45 ZR17 and the rear tyres are 235/40 ZR18. The X-Bow features Brembo brakes with {{Convert|305|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} diameter discs at the front and {{Convert|262|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} diameter discs at the rear. The X-Bow was capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds. Its top speed is 217 km/h (134.9 mph). For the GTX, GT2 Concept, and GT-XR models, the X-Bow uses a 2.5-litre Audi TFSI 20-valve I5 engine sourced from the Audi RS3.

Originally, KTM planned a production of 500 units per year; however, the company increased production to 1,000 cars a year and built a new plant near Graz due to high demand.{{cite web |date=2007-09-21 |title=KTM X-Bow gets own factory |url=http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/228128/ |access-date=2009-01-21 |publisher=Autocar.co.uk}}{{Multiple image

| align = center

| total_width = 800

| image1 = KTM Crossbow - Flickr - Supermac1961.jpg

| caption1 = Front view of the X-Bow.

| image2 = KTM X Bow - Flickr - exfordy.jpg

| caption2 = Rear view of the X-Bow.

| image3 = KTM X-Bow Interior.jpg

| caption3 = Interior of the X-Bow.

}}

Models

The first iteration of the KTM X-Bow was unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. There have since been a number of models made available since the X-Bow's release.

= X-Bow R =

The X-Bow R is an updated version of the original X-Bow. The car's Audi inline-4 is more powerful than the older X-Bow it replaces, tuned to produce {{convert|300|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|295|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |date=2019-03-30 |title=2019 KTM X-Bow R Review: Just Speedin' Away |url=https://www.motortrend.com/features/2019-ktm-x-bow-r-review/ |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=MotorTrend |language=en}} The X-Bow R was later made available for the United States market in 2019, and it was released as the KTM X-Bow Comp R.{{Cite web |date=2019-02-20 |title=The 2019 KTM X-Bow Is the Track-Day Featherweight We've Been Asking For |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a26413476/2019-ktm-x-bow-drive/ |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=Car and Driver |language=en-us}} However, unlike the standard X-Bow, the Comp R is not street-legal and is exclusively a track-only car.

= X-Bow RR =

The X-Bow RR is a high-performance version of the X-Bow.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-01 |title=KTM X-Bow RR: The car from another world |url=https://newsabc.net/ktm-x-bow-rr-the-car-from-another-world/ |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=Breaking News, Latest News and Videos |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011081737/https://newsabc.net/ktm-x-bow-rr-the-car-from-another-world/ |url-status=dead }}

= X-Bow GT =

File:KTM X-Bow GT, Erfolgsgeschichte des Automobils & Motorradausstellung, 2014 (01).JPG

The X-Bow GT is a slightly more refined version of the X-Bow. The car contains a windscreen and side windows for the driver and passenger. The car has the same power output as the standard model and uses a 6-speed manual. The weight is slightly heavier at {{convert|847|kg|lbs|0|abbr=on}} due to the addition of the windscreen and windows, resulting in a slightly slower {{convert|0-60|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} time of 4.1 seconds, as well as a different weight distribution ratio of 38:62. The ride height is 10 mm higher. The car's aerodynamics have also been decreased. The X-Bow GT provides luggage with 50 litres of capacity, and its center console has been changed to accommodate climate control, windscreen wiper adjustment, and a windscreen washer and heating system.{{Cite web |date=2013-03-07 |title=KTM X-Bow GT – full technical details revealed |url=https://newatlas.com/ktm-x-bow-gt-details/26551/ |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=New Atlas |language=en-US}}

= X-Bow GTX =

File:Dream Racing KTM X-BOW GTX Las Vegas 2024.jpg

The X-Bow GTX is a longer wheelbase track-only race car version released in October 2020, manufactured in collaboration with Reiter Engineering. Aesthetically, the design is very different to the standard X-Bow. The car uses a different engine to the standard X-Bow, making use of a 2.5-litre Audi TFSI 20-valve I5 engine sourced from the Audi RS3. The 6-speed Holinger sequential transmission and carbon fiber monocoque are retained. The inline-5 engine receives a number of upgrades for racing, including upgrades to the engine management system, injection valves, waste gate, intake, and exhaust. The fuse box comes from Reiter's subsidiary company Sareni United.{{Cite web |last=Petrány |first=Máté |date=2020-10-14 |title=New KTM X-Bow GTX Stuffs a 530-HP Audi 5-Cylinder in a 2,310-Pound All-Carbon Package |url=https://www.thedrive.com/news/37065/new-ktm-x-bow-gtx-stuffs-a-530-hp-audi-5-cylinder-in-a-2310-pound-all-carbon-package |access-date=2022-07-25 |website=The Drive |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2020-05-05 |title=KTM X-BOW GTX & GT2 600hp Cars. Prices & Delivery Dates {{!}} DriveMag Riders |url=https://riders.drivemag.com/news/ktm-x-bow-gtx-gt2-600hp-cars-prices-delivery-dates/ |access-date=2022-07-25 |language=en-US}} It also comes with fully electric power steering.

= X-Bow GT-XR =

The X-Bow GT-XR is a long wheelbase model of the X-Bow based on the GTX and GT2 track-only race car models, built in a collaborative effort with Reiter Engineering.{{Cite web |title=KTM X-BOW GT-XR - Fahrzeugmarkt - Startseite |url=https://www.reiter-engineering.com/startseite/fahrzeugmarkt/ktm-x-bow-gt-xr/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Reiter Engineering |language=de}} The car maintains the 2.5-litre Audi TFSI 20-valve I5 from the GTX, now producing {{convert|493|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|429|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque, with power delivered through a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The GT-XR also contains a {{convert|95|L|adj=on}} fuel tank. As a result of the car's more refined construction in comparison with the shorter wheelbase X-Bow models, it is the heaviest car in the lineup, with a dry weight of {{convert|1250|kg|lbs|0|abbr=on}} with a 44:56 ratio for weight distribution.{{Cite web |title=KTM X-Bow GT-XR Debuts: Road-Legal Track Toy With Canopy And Audi Power |url=https://www.motor1.com/news/608780/ktm-xbow-gtxr-reveal/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Motor1.com |language=en}} Its {{convert|0-60|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} factory time is 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of {{convert|174|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}. It costs €284,900.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-09 |title=KTM X-Bow GT-XR Is a 493-Horsepower Monster on a Low Carb Diet |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a41133624/ktm-x-bow-gt-xr-announced/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Car and Driver |language=en-us}}

Motorsport

The KTM X-Bow has been the selected car for use in the Race of Champions all-star event since 2008.

The KTM X-Bow Battle race series started in 2010 and was a support event for the DTM German Touring Car series at Adria Raceway in 2010 and Lausitzring in 2011.

Marcus Clutton and Phil Keen won the Supersports category with a modified X-Bow in the 2009 British GT Championship.

= SRO GT4 =

File:Festival automobile international 2016 - KTM X-Bow GT4 - 002.jpg

A modified KTM X-Bow was raced in the Supersport category of the 2008 FIA GT4 Championship.{{cite web |title=The Success Story - X-BOW Racing |url=http://www.ktm-x-bow.com/The-Success-Story.2062.0.html |access-date=2009-07-31 |publisher=Ktm X-Bow}} Catharina Felser, Christopher Haase, and Dennis Retera took a podium finish at Monza,{{cite web |title=Results: 2008 Round 2 - Monza |url=http://www.gt4cup.com/results.php?season=2008&event=2&session=Race%20Three%20Result |access-date=2012-10-20 |archive-date=2013-07-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729061233/http://gt4cup.com/results.php?season=2008&event=2&session=Race%2520Three%2520Result |url-status=dead }} and pole position in the wet qualifying session at Nogaro.{{cite web |title=Results: 2008 Round 6 - Nogaro |url=http://www.gt4cup.com/results.php?season=2008&event=6&session=Qualifying%201 |access-date=2012-10-20 |archive-date=2012-07-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722175217/http://gt4cup.com/results.php?season=2008&event=6&session=Qualifying%25201 |url-status=dead }} Peter Belshaw and Marcus Clutton were the GT4 champions in the 2011 season of the British GT Championship in a modified X-Bow.

KTM teased a factory GT4 version of the X-Bow in 2014, which they would later unveil in 2015. The X-Bow GT4 was built in collaboration with Reiter Engineering and KISKA.{{Cite web |title=KTM releases more info regarding GT4-spec X-BOW |url=https://www.motorsport.com/gt/news/ktm-releases-more-info-regarding-gt4-spec-x-bow/462342/ |access-date=2022-07-25 |website=www.motorsport.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Reiter Engineering Teases Turnkey KTM X-Bow Race Car: New Rendering |url=https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1028650_reiter-engineering-teases-turnkey-ktm-x-bow-race-car |access-date=2022-07-25 |website=Motor Authority |date=15 December 2014 |language=en}}{{cite web |title="GT4" - Models - About X-BOW |url=http://www.ktm-x-bow.com/GT4.2121.0.html |access-date=2009-07-31 |publisher=Ktm X-Bow}} The vehicle features a closed cockpit design to comply with class regulations. It also maintains the 2.0-litre turbocharged Audi inline-4 engine and the 6-speed Holinger sequential transmission, but both are modified for racing. To accommodate the rules and regulations, the wheelbase is extended by 17 cm. The X-Bow GT4 debuted in the 2015 GT4 European Series and took its first win in its debut at the Circuit Zandvoort round. It also powered Brett Sandberg to the 2016 Pirelli World Challenge GTS Championship with multiple wins.{{cite web |title=Pirelli World Challenge - PWC: Barkey earns GTS win; Sandberg takes title |url=http://www.racer.com/pwc/item/135290-pwc-barkey-earns-gts-win-sandberg-takes-title |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010172316/http://www.racer.com/pwc/item/135290-pwc-barkey-earns-gts-win-sandberg-takes-title |archive-date=2016-10-10 |website=www.racer.com}} An upgrade was introduced in 2018 with improvements in durability and performance.{{Cite web |title=2018 KTM X-Bow GT4 Gets Sinister Looks, Increased Durability |url=https://www.motor1.com/news/225516/2018-ktm-x-bow-gt4/ |access-date=2022-07-25 |website=Motor1.com |language=en}}

An evolution model for the X-Bow GT4 was released in 2019 as the X-Bow GT4 Evo. The update was directed towards increasing the car's straight-line speed while maintaining the cornering capabilities of the previous X-Bow GT4. It also received a power increase, now producing {{convert|375|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} under balance of performance.{{Cite web |last=Kilshaw |first=Jake |date=2019-12-13 |title=KTM X-Bow GT4 Evo Revealed |url=https://sportscar365.com/industry/ktm-x-bow-gt4-evo-revealed/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Sportscar365}}

= SRO GT2 =

File:Artur Chwist at the 2022 Grand Prix of Slovakia.jpg circuit.]]

A SRO GT2 specification race car of the X-Bow was released alongside the GTX model in 2020, which would be unveiled as the X-Bow GT2 Concept. The GT2 Concept is based on the GTX, but is more powerful than its road-going counterpart. It debuted in the 2021 Fanatec GT2 European Series.

KTM introduced an Evo kit for the X-Bow in 2025, which featured several upgrades to the car, including an increase in power and improved aero.{{Cite web |last=Goodwin |first=Graham |date=2024-09-10 |title=KTM X-Bow GT2 Evo Update {{!}} dailysportscar.com |url=https://www.dailysportscar.com/2024/09/10/ktm-x-bow-gt2-evo-update.html |access-date=2025-02-16 |website=www.dailysportscar.com |language=en-GB}}

Reception

In a March 2012 episode of Top Gear, presenter Jeremy Clarkson drove a X-Bow GT around Donington Park circuit in England. He applauded the tyres' grip, saying during a James May-inspired session of doughnuts, "it's like driving on superglue", but both May and Clarkson criticised the complicated procedure needed to start the engine, calling it "idiotic".Test of three stripped track cars, series 18, episode 6:

May: "How long have I got?"
Clarkson: "Take a week!"
...
May: "This is idiotic!"
Clarkson: "Look, it's perfectly straight forward... Ignition 'On', key in, press 'stop' until there's a 'clonk', press 'mode' once it says 'ready to race', then put your foot on the clutch, then the brake - fully down - then press 'start' - then it begins."
May: "The 'stop' being the button to start it is - with the best will in the world - a bit misleading..."

In video games

The X-Bow appeared in Gran Turismo 6, GT Racing: Motor Academy, Asphalt 6: Adrenaline and Asphalt 3D.

The X-Bow R model appeared in Grid 2, Grid Autosport, Real Racing 3,{{cite web|url=https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/real-racing/real-racing-3/news/rr3-mclaren-senna-update|work=EA|title=Real Racing 3 - McLaren Senna|date=30 March 2020 |access-date=May 6, 2022}} Forza Motorsport 7,{{cite web|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/forza-motorsport-7-complete-car-list|title=Forza Motorsport 7 complete car list (Xbox One and Windows 10)|first1=Richard|last1=Devine|first2=Matt|last2=Brown|date=June 1, 2018|access-date=May 6, 2022|work=windowscentral.com}} Assetto Corsa,{{cite web|url=http://assetto-db.com/car/ktm_xbow_rr|title=KTM X-Bow RR|work=assetto-db.com|access-date=May 6, 2022}} CSR Racing 2, The Crew 2,{{cite web|url=https://ubisoftconnect.com/pl-PL/news/ignt.27321/the-crew-2-season-3-episode-1-us-speed-tour-east-patch-notes/|title=The Crew 2 – Season 3 Episode 1: Us Speed Tour East – Patch Notes|date=July 9, 2021|work=Ubisoft|access-date=May 6, 2022}} The Crew: Motorfest, Gran Turismo 6, Gran Turismo Sport,{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9Q767FvQiQ|via=YouTube|work=MotoGamesTV|date=December 29, 2017|title=Gran Turismo Sport - KTM X-BOW R Gameplay|access-date=May 6, 2022}} Gran Turismo 7 and Project CARS 2.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/news/project-cars-2-car-list-2|title=Project CARS 2: the car list|work=motorsportmagazine.com|date=January 2, 2019|author=Staff|access-date=May 6, 2022}} The X-Bow GT4 appears in Asphalt 8: Airborne,{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBDbpq-4WV0|title=Asphalt 8 - Anniversary KTM X-Bow GT4|work=Asphalt|via=YouTube|date=May 14, 2020|access-date=May 6, 2022}} Project CARS 2,{{cite web|url=https://www.gtplanet.net/project-cars-2-gets-the-ktm-x-bow-gt4/|title=Project CARS 2 Gets the KTM X-Bow GT4|date=April 3, 2017|access-date=May 6, 2022|author=Matej|work=gtplanet.net}} Forza Horizon 4,{{cite web|url=https://www.gtplanet.net/forza-horizon-4-season-change-20220428/|title=Forza Horizon 4 Season Change: Racing Through Spring|date=April 28, 2022|access-date=May 6, 2022|first=Gary|last=Slater|work=gtplanet.net}}Assetto Corsa.,{{cite web|url=https://www.racedepartment.com/threads/ktm-release-official-free-x-bow-gt4-mod-for-assetto-corsa.188084/|title=KTM Release Official Free X-Bow GT4 Mod For Assetto Corsa|first=Paul|last=Jeffrey|date=July 26, 2020|work=racedepartment.com|access-date=May 6, 2022}} Forza Horizon 5, Asphalt 9: Legends and in Need for Speed: No Limits. The X-Bow GT2 appears in Assetto Corsa Competizione.{{Cite web |last=Corsa |first=Assetto |date=2024-01-16 |title=THE GT2 PACK |url=https://assettocorsa.gg/the-gt2-pack-dlc/ |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=Assetto Corsa |language=en-US}}

Awards and recognition

The X-Bow won the Sports Car of the Year award from British motoring show Top Gear in 2008.{{cite web |url=http://www.4wheelsnews.com/ktm-x-bow-receives-top-gears-sports-car-of-the-year-award/ |title=KTM X-Bow receives Top Gear's "Sports Car of the Year" award |access-date=2008-12-15 |date=2008-12-15 |work=4wheelnews.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090109070826/http://www.4wheelsnews.com/ktm-x-bow-receives-top-gears-sports-car-of-the-year-award/ |archive-date=2009-01-09 }}

References

=Notes=

=Further reading=

{{cite book |last1=Pathmanathan |first1=Thillainathan "Path" |title=KTM X-Bow |date=2019 |publisher=Veloce Publishing |location=Dorchester, Dorset, UK |isbn=9781787114333}}