AUTONEWS

Upgraded KTM X-Bow GT-XR

The KTM X-Bow GT-XR is receiving its most significant upgrade to date under new ownership, which simultaneously paves the way for an official entry into the U.S. market.

According to Motor1, the car is gaining a new "Factory 600" equipment package, designed to elevate performance beyond that of the standard GT-XR model.

The manufacturer is now operating under new, Belgian ownership. KTM Sportcar GmbH—the company behind the X-Bow—is now wholly owned by a consortium of investors led by rally driver Guillaume de Mevius. His family is a long-standing shareholder in Anheuser-Busch InBev, the parent company that owns brands such as Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois.

This investment from the De Mevius family provides the X-Bow with strong financial backing, independent of KTM’s motorcycle business. According to the new owners, the goal of this acquisition is to create a stable and dedicated environment for the continued development of the X-Bow line. The Factory 600 package serves as the clearest indication of what this development will look like in terms of technical specifications.

The Factory 600 package enhances the 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine (sourced from Audi) found in the GT-XR, utilizing—among other things—a new turbocharger and a larger intercooler. These modifications boost the output to 600 hp.

The biggest news for America arrives alongside the GT-XR's hardware changes. KTM X-Bow and its US partner Carbon Yard have confirmed the X-Bow GT-XA, a road-focused version engineered specifically for American buyers.

The GT-XA is planned as a US-market evolution of the carbon-monocoque X-Bow concept, built in Graz, Austria, and commissioned one at a time. KTM and Carbon Yard are offering 30 numbered production allocations for the first year, with fully refundable $50,000 reservations now open under a written reservation agreement.

In addition to the US-bound GT-XA, KTM X-BOW also announced a few key changes and additions to its global-market offerings. The GT-XR receives a new set of side-view mirrors, which replace the now-optional camera-based system. A newly standard Capristo exhaust system is also on tap, as is a 7-inch TFT multimedia display in the decidedly minimalist interior.

The automaker will also hark back to its roots as a purveyor of stripped-down, roof- and doorless sports cars via the GT-XR Spyder, which will receive a modular system that includes both on-board storage for the roof panels and a detachable gurney to cut cabin turbulence when driving al fresco, placing more focus on the exhaust than any wind buffeting.

This update also includes changes to the equipment, introducing new conveniences. Every X-Bow model now comes with a 7-inch infotainment screen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—a significant boost in comfort for a car built on a philosophy of minimalism.

KTM has also revised the rear-visibility system. This package adds traditional, folding side mirrors alongside the existing camera-based system, all while maintaining a focus on keeping the vehicle's weight low.

American specification calls for a suspension package with adjustable compression and rebound damping, a front-axle lift system for driveways and garages, and added equipment for everyday use including tire-pressure monitoring and bespoke interior trims. US pricing is anticipated at $490,000 and under, with final figures and full technical data still to come.

The GT-XA is not yet approved for US street use. Carbon Yard is working toward American street-legal status, and KTM X-Bow USA targets first customer deliveries in 2027, subject to that approval. 

In addition to the engine upgrades, KTM is also offering an "Evo" aerodynamic package. It features a more aggressive front splitter, additional winglets ahead of the front wheels, and new air vents on the front fenders, which help manage airflow at high speeds.

The most significant news for the U.S. market arrives alongside technical upgrades to the GT-XR model. KTM X-Bow and its American partner, Carbon Yard, have unveiled the X-Bow GT-XA—a road-legal version specifically engineered for customers in the United States.

The GT-XA is conceived as an evolution of the carbon-monocoque X-Bow concept, tailored for the U.S. market; the vehicles are manufactured in Graz, Austria, and built individually to order. For the first year, KTM and Carbon Yard have allocated 30 numbered units.

The KTM X-BOW GT-XR Evo will take the model family to new extremes by incorporating the "Factory 600" package that brings engine output to – you guessed it – 600 hp. Also standard on the Evo will be a full-carbon body kit with louvered wheel arches, a larger front splitter, and dive planes for even more downforce and better handling.

The price in the U.S. is expected to be $490,000 or less, with final pricing and full technical specifications to be announced at a later date. The GT-XA model is currently not approved for use on public roads in the U.S. Carbon Yard is working to meet the requirements for obtaining such approval, and KTM X-Bow USA plans to deliver the first units to customers in 2027—provided that the necessary approvals are secured.