OPENERS

today

KTM Gallery | Test Drive: The X-BOW GT, a Sports Car Developed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer

Gallery

KTM Gallery | Test Drive: The X-BOW GT, a Sports Car Developed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer

The "X-BOW," a sports car developed by KTM, the globally renowned Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, first appeared in 2007. This time, Tomoyuki Shimada test-drove the latest grade, the "KTM X-BOW GT," which features weather protection compared to the standard X-BOW, making it suitable for long-distance touring as its name suggests.

001_ktm_x_bow_gt

002_ktm_x_bow_gt

003_ktm_x_bow_gt

004_ktm_x_bow_gt

005_ktm_x_bow_gt

006_ktm_x_bow_gt

007_ktm_x_bow_gt

008_ktm_x_bow_gt

009_ktm_x_bow_gt

010_ktm_x_bow_gt

011_ktm_x_bow_gt

012_ktm_x_bow_gt

013_ktm_x_bow_gt

014_ktm_x_bow_gt

015_ktm_x_bow_gt

017_ktm_x_bow_gt

018_ktm_x_bow_gt

019_ktm_x_bow_gt

020_ktm_x_bow_gt

021_ktm_x_bow_gt

022_ktm_x_bow_gt

023_ktm_x_bow_gt

024_ktm_x_bow_gt

025_ktm_x_bow_gt

026_ktm_x_bow_gt

027_ktm_x_bow_gt

028_ktm_x_bow_gt

029_ktm_x_bow_gt

030_ktm_x_bow_gt

031_ktm_x_bow_gt

032_ktm_x_bow_gt

033_ktm_x_bow_gt

034_ktm_x_bow_gt

035_ktm_x_bow_gt

036_ktm_x_bow_gt

037_ktm_x_bow_gt

038_ktm_x_bow_gt

039_ktm_x_bow_gt

The standard X-BOW, lacking even a front windshield, is too spartan. Thus, the "GT" was conceived with a front windshield, flip-up side windows, and a simple soft-top capable of withstanding speeds up to 100 km/h.

KTM's philosophy is to "do sports" with vehicles.

042_ktm_x_bow_gt

044_ktm_x_bow_gt

045_ktm_x_bow_gt

046_ktm_x_bow_gt

Kiska Design is responsible for the styling of the KTM X-BOW. The firm is involved in KTM's design not only for this model but also for motorcycles in general, as well as their headquarters and printed materials.

048_ktm_x_bow_gt

049_ktm_x_bow_gt

050_ktm_x_bow_gt

051_ktm_x_bow_gt

052_ktm_x_bow_gt

The cockpit of the KTM X-BOW GT features a layout reminiscent of a Formula car.

054_ktm_x_bow_gt

055_ktm_x_bow_gt

The steering wheel simply features only the essential switches for driving.

057_ktm_x_bow_gt

058_ktm_x_bow_gt

059_ktm_x_bow_gt

060_ktm_x_bow_gt

061_ktm_x_bow_gt

062_ktm_x_bow_gt

063_ktm_x_bow_gt

064_ktm_x_bow_gt

065_ktm_x_bow_gt

066_ktm_x_bow_gt

Compared to the standard X-BOW, the KTM X-BOW GT has become a car capable of comfortable long drives, far more so than one might imagine.

068_ktm_x_bow_gt

069_ktm_x_bow_gt

070_ktm_x_bow_gt

071_ktm_x_bow_gt

072_ktm_x_bow_gt

073_ktm_x_bow_gt

074_ktm_x_bow_gt

075_ktm_x_bow_gt

The KTM X-BOW GT, with its short and wide stance, lacks electronic aids like ABS or traction control, which are now standard in sports cars. However, this sense of unity between man and machine is irresistible. The sharp handling, boundless fun, and intense thrill are powerful, whether the windows are present or not.

077_ktm_x_bow_gt

078_ktm_x_bow_gt

079_ktm_x_bow_gt

Tomoyuki Shimada, who test-drove the "KTM X-BOW GT."

081_ktm_x_bow_gt

082_ktm_x_bow_gt

083_ktm_x_bow_gt

084_ktm_x_bow_gt

085_ktm_x_bow_gt

086_ktm_x_bow_gt

087_ktm_x_bow_gt

088_ktm_x_bow_gt

The construction of the X-BOW is very simple. An aluminum rear frame is joined to the carbon monocoque main frame, and the inline-4 turbo engine is mounted midship.

090_ktm_x_bow_gt

The 1,984cc inline-4 turbo engine, mounted midship, produces 285 hp at 6,400 rpm and 42.8 kgm at 3,200 rpm. The power-to-weight ratio is 2.97 kg/hp, a figure nearly identical to the Audi R8, which is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 producing 525 ps.

Pushrod front suspension. It's just like a two-seater Formula car.

093_ktm_x_bow_gt

094_ktm_x_bow_gt

095_ktm_x_bow_gt

096_ktm_x_bow_gt

097_ktm_x_bow_gt

098_ktm_x_bow_gt

099_ktm_x_bow_gt

KTM, the globally renowned Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, specializes in high-performance and competition motorcycles.

Circuit events, including one-make races, are held worldwide for the X-BOW.

/

Test Drive the X-BOW GT, a Sports Car Developed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer | KTM Gallery

Back to Article