(from KTM Press Release) The KTM X-BOW GT4
Motorsport ranks very highly at KTM – there’s a valid reason behind the company motto ‘Ready to Race’. No wonder that at the same time as planning for series production of the X-BOW, preparations were already being made for deploying the company’s first sportscar on the racetrack. As with the standard production vehicle, KTM relied heavily on the extensive experience of Dallara in developing
the X-BOW GT4. The racing car was tested for the first time as early as February 2008. The official debut followed in March, along with the compulsory FIA crash test, which was passed at the first attempt. In April, the X-BOW competed in its first official race – the legendary ‘Tourist Trophy’ at Silverstone – not only winning the Super Sport category, but also gaining a place in the top five overall, first time out. Long before the first series X-BOW road cars left the production line, KTM had already registered success on the track. The company could rightly claim that the X-BOW was born on the racetrack and, of course, it adopted important insights from this motorsport involvement into the standard production model. After the successful curtain-raiser at Silverstone, the good results kept coming. The first podium finish followed only a few weeks later with a third in the GT4 overall placings. In the final race of the 2008 season at Nogaro, the X-BOW also earned its first pole position – ahead of all other (more powerful) GT4 vehicles. Victory in the Super Sport class had already long been assured; the first three places were taken by three KTM drivers (Christopher Haase, Dennis Retera and Catharina Felser).
Since the beginning of January 2009, KTM has been passing on this successful motorsport technology to its customers. The X-BOW GT4 costs a modest 82,900 Euros (plus national taxes and import duties), while at the same time satisfying the strictest safety requirements. For example, the standard high-strength aluminium rollover bars fitted to the road car are replaced with steel, and the flanks of the vehicle are protected against penetration by particularly sharp objects with an extra layer of Kevlar. Additional special side-impact protection has been mounted between the front and rear wheels to prevent the wheels of other vehicles becoming entangled. The KTM X-BOW GT4 fulfilled FIA crash regulations according to Article 258a at the first attempt and therefore boasts the same safety standards as dedicated open wheel and ALMS vehicles. A 70-litre safety fuel tank, with filler openings on both sides for rapid refuelling, guarantees short turnaround times at pit stops. In addition, the X-BOW GT4 has been fitted with a racing exhaust system, special aerodynamic bumpers and
headlight covers, as well as a retuned chassis with adjustable anti-roll bars and pushrods, front and rear.
However, the X-BOW GT4 offers even more advantages over its road-approved standard production variant: above all, the modular superstructure, which allows the vehicle to be repaired as flexibly as a construction kit. In the event of an accident – as long as the monocoque remains undamaged and the mounting points are not deformed – damaged parts can be replaced in a matter of minutes, normally leaving the X-BOW ‘Ready to Race’ again in record time. This ‘modularity’ naturally reduces the running costs – so important in motor racing. Another important factor in cost reduction is the 240hp TFSI engine from Audi. The two litre unit with turbocharger is not only reliable, it is also extremely economical. Thanks to its modern petrol direct-injection system, the most efficient drive technology currently available that has already proven a great success in the long-distance classic at Le Mans, X- BOW drivers can now also benefit from fewer and shorter pit stops.
Standard equipment in detail:
- Carbon fibre racing monocoque with crash box
- Audi 2.0 TFSI engine with direct fuel injection and 177 kW (240 hp)
- Smooth racing underbody, front splitter and rear diffuser in carbon composite
- Carbon fibre body panels and aerodynamically optimised wheel covers
- Carbon fibre side guards and rear bumper
- Six-point safety harness, steel roll-over bar, racing head guard
- Ignition master switch, fire extinguisher system and steel towing eyes
- Individually adjustable pedals
- Adjustable and removable multi-function steering wheel
- Racing suspension with adjustable pushrods
- Limited-slip differential
- Dry battery
An air-jack system is also available as a factory-fitted option for fast and simple lifting of the vehicle during pit stops.
