KTM X-Bow GT now available

The KTM X-Bow GT is now available in Australia, priced at $189,990 plus on-road costs -- $20,000 more than the hard-core X-Bow R released last year.

The price premium buys you a heated, frameless, wrap-around, visor-style windscreen and a number of interior comfort features, including a range of padding options for the fixed Recaro seat shells, a sliding pedal box and a height- and reach-adjustable multi-function steering wheel.

KTM X-Bow importer Simply Sports Cars says that makes the GT – which also scores a revamped centre console and new switchgear -- suitable for all body shapes and sizes.

However, the KTM X-Bow GT still comes with four-point Schroth safety belts and remains based around the same carbon composite monocoque – a world first for a production car -- as the X-Bow R.

The GT’s extra creature comforts come at the expense of slightly more weight and slightly less performance though.

The GT weighs 847kg (up from the track-focusses X-Bow R’s 790kg) and the Austrian car and motorcycle maker says its Audi-sourced 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine has been revamped to deliver more torque (420 v 400Nm) at the expense of peak power – 213 v 221kW for the R.

Housed in an aluminium spaceframe, it’s matched to a VW Group six-speed manual gearbox with short-throw shifter and a Drexler limited-slip rear differential that’s been “completely retuned” for the GT.

The result is 0-100km/h acceleration in just 4.1 seconds (up from 3.9sec), but the same 231km/h top speed and 100-0km/h braking in around 40 metres.

Other X-Bow R specs also carry over, such as the formula race car-derived pushrod front suspension and flat three-piece underbody, which together with a front splitter and rear diffuser delivers up to 193kg of downforce at 200km/h.

KTM claims the X-Bow is capable of generating up to 2.0g of lateral acceleration depending on tyres, front and rear suspension is adjustable for both compression and rebound damping, and the Brembo brake rotors measure 305mm front and 262mm rear.

As with the R, the GT comes with no electronic driver aids whatsoever. Instead, safety is taken care of by a carbon-aluminum sandwich construction front crash box that complies with FIA GT and Formula 3 regulations, and integrated aluminium rollover bars that can withstand loads of up to 2.5 times the weight of the vehicle.

In terms of security, the X-Bow does have an engine immobiliser, and the steering wheel is detachable via a quick-release collar.

Simply Sports Cars CEO Lee Knappett said the GT offers KTM X-Bow buyers more user-friendliness on the road.

“I’m delighted to see the X-Bow GT also now registerable in Australia,” he said.

“It’s the everyday version of an X-Bow with its amazing windscreen design protecting you from the elements in what is basically an open-wheel sports car.

“In a world where cars are getting faster, bigger, more technology laden, the X-Bow GT remains focused, pure and simple – it’s about driving, it’s very raw and it’s fun at 60km/h or 160km/h.”

The KTM X-Bow GT is available now via Simply Sports Cars’ outlets in Artarmon (Sydney), Richmond (Melbourne) and Daisy Hill (Brisbane), and comes with a two-year, unlimited-km warranty.

As with the X-Bow R, exclusivity is assured because import volumes are capped at 25 cars per annum.

What’s more, the X-Bow has virtually no competitors in Australia, where extreme sportsters like the Ariel Atom and Radical SR3 RS are unavailable.

The first car from KTM, which is better known for its 260-plus world motorcycle racing titles, is the result of a collaboration with race chassis maker Dallara, composite experts Wethje, engine partner Audi and designer Gerald Kiska.

Hand-assembled at a purpose-built low-volume production facility in Graz since June 2008, the X-Bow has no boot, roof, air-conditioning or stereo (the latter two items are optional), but at least you won’t have to wear goggles in the GT.