Continental Engineering Services (CES) has equipped two variants of the KTM X-Bow with cutting-edge electronic brake systems tailored to different use cases. This collaboration not only underscores CES’s expertise in advanced braking technology but also highlights the seamless integration of motorsports performance with road-legal functionality.
Two Specialized Variants
The KTM X-Bow lineup now includes two distinct models, each equipped with CES-engineered braking systems:
- KTM X-Bow GT2 2020 (motorsports variant): Fitted with the Motorsports ABS Kit, optimized for track performance.
- KTM X-Bow GT-XR (road-legal variant): Outfitted with the MK100 electronic brake system, ensuring compliance with road safety standards while preserving dynamic performance.
Track-Ready Braking: KTM X-Bow GT2 2020
The motorsports variant of the X-Bow, the GT2 2020, leverages CES’s Motorsports ABS Kit, a Plug & Play system designed for ease of use by professional race teams and enthusiasts. CES engineers fine-tuned the ABS system specifically for the GT2, allowing it to maximize its potential on the track.
This setup enables consistent and precise braking under the extreme conditions of motorsports, ensuring the vehicle performs at its peak without compromise.
Balancing Performance and Compliance: KTM X-Bow GT-XR
For the street-legal GT-XR, CES implemented the MK100 electronic brake system, which includes:
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): For controlled and safe braking under various conditions.
- TCS (Traction Control System): Enhances grip and stability during acceleration.
- ESC/AYC (Electronic Stability Control/Active Yaw Control): Improves handling and safety by dynamically managing the car’s behavior during sharp maneuvers.
Adapting a high-performance vehicle like the GT-XR for road use presented unique challenges. CES engineers needed to ensure the electronic brake system complied with legal standards while maintaining the X-Bow’s dynamic driving experience. By carefully tuning the systems, CES struck the perfect balance – offering everyday usability for road customers (?) without losing the vehicle’s sporty essence.
Collaborative Efforts
The project underscored the importance of teamwork between CES and KTM. The close collaboration allowed the teams to overcome engineering challenges and deliver vehicles that meet the expectations of both motorsport enthusiasts and road-going drivers.
As one CES engineer noted, the goal was not only to meet technical and regulatory demands but to ensure the driving experience remained engaging and exhilarating.
High-Performance Braking for All Drivers
Whether on the racetrack or public roads, CES’s advanced braking systems enable the KTM X-Bow to perform at its best. The Motorsports ABS Kit gives racers the tools they need to achieve precision braking, while the MK100 system for the GT-XR ensures safety and reliability without sacrificing performance.
The collaboration between CES and KTM exemplifies how technology can be precisely tailored to meet specific use cases, achieving outstanding results for both motorsports professionals and driving enthusiasts. Frank Helbig, Technical Project Lead at Continental Engineering Services, emphasized the importance of teamwork:
“Collaboration in such projects is essential for success, and in this case, it worked excellently. We maintained close communication throughout, and KTM proved to be an exceptional partner.”
Christian Sams, Head of R&D for the KTM X-Bow, echoed this sentiment, praising the dedication of the CES team:
“We were assigned a highly motivated and committed team. It was clear that everyone was passionate about bringing out the best in the vehicle. There were no compromises, and the result is simply perfect.”
