The New KTM X-Bow GTR: Less Motorcycle, More Aerodynamic GT4 Racecar

When KTM decided to enter the world of cars, many were skeptical as to how the experiment would turn out. We've since found out they knew what they were doing creating the open-top, open-wheeled race car/sports car hybrid that's been center stage in many of our late-night dreams. Yes, it has two doors and four wheels, but often times drivers have been forced to wear helmets on the road.

Preserving the wild nature, which is the inherent trait of its motorbike range, KTM succeeded in making a no-frills-all-purpose track car that is road legal. The X-Bow doesn’t disappoint at all when it comes to delivering track day thrills, but now KTM has introduced a upgraded version that's far less motorcycle and far more DP race car—featuring full fenders, body panels and all kind of aerodynamic goodies. Enter the KTM X-Bow GTR.

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As opposed to the standard procedure of converting a road-legal car to a race car version, which involves throwing out everything from license plates to body panels, KTM had to take the opposite route for the GTR build. Since the road-going X-Bow is essentially an engine with a seat and wheels bolted on to it, the builders had to add lots of bodywork to transform it into a GT4 contender.

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Developed jointly by KTM and Reiter Engineering, the GTR will be making its first racing appearance this spring when it’ll be facing off against the likes of the BMW M3, Nissan 370Z, Lotus Evora and Aston V8 Vantage.