New KTM X-Bow GT-XR is a street-legal GT2 racer

While you may know Austrian brand KTM as a manufacturer of some of the most awesome motorcycles the world has ever seen, it has also dabbled in the world of four wheels through its extreme X-Bow (pronounced as Cross-Bow) street-legal trackday machine.

The brand took things up a few notches recently when it decided to go racing properly, leading to the creation of a much bigger and more extreme X-Bow GTX GT2 race car. Now, KTM have made a road-legal version of said full-fledged racer, and it’s called the X-Bow GT-XR.

Like the GT2 racer it underpins, the X-Bow GT-XR is constructed around carbon fibre monocoque and a high-strength tubular steel chassis frame design. This, according to KTM, is an evolution of the original X-Bow’s chassis design, and it sees it tip the scales at just 1,130kg dry.

Again, like the GT2-spec racer, KTM also tasked the same turbocharged 2.5-litre in-line 5-cyl powerplant lifted from the Audi RS3 to power the car. It road trim, the mill delivers 500 hp at 6,350RPM and 581 Nm of twist at 5,550RPM. Said outputs go to the rear wheels through a 7-speed DCT box and limited-slip differential, allowing nought to 100kmh in just 3.4 seconds and a claimed V-max of 280kmh.

Though developed for road use, KTM says on-track performance remains a priority when developing the X-Bow GT-XR. The firm also says it’s a “perfect as a daily driver” thanks to a larger 96-litre fuel tank, a progressive electric power steering, and the option to specify a 3.5-inch (9 cm) hydraulic lift system. Adding to that is the inclusion of both ABS and ESP, front and rear LED lighting, and a 160-litre boot.

The X-Bow GT-XR rolls on bespoke 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) wheels wrapped in 235/35 R19 and 295/35 R20 tyres respectively. Brakes come courtesy of lightweight, fixed monoblock eight-piston calipers and steel rotors whilst suspension duties are taken up by Sachs-sourced units. Both centre-locking type wheels and carbon ceramic brake rotors are available as options too.

All of this is encased under a sharp and aerodynamically styled exterior that’s largely constructed out of carbon fibre. KTM have yet to release downforce figures for the X-Bow GT-XR, but did say that the GT-XR is “the closest you can get to a purebred race car in a road-legal vehicle.” Fuelling that claim further are the presence of both an ‘AirCurtain’ system and a special floor designed to maximise ground effect.

Perhaps the coolest detail on the X-Bow GT-XR is its ‘electric jet fighter canopy’ feature. The entire canopy opens as one big section that allows the driver – and co-driver -  to climb in and out of the cockpit. Furthermore, this novel feature even boasts a soft-close function.

The cockpit – or cabin, if you will – features a pair of full bucket race seats and multi-point harnesses, a removable carbon fibre steering that features an integrated digital instrument display panel, an adjustable pedal box, an optional rear-view camera system, a Bluetooth audio system, LED lighting, air conditioning, as well as a small glovebox.

Made in KTM’s Graz plant where it churns out other X-Bow derivatives, the new X-Bow GT-XR reportedly costs €284,900 (approx. RM 1.28 million+) before any of the options mentioned earlier, which also includes a catalytic converter and silencer for the stainless steel exhaust system.

What do you reckon, folks? Keen on KTM’s new ultimate trackday toy? Or would prefer something a little more sensible, like the recently launched 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS? Hit the comments below with your thoughts.