The KTM X-BOW GT-XR broke cover earlier this week, KTM’s first thoroughbred road-legal streetcar.
Born on the racetrack, the stunning lightweight and high-performance super sportscar is based on the multiple Fanatec GT2 European Series championship and race-winning KTM X-BOW GT2.
We caught up with Hubert Trunkenpolz, CEO of KTM Sportscar GmbH and, of course, a Fanatec GT2 European Series competitor with True Racing by Reiter Engineering, to find out more behind the inspiration for the new KTM X-BOW GT-XR.
Hubert, thanks for taking the time to talk to us during what must be a very busy week for everyone at KTM! A racing pedigree is at KTM’s core, how has this driven the development of the KTM X-BOW GT-XR?
“Motorsport is the best test bench for pure performance and endurance. Any deficiency costs time and any error can mean retirement. Perfection is the only way to win, which is why motorsport came first for us, followed by the development of the road-going car.
“All the ideas, concepts, and innovations for the KTM X-BOW GT-XR first had to be proven in a motorsport environment. Built on this successful foundation, every technical detail of the KTM X-BOW GT-XR has been developed to deliver absolute performance.”
How has KTM’s competition in the Fanatec GT2 European Series helped the KTM X-BOW GT-XR’s development?
“The basis for this car is the KTM X-BOW GT2, which has demonstrated its strengths with victories and title wins on the racetracks of the world. We have recorded countless victories in many categories of racing over the years. The KTM X-BOW GTX and GT2 models were a major step for us. They laid the groundwork for our dream of building the most uncompromising super sportscar for the road.”
So, what came next?
“We crystallised the strengths of the car and were able to identify and eliminate any vulnerabilities.
“The aerodynamics of the KTM X-BOW GT-XR are clearly derived from that highly successful GT2 model, with the designers paying close attention to optimal aerodynamic efficiency. From the wedge-like body shape and the sleek and streamlined front surface of the car to the aerodynamically optimised wheel suspension, a floor section designed to maximise ground effect and the rear diffusor and large rear wing, every effort has gone into achieving the maximum amount of downforce at the lowest possible air resistance. The unique “AirCurtain” system in a road-legal car has been developed to create an aerodynamic ground effect that helps the car stick to the road.
“There are also several technical solutions that we have developed to get the racing car on the road. Racing fans will recognise quite a bit of motorsport technology.
“The result is a lightweight and aerodynamically efficient machine. Components tried and tested on the racetrack, such as the jet fighter canopy, the ultra-light carbon monocoque, the powerful five-cylinder engine and the removable steering wheel with integrated LED display are not available in this combination in any other road-legal super sportscar.”