You may remember the original track-orientated X-Bow. A car created for some fun days out, and came without a roof. So hopefully you weren’t going to get caught in any rain. Well, that has evolved somewhat. Fast forward to today and behold the KTM X-Bow GT-XR.
Kiska, a design company renowned across the globe, also born in Austria has been working in close partnership with KTM for many years. They were given the task of creating the next X-Bow and came up with a strikingly unique one at that. The greatest inspiration for the car happens to come from one of the most formidable fighter jets on the planet. The F-35 Lightning. The most obvious feature is the cockpit of the car, all while keeping KTM’s “READY TO RACE” statement at the heart of all creative thought. The result is lightweight and screams aerodynamic efficiency!
Now in the world of car critiques, where some writers know more about penning paragraphs than driving supercars, it’s time for some real talk. Cue in your friendly neighborhood Supercarbaldie, a Yas Marina Instructor, Dubai Autodrome instructor, National Race License holder, and Chase Car driver, to give you my thoughts, unpaid and loving every minute, mind you. A supercar needs experience behind the wheel, not just the number of followers. My point is that the X-Bow is in a different league. Brace yourself – passion is required, or risk getting a friendly nibble from the beast!
The guys and girls at KTM have chosen to power the XR with quite possibly one of the most legendary Audi engines. The latest update of the 5 pot inline 2.5 litre, as generally found in the Audi RS3 has been very nicely tweaked with the addition of a turbo to a staggering 500 hp, genius. And if my memory serves me well this engine has won the accolade of Engine of the Year 7 or 8 times. I am sure someone will google and correct me if I’m wrong. But that is quite something, moreover, having an engine that has the durability. Anyway, 500 hp on a car that weighs just shy of 1200kg all fluids present, and yes that includes fuel, all 96 litres of it. That is seriously a lot of Gas, in fact, more gas than the car critics out there! Has a power to weight of 413hp per ton. 0-100 in 3.4 seconds. I can already hear the critics, “There are faster cars out there” OK yes there are, though stop and think about my previous words “the X-Bow is in a different league”. This car in the hands of those people, will more than dominate the tracks. This amazing engine has been paired up with a 7-speed DSG. It’s quick and smooth to change gear and can be left in auto if performing longer trips or bimbling around the town. Switch it to manual i.e. paddle shift when you arrive at the track. The shift by the way has such a satisfying click and feel. While in the area of the steering, the steering wheel is a mix between a GT and an F1 car and has all functions and references on it. Speedo, revs, fuel, etc. but also the indicators, wiper switch, and a button for the mechanic when he plugs his laptop in. So, no stalks or dials anywhere.
This is a GT car, especially with its 96-litre tank and 150-litre boot space, it is primed for the distance. The boot or trunk is tucked away under the engine cover behind the cockpit. Therefore, many will be thinking is it really a great tourer? Personally, I would love to travel about the world, visiting new tracks and enjoying the experience and adventure. I find I am comfortable during longer trips and the car is quite stimulating to drive. Though there are many of you not so keen out there, not quite got the passion for motoring as I have. You may be the sort to take small trips or take it on a few occasional laps of a track day. Here are my thoughts as to why I think many would give this a miss. And it starts with the cockpit. There are no cupholders, a small glove box between the headrests of the seats, you can’t recline the seats and you hear everything the car does as there is pretty much no insulation or noise suppression. There is no infotainment system or fancy ambient cabin lights to change. WOW! I love this car more. You sit low, hardly able to see the front wings of the car, you’re looking just above the top of the steering wheel. This gives such a great race car feeling. I felt comfortable in this way, not intimidated or nervous about where the four corners of the car were in small spaces. In essence, this is a grassroots race-orientated GT. An Aficionado’s dream modern super sports car. I’ll buy two! Many have grown accustomed to comforts, doing things in the car that maybe you shouldn’t with food, phones, and office. The KTM demands your full attention, and no distractions allowed.
Here is what it does have and I say all it needs. 600 possible miles of fuel, a storage area that happens to take my 65cm x 45cm x 40cm hold size rolla bag, and my 40cm x 30cm x 20cm rucksack. Basically, these had all my media gear in. The point is, that’s more than enough space to cover a couple of weeks of touring. It has a Bluetooth receiver connected to 5 speakers, in which you pair your mobile phone and hey presto you have an infotainment and navigation system.
The KTM X-Bow GT-XR does not disappoint. It is worth every penny of the 2mil dirhams. It is a constant source of interest, experience, and adventure, and to note I have been fortunate to have driven one of 100 Limited Editions. There’s oodles of amazing-looking carbon, with such a wonderful deep weave. Seating caresses you perfectly, or at least my butt agrees. It brings out the young entrepreneurial heart in you, inspiring and bringing back some of your favorite nostalgic motorsport moments. It’s most definitely a dream come true car, that drives and dominates the track as well as performing better than most mass-produced supercars.
I have commonly said to people “Think of driving as a privilege, then driving will always be courteous and adventurous”
If you would like to understand more about the car, just DM me.
James has a most positive and illuminating view of the world, finding soul and animation in our ever-manufactured global environments.
A traveler by nature, James has grown his professional and diverse career in Supply Chain, Photo-journalism and Digital Marketing management by acquainting himself with different traditions and cultures of more than 35 countries around the world. Capturing memories, creating identities, and gaining great perspectives.
In addition, James takes on the recent challenge of founder and creator to push his internationally recognized freelance and corporate experiences into new and exciting times with the advent of Brand Command. A brand and marketing company recognizing the creative talents of others around the world and placing soul and emotion into the image of its clients.