The KTM X-BOW GTX and the KTM X-BOW GT2 have established themselves as outstanding competitors on the racetracks of the world since their launch in 2020 and 2021 respectively. They are the KTM’s ultimate racing machines and have proven their pedigree with victories in sprint and endurance races all over the planet.
The honours earned by the KTM X-BOW GTX speak for themselves. From the Nordschleife to traditional 24-hour races in Fuji or Barcelona to the Middle East Trophy, the KTM X-BOW GTX is a guarantee for endurance racing success. Now the GTX version can be modified into a GT2 machine, opening up the increasingly important world of GT2 motorsport.
A GT2 category is now part of the prestigious Nürburgring 24 Hours, and other promoters and series organisers are also toying with the idea of introducing the class. The pinnacle of GT2 racing is undoubtedly the Fanatec GT2 European Series, where Motorsportzentrum Ried (MZR) recently made its debut. Thanks to a modification kit from KTM and support from the KTM Customer Racing Service, the team was able to convert its GTX to a GT2 version.
„We have been racing the KTM X-BOW GTX successfully in the Touring Car Masters (TCM), ESET Cup and Supercar Challenge since 2022,” explains MZR team manager Martin Koch. „It was time for us to take another step forward, and the up-and-coming Fanatec GT2 European Series looked to be the perfect platform for us. We made the decision at relatively short notice, with the aim of racing in Valencia and Le Castellet. Thanks to its modular construction, we knew that we could modify our KTM X-BOW GTX quickly and decided to purchase the kit. We spoke to KTM and got right down to modifying our KTM X-BOW GTX.”
The modifications affect a number of different components, starting with the 2.5 litre five-cylinder engine developed by Audi, which generates around 51 kW more power in the KTM X-BOW GT2 than it does in the KTM X-BOW GTX. Other components requiring modification include the homologated chassis with its dampers, springs and stabiliser, the GT2 carbon rear wing complying to GT2 regulations, the Advanced Racing seat with FIA-compliant safety nets, new cable harnesses and more. „The modifications were quite extensive and a real challenge for our mechanics,” says Koch, who was behind the wheel himself for the team’s GT2 debut. „But we got down to work and received proper support from KTM. We completed the modification process in just three weeks.”
For the team and himself, their first appearance in the GT2 category was full of highs and lows. „In the first race, we fell significantly short of the podium due to an error on strategy,” says Koch. „We had a great starting position on the front row for race two and were able to set a solid pace in the opening stages despite the difficult conditions – particularly at the start with slick tyres on a wet track surface. Driving-wise, we had a good pace and were able to finish on the podium. But I think all of us need to work a little bit harder to maximise our performance.” Koch underlined his ambitions in the class with victory in the Pro-Am class at his GT2 debut in Dijon in June together with Hubert Trunkenpolz.
Motorsportzentrum Ried specialises in offering the best possible KTM driving experience to amateur drivers. They race several KTM X-BOW GTX and KTM X-BOW GT4 EVO models, as well as various KTM X-BOW RR, in the likes of the ESET Cup, Touring Car Masters or the Supercar Challenge. The broad range of KTM models allows the team to address the specific needs and abilities of each driver.