How a motorcycle manufacturer built a track-focused supercar that feels like driving on superglue

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Known for their motorcycles, Austrian company KTM shocked the automotive world in 2008 by launching the X-Bow. This ultra-light sports car, developed with Audi and Dallara, uses a carbon fiber monocoque to deliver intense performance. It has since evolved into a diverse lineup of track-only racers and specialized road models.

The KTM X-Bow, pronounced crossbow, marked the first mass-produced car from the Austrian manufacturer. Unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the project was a collaborative effort involving KISKA GmbH, Audi, and Dallara. At its core, the vehicle features a carbon fiber monocoque, a design choice that emphasizes weight reduction and structural rigidity. The original model utilized a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 engine sourced from Audi, capable of producing 237 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds.

Over the years, the X-Bow has expanded into a wide range of variants, each tailored for specific purposes. The X-Bow R, introduced in 2011, boosted power to 300 horsepower, while the X-Bow GT added creature comforts like a windscreen and side windows. More extreme iterations followed, such as the track-only GTX and the street-legal GT-XR, which incorporates a 2.5-litre Audi TFSI engine producing 493 horsepower. These developments often involved partnerships with Reiter Engineering, pushing the platform's performance capabilities far beyond the original design.

Beyond the road, the X-Bow has established a significant presence in motorsport. It has been the selected vehicle for the Race of Champions since 2008 and spawned its own dedicated race series, the KTM X-Bow Battle, starting in 2010. The GT4 version, unveiled in 2015, found success in various international championships, including the GT4 European Series. Despite its track prowess, the car has faced criticism for its complex engine-start procedure, though reviewers like Jeremy Clarkson have famously praised its exceptional tire grip, comparing the experience to driving on superglue.

The commercial success of the X-Bow prompted KTM to increase production from an initial target of 500 units per year to 1,000, necessitating the construction of a new facility near Graz. Today, the X-Bow remains a unique intersection of motorcycle-inspired engineering and high-performance automotive design, maintaining its status as a cult favorite in both real-world racing and digital simulations.

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