KTM X-Bow GT debuts at 2013 Geneva Motor Show with windscreen and doors
KTM has unveiled the X-Bow GT at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, adding a windscreen, side windows and doors to its minimalist sports car for the first time.
KTM has used the 2013 Geneva Motor Show to introduce the X-Bow GT, a new variant of its stripped-back sports car that now features a full windscreen, side windows and doors. The changes aim to make the X-Bow more usable for buyers who found the original too uncompromising for regular road use.
The X-Bow GT keeps the same Audi-sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the standard car, producing 240hp and 310Nm. KTM says the addition of the windscreen and doors has had little impact on performance, though the precise weight for the GT model has not been disclosed. The standard X-Bow weighs just 790kg, and any increase is expected to be modest given KTM’s focus on lightweight construction.
The new features mark a shift for KTM, whose X-Bow has until now been defined by its lack of weather protection and extreme focus on track driving. By fitting a fixed windscreen, side glass and lightweight doors, KTM is targeting buyers who want more comfort without sacrificing the X-Bow’s core appeal. The GT’s chassis remains a carbon monocoque developed by Dallara, a company with experience in single-seater racing and prototype construction.
Technical details and market positioning
KTM has not announced a price or full technical specification for the X-Bow GT at Geneva. The company is positioning the car as a more accessible version of its track-focused model, likely to appeal to drivers who want the X-Bow experience but with greater practicality for road use. The GT retains the same Audi TFSI engine, which has been used in other X-Bow variants and can be tuned up to 300hp in certain applications. No details have been released about possible higher-power versions of the GT.
The chassis is produced by Dallara, whose expertise includes work in ADAC Formel Masters, IndyCar, GP2, GP3 and World Series by Renault. This racing pedigree underpins the X-Bow’s reputation for handling and performance. The addition of weather protection should make the GT more appealing in markets where the open cockpit limited the car’s usability.
Broader context at Geneva
The X-Bow GT’s unveiling joins a busy Geneva show that also saw new models from Ferrari, BMW and Audi. KTM’s move to broaden the X-Bow’s appeal comes as other niche manufacturers look for ways to expand their customer base without diluting their brand identity. For those interested in more mainstream Geneva launches, see coverage of the2014 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer,Audi TT Quattro Sport ConceptandFerrari California T.
Full details on pricing, availability and market rollout for the X-Bow GT are expected closer to the car’s on-sale date. For now, KTM’s Geneva debut signals a more versatile future for its lightweight sports car.
