KTM has displayed the GT version of its X-Bow roadster for the first time at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show. While the previously released images revealed that the new X-Bow would get a practicality boost over the X-Bow R on which it is based with the addition of a windscreen, side windows and doors, we now have full technical details on the Austrian manufacturer's latest street-legal go-kart.
The X-Bow GT is powered by an Audi-sourced 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder gas engine with direct injection, exhaust turbocharging and intercooling that sends power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox, also from Audi. The engine outputs 210 kW (285 hp) at 6,400 rpm and provides a maximum torque of 420 Nm at 3,200 rpm.
While this is slightly down on the X-Bow R’s 220 kW (300 hp) at 6,300 rpm and 400 Nm at 3,300 rpm, the X-Bow GT boasts the same top speed as the X-Bow R at 231 km/h (143.5 mph), but takes 4.1 seconds to go from 0-100 km/h (62 mph), which is 0.2 seconds slower than its stablemate.
This is still mighty impressive given the GT’s 847 kg (1,867 lb) dry weight that comes as a result of the addition of the windscreen and doors. In comparison the X-Bow R weighs in at 790 kg (1,742 lb) sans fuel. The additional bits also see the GT's front/rear static weight distribution shift to 38:62, the height center of gravity upped by 10 mm to 390 mm and the aerodynamic downforce decreased – 25 kg (55 lb) at 100 km/h and 100 kg (220 lb) at 200 km/h.
The X-Bow GT's practicality is further enhanced with a luggage system that provides around 50 liters (13.2 US gal) of storage space. The center console has also been completely revamped, partly to make way for switches to control the windscreen wiper, screen wash/wipe system, interior ventilation/heating and the windscreen heater.
In keeping with KTM’s racing pedigree, the fixed Recaro seat shells are integrated directly in the vehicle’s carbon monocoque with occupants secured by Schroth four-point safety belts. To accommodate different sized drivers, the GT features a sliding pedal box and a height and depth adjustable multi-function steering wheel.
Most other specs are identical to the X-Bow R, with the GT sporting a 2,430 mm wheelbase and dimensions of (L x W x H) 3,738 x 1,915 x 1,202 mm. It has a turning radius of 10.8 m (35.4 ft) and consumes 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 mpg) in the MVEG cycle while emitting 189 g/km of CO2.
The KTM X-Bow GT is available for order now with deliveries set to begin from the end of April or start of May 2013. The going price is €72,500 (US$94,120).
Source: KTM
