KTM X-Bow GT: more power and modifications for road use
I was fine that day, but the next morning I woke up with an insane pain in my neck. It suits me. Every time KTM driver Reinhard Kofler asked me if everything was okay, waving his thumb from the driver's seat. X-Bow 380 HP Racing RR with "Battle" specs I said yes, perhaps inviting him to pick up the pace even more. So we arrived just before the exit of the pits, which had already gone straight for the umpteenth time, doing what, if I haven't lost count, is the 54th lap of the Catalunya circuit, skirting the slower riders who in turn were getting ready for race. the next one is KTM's "X-Bow Battle".
Usually I don't like passenger circles, but this time it has everything I could wish for: a great circuit, an impressive driver (at the beginning of his career, Kofler was as intimidated as Lewis Hamilton) and the most extreme facial expression. a car that in the street version has left us with only glimpses of its incredible racing DNA. In addition, there is also smooth tires, a lot aerodynamics, almost 3g lateral acceleration. And my neck muscles ache.
What a difference compared to EVO's first meeting with a little girl from Graz in 2008! At the time, the expectations of him were huge because he was the only car. sports extreme austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM seems to have everything you need. Nice frame-monocoque in carbon F3 style composite material that guaranteed great rigidity and safety, combined with a very reliable (and comfortable) 2.0 TFSI and Speed six-gear origin Audi... Its creation was based on a number of partnerships with Dallas, with composite specialists Wethje and frame adjustment system ace Loris Bicocchi (which he did Bugatti, Pagani e Koenigsegg). As if that weren't enough, the new car had a spatial style thanks to its designer Gerald Kiske. This product of alien technology created 200kg of downforce at 200km/h despite the minion body. Its philosophy was clearly motorcycle-inspired - and that could only be given who the manufacturer was - but everything about the X-Bow seemed to lead to excess. Finally, its appearance was as alien as it was breathtaking, and the way it managed to concentrate so many corners, edges, floors, welds and exposed suspensions into a single compact boxy shape gave it a supercar feel.
At the time, Ollie Braid and I were not in the mood to drive the first X-Bow from all over the UK and take her to Wales on our favorite roads to meet her in style. EVO... With it, the rider was exposed to the elements like on a motorcycle: there was no windshield to protect you from the air, only a strip of colored plastic at the front. In these conditions helmeteven if it deprived you of many sensations. But you had to wear it if you want to experience the intuitive emotions that this car made you experience without compromise.
At that time, we changed each other at the wheel of the X-Bow every 150 km, because neither of us wanted to give the other the opportunity to drive it to Wales. Interestingly, without a helmet, the X-Bow felt as comfortable and relaxing to drive as the BMW M3 that accompanied us on this trip. Even with engine original 241 hp (but apparently our car was more powerful) and at 860kg, the straight X-Bow could very well keep up with the 420hp BMW. and squeezed into the circles at the speed we dreamed of. And the beauty is that it was all done with impressive—truly disconcerting—precision and efficiency.
On the challenging tracks of Wales, she has achieved even more. It keeps pace with competitors Caterham R500, Atom 300 and Lotus 2-Eleven, including thanks to brakes and an exceptional chassis, but she refused to get her hands dirty and be as spectacular and fun as anyone who buys such a car would like. Simply put, the X-Bow was incredible, of course, but by the standards of its class, it was too calm. And this price high didn't help.
An interesting problem. There KTM he certainly could not afford to redo the project. And why the hell should this be happening when there was clearly so much potential to tap into and so many strengths to tap into? The evolutionary changes of the past five years have taken the X-Bow in two directions: the first is more extreme, with a 300-horsepower R and its racing sister, the RR. Another one there X-Bow GT, the culmination of modifications and enhancements designed to make the road-going X-Bow more enjoyable, attractive and determined. For this windshield (heated and equipped wipers), a removable canvas roof that can be used at speeds up to 130 km / h (if you don't want, you can fold it down and slide it into the passenger compartment) and an additional luggage rack attached to the engine cover. The price, of course, is not very low: we are still talking about 86.275 € excluding options.
The exterior has also been improved: there is now a simpler engine cover, Headlights they have a thinner bezel and updated bonnet panels give the front end an even lower and more aggressive look than before. The windshield dulls a bit the race car cleanliness we find on the R, but it didn't. You can rest assured that only a supercar will steal the X-Bow GT in terms of entertainment.
IN 'cockpit, changes are limited center consolewhere there is room for a few more buttons. So when you unhook the side panel, which acts as a door and is powered by the gas strut, you step over the frame and sit on it. Recaro (mainly formed by a padded strip attached to the frame) you are in a familiar environment. Column steering adjustable and pedal boardthen steering wheel full of buttons and removable and digital dashboard a wheel that looks like it came out of a racing car creates the right atmosphere.
La GT It is equipped with a slightly modified version of the Audi-derived 2-liter turbocharged engine, installed in the center and transverse position, with power reduced to 285 hp. and increased torque of up to 420 Nm for improved handling. He is quite capable of shooting from X-Bow to 100 km / h in about 4 seconds (4,1 to be precise), and to get them to touch 160 an hour in less than 10. Answeraccelerator - albeit with a slight lag due to turbo lag - and the linear power delivery makes the throttle feel less stiff than expected, but the speed at which the X-Bow GT hurtles through the curves of Spanish roads that climb the Montseny Massif makes KTM he chose as a test route (it seems like Carlos Sainz used these very roads for testing), this is the best demonstration of his excellent skill. The sound of a 4-cylinder engine that barks furiously at revs, with an angry note amplified by the sports exhaust, is the icing on the cake and, if possible, gives the KTM X-Bow even more spectacle and character. Thus, thanks to the windshield, the reduction turbulence there is something of a miracle in the cockpit. It's even better than the 911 Convertible or Mercedes SL. This, combined with a feeling of greater connection with the outside world and fresh air on the face, immediately lifts the mood.
It makes it even easier to enjoy the KTM, the analogue car like this. frame so elastic Speed six-speed manual, here steering unattended, most powerful Brembo without ABSthen limited slip differential e no traction control.
La X-Bow GT there is still no time for the emotions that make you live the legendary Caterham and Atom, but soon everything may change: KTM is working on an X-Bow powered by a 2.5 hp five-cylinder engine. from the Audi RS450. In anticipation of the Super X-Bow, let's enjoy this one, which, in addition to the excitement and adrenaline on the track, even allows you to drive from Calais to Cannes and come out fresh as a rose. He has not only the appearance of a Transformer, but also a transforming dual personality. Hooray.
