KTM’s first road car is the 493 hp X-Bow GT-XR

KTM, the Austrian firm best known for its motorcycles, has unveiled its first four-wheeled model designed for the road.

The new X-Bow GT-XR, unveiled on Tuesday, traces its roots to the original X-Bow KTM track car launched in 2008, but is more closely related to X-Bow GT2 racing car launched in 2020.

At its heart is a carbon fiber monocoque that KTM claims has one of the highest torsional stiffness ratings of any carbon tub used in a road bike. And that’s despite weighing just 196 pounds. Carbon fiber is also used for the body and interior, helping to keep the curb weight at a low 2,755 pounds.

Power comes from Audi’s 2.5-liter turbo-5, which is mounted behind the cabin and drives the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. The engine is tuned to 493 hp. and 429 lb-ft of torque, which should translate into brilliant performance in a car this light. According to KTM, the 0-62 mph time is 3.4 seconds and the top speed is 174 mph.

Suspension consists of pushrods with Sachs shock absorbers, and stopping power comes from an 8-piston caliper brake system on the rear axle. For buyers looking to save even more weight, carbon ceramic rotors are available. A front axle hydraulic lift kit is also available.

The car comes standard with 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels from OZ Racing, shod with 235/35 and 295/35 tires, respectively. Larger central locking wheels can also be ordered.

Entry to the 2-seater cabin is via a jet fighter-style power canopy, and inside you’ll find carbon fiber seats with Alcantara trim and a removable steering wheel with an integrated digital instrument cluster. And despite the car’s diminutive dimensions, there’s still a comfortable 5.6 cubic feet in the trunk.

The X-Bow GT-XR is produced at KTM’s factory in Graz, Austria, and is limited to 100 units per year.

Prices start at €284,900 (approximately $282,100), and deliveries to markets where KTM operates are scheduled for 2023.