GRR

KTM X-Bow GT-XR has 500PS and a jet canopy

06th September 2022
Ethan Jupp

KTM has revealed its first supercar. The new X-Bow GT-XR is a howling five-cylinder speed machine sporting nothing less than a fighter jet-style flip-up canopy. Your move, Lamborghini…

ktm-x-bow-gt-xr-main.jpg

That carefully sculpted low-slung carbon bodywork is draped over a carbon fibre monocoque chassis, to which a turbocharged Audi 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine is bolted. That sends power to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which is presumably also Audi-sourced.

Based on the X-Bow GT2 racer, as seen in the European series, this is a bona fide race track refugee. It even features vortex generators in the front that sends swirling air around the floor of the car to create virtual skirts, enhancing the ground effect. KTM calls the system AirCurtain.

ktm-x-bow-gt-xr-1.jpg
ktm-x-bow-gt-xr-2.jpg
ktm-x-bow-gt-xr-3.jpg
ktm-x-bow-gt-xr-4.jpg
ktm-x-bow-gt-xr-6.jpg
ktm-x-bow-gt-xr-7.jpg

The numbers are suitably spectacular, with 500PS (368kW) shifting a mere 1,250kg. Equally though, as a car with endurance racing in its blood, KTM has made a big deal of its touring capability and its efficiency. The official numbers are 31mpg, over the course of a 96-litre fuel tank, for a hefty 620-mile range. It’s got a 160-litre boot with electric power steering, air conditioning, Bluetooth, USB-C charging and a rear-view camera. You can even hook your phone up and mount it as the control centre for in-car entertainment.

There’s a versatility to this thing, with track day performance to challenge a 911 GT3 and Continental GT-baiting long-distance chops. The price of entry? Around £300,000 once taxes are paid. Needless to say, there won’t be many of these, so if you want one, you’re going to need to be quick…

Photography by Kernasenko J.

  • KTM

  • X-Bow

  • GT-XR

  • elevenses-ktm-x-bow-nurburgring.jpg

    Modern

    Video: Watch a KTM X-Bow rocket around the Nordschleife

  • ktm-gtx-gt2-video-engine-sound-monza-main-goodwood-19042021.jpeg

    Modern

    Video: Listen to the angry five-pot KTM GTX

  • ktm_1290_superduker_17022017_44.jpg

    The Goodwood Test

    The Goodwood Test: KTM 1290 Super Duke R