KTM X-Bow takes Top Gear’s 2008 Sports Car of the Year
Austrian-built KTM X-Bow wins Top Gear’s Sports Car of the Year for 2008, with senior figures Stefan Pierer and Loris Bicocchi named among the magazine’s Men of the Year.
KTM’s X-Bow has claimed Top Gear’s Sports Car of the Year award for 2008, marking a high-profile success for the Austrian manufacturer’s first road car. The minimalist, mid-engined two-seater was praised for its uncompromising focus on driving purity and performance.
The X-Bow’s award was announced at the TopGear.com 2008 awards. KTM CEO Stefan Pierer and chief chassis engineer Loris Bicocchi were also named among the publication’s Men of the Year, reflecting the impact of the company’s entry into the sports car market.
Technical highlights of the KTM X-Bow
The KTM X-Bow is built around a carbon fibre monocoque, a feature more commonly found in high-end supercars than in track-focused sports cars at this price point. The car is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged Audi TFSI four-cylinder engine, producing 240 PS (177 kW). Official figures put its 0-62 mph time at 3.9 seconds, making it one of the fastest-accelerating cars in its class at launch.
Weighing in at just over 700 kg, the X-Bow’s stripped-back approach leaves out luxuries such as a roof or windscreen, prioritising a direct connection between driver and road. The car’s engineering has drawn attention for its use of lightweight materials and a chassis set-up developed with input from experienced hands like Bicocchi.
Recognition for KTM’s leadership
Top Gear’s decision to highlight both Pierer and Bicocchi alongside the car itself reflects the scale of KTM’s achievement in moving from motorcycles to a credible road-going sports car. The X-Bow’s development team was recognised for pushing the boundaries of lightweight engineering and for delivering a car that stood out in a crowded market segment.
The award places KTM among established sports car manufacturers, and signals strong interest in the X-Bow from both enthusiasts and the wider motoring press. For more on Top Gear’s coverage of performance cars, see Top Gear Season 12 Episode 4.
