KTM is best known for its motorcycles, road-going and off-road motors alike. Nevertheless, the Austrian company also builds low-volume sports cars, in particular the KTM X-BOW (pronounced crossbow). Now, KTM is ready to take its beloved sports car to a new level of racing with the new KTM X-BOW GTX.

Third Car Option For GT2 Racing

KTM X-BOW GT4
Via KTM

The Austrian carmaker had tremendous success with its KTM X-BOW, which has been in production since 2008. The sports car has been homologated as the KTM X-BOW GT4 to compete in Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile’s (FIA) GT4 class.

Just last year, SRO (Stéphane Ratel Organisation) resumed the so-called GT2 class, which features race cars with higher specs and performance. So far, teams can choose from two race car options -- Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport and Audi R8 LMS GT2. KTM has been developing the X-BOW GTX to compete in this higher level of GT racing.

600 HP Of Audi-Derived Power

KTM X-BOW GTX profile
Via KTM

Since the new KTM X-BOW GTX will compete in the GT2 class, it has to be homologated to class specs. Part of this process was finding an engine powerful enough to deliver more than 600 hp in GT2 specs. KTM didn’t have to look too hard as it is sourcing the engine from Audi, which also provided the mills for the X-BOW and the X-BOW GT4.

For the KTM X-BOW GTX, Audi supplied its own 2.5-liter, turbocharged five-cylinder TFSi engine found under hood of the TT RS. Since the KTM X-BOW GTX has a curb weight of about 2,200 lbs. (before Balance of Performance measures are implemented), this represents a very high power-to-ratio of around 1 hp for every 4.4 lbs.

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As a GT2 race car, the KTM X-BOW GTX also needs to prioritize the safety of its driver – it combines a homologated monocoque with a homologated GT cage. Moreover, customer teams may also option a homologated advanced seat.

GT2 Races Up Ahead

KTM X-BOW GTX and GT4
Via KTM

KTM has yet to disclose the technical details and prices of the KTM X-BOW GTX, but it will soon do so. In fact, the carmaker expects the GT2 racer to make its racing debut at an SRO event in autumn 2020.

Depending on homologation, the new KTM X-BOW GTX would also compete in the Creventic 24-Hour Series, GT Open and the Nürburgring Langstrecken series. A one-make Cup series likewise is planned next year. It’ll be full speed ahead for KTM!

Source: KTM

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