The X-Bow's carbon fibre monocoque was developed with Dallara, reflecting the racing pedigree of both parties. Power in the original and R models comes from a 2.0-litre transversely-mounted turbocharged Audi inline-four. In the base model it produced 237 hp at 5,500 rpm and 310 Nm between 2,000 and 5,500 rpm. The X-Bow R, introduced for 2011, raises output to 300 hp and 400 Nm at 3,300 rpm. Two transmission options are available: a six-speed manual or a six-speed Holinger twin-clutch DSG sequential unit. Brembo brakes with 305 mm discs front and 262 mm rear are standard. The car achieves 0–62 mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 217 km/h. KTM originally planned 500 units per year but expanded production to 1,000 annually and built a new plant near Graz to meet demand.
X-Bow R — The updated version of the original car with the Audi inline-four tuned to 300 hp and 295 lb-ft. A US-market X-Bow Comp R was released in 2019 as a track-only, non-street-legal variant.
X-Bow RR — A higher-performance version of the standard X-Bow.
X-Bow GT — A more refined iteration adding a windscreen and side windows for driver and passenger. Weight rises slightly to 847 kg, pushing the 0–60 mph time to 4.1 seconds. Ride height is 10 mm higher, and aerodynamic downforce is reduced. The GT adds 50 litres of luggage capacity and a revised centre console with climate control, wiper adjustment, and windscreen heating.
X-Bow GTX — A longer-wheelbase track-only race car released in October 2020, developed in collaboration with Reiter Engineering. It switches to a 2.5-litre Audi TFSI 20-valve inline-five sourced from the Audi RS3, retaining the six-speed Holinger sequential transmission and the carbon fibre monocoque. The engine receives upgrades including a revised management system, injection valves, wastegate, intake, and exhaust. The fuse box comes from Reiter's subsidiary Sareni United. It features fully electric power steering.
X-Bow GT-XR — A long-wheelbase street-legal model based on the GTX and GT2 race car, also developed with Reiter Engineering. The 2.5-litre inline-five produces 493 hp and 429 lb-ft through a seven-speed DSG gearbox and a 95-litre fuel tank. Dry weight is 1,250 kg with a 44:56 front-rear weight distribution, making it the heaviest car in the range. The factory 0–60 mph time is 3.4 seconds and top speed is 174 mph. Price is €284,900.
The KTM X-Bow has been the selected car for use in the Race of Champions all-star event since 2008. The X-Bow Battle race series began in 2010 as a support event for the DTM German Touring Car series, running at Adria Raceway in 2010 and Lausitzring in 2011.
A modified X-Bow was raced in the Supersports category of the 2008 FIA GT4 Championship, where Catharina Felser, Christopher Haase, and Dennis Retera took a podium at Monza and pole position in wet qualifying at Nogaro. Marcus Clutton and Phil Keen won the Supersports category in the 2009 British GT Championship. Peter Belshaw and Marcus Clutton were GT4 champions in the 2011 British GT Championship.
KTM teased a factory GT4 version in 2014 and unveiled it in 2015 as the X-Bow GT4, built with Reiter Engineering and KISKA GmbH. It features a closed cockpit to comply with class regulations, the 2.0-litre turbocharged Audi inline-four and six-speed Holinger sequential transmission — both racing-modified — and a wheelbase extended by 17 cm. The GT4 debuted in the 2015 GT4 European Series, taking its first win at Circuit Zandvoort. It powered Brett Sandberg to the 2016 Pirelli World Challenge GTS Championship. An upgrade in 2018 improved durability and performance, and a GT4 Evo followed in 2019 targeting improved straight-line speed while retaining cornering capability; power under balance of performance rose to 375 hp.
The X-Bow GT2 Concept was released alongside the GTX in October 2020, based on the GTX but with higher power output. It debuted in the 2021 Fanatec GT2 European Series. An Evo kit was introduced in 2025 with additional power and aero upgrades.
The X-Bow won the Sports Car of the Year award from Top Gear in 2008. In a March 2012 Top Gear episode, Jeremy Clarkson drove an X-Bow GT around Donington Park, praising the tyre grip while both he and James May criticised the engine start procedure as overly complicated.
The X-Bow appears in numerous sim racing and driving game titles. The base model featured in Gran Turismo 6, while the X-Bow R appeared in Grid 2, Grid Autosport, Forza Motorsport 7, Assetto Corsa, Gran Turismo Sport, Gran Turismo 7, and Project CARS 2. The GT4 variant appears in Assetto Corsa, Forza Horizon 4, Forza Horizon 5, and Project CARS 2. The GT2 appears in Assetto Corsa Competizione.
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