KTM X-BOW Welcomes its First Touring Model | KTM

KTM X-BOW GT | KTM X-BOW GT

The First Touring Model in the X-BOW Series

Weighing around 800kg, the X-BOW is a sports car from Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM, equipped with a high-power 2-liter turbo engine that can reach up to 300ps. For the first time in its five-year history, the X-BOW, previously one of the world's most spartan sports cars with no roof or even a front windshield, will introduce its first touring model, named "GT."Geneva Motor Show 2013It was unveiled at the show.

Text by OTSUKI Takuma
Photograph by MOCHIZUKI Hirohiko & KTM

Minimalism Beyond Driving

Announced at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show and released in 2008, the KTM X-BOW is an ultra-lightweight sports car manufactured by Austrian motorcycle maker KTM. With manufacturing assistance from Italian racing constructor Dallara, it achieved a design and performance akin to a racing car, yet it is a fully road-legal passenger car. A small number have been imported to Japan.

The engine is supplied by the Volkswagen Group, with current models featuring a 2-liter TFSI engine. The most powerful road-legal model produces a maximum output of 220kW (300ps) at 6,300rpm and a maximum torque of 400Nm at 3,300rpm. Furthermore, its curb weight is a mere 790kg, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 2.63.

With no roof, windshield, or doors (not even as an option), the X-BOW was an extreme machine, excelling only at driving. However, the new GT model now adds a windshield, a detachable roof, and doors for easier entry and exit.

Nevertheless, the newly introduced GT model retains its distinct and unconventional character. It is powered by the familiar 2-liter TSI engine supplied by the Volkswagen Group, boasting a maximum output of 210kW (285ps) at 6,400rpm and a maximum torque of 420Nm at 3,200rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 231 km/h. Fuel consumption is 8.3 L/100km, and CO2 emissions are 189g/km.

Five years since its debut and with ongoing refinement, rumors of even more powerful Audi turbo engines and models equipped with twin-clutch transmissions are circulating. It seems the future of KTM's unique super-sports car remains a compelling subject.

spec