The second car in our On The Edge pack is definitely an outlier in terms of what’s seen as a ‘normal’ GT car, but it shows what can happen if you free your mind. And the KTM X-Bow GTX/GT2 is definitely the product of a mind that’s been allowed to run wild! We’re including both variants of the car, one to fit into Raceroom’s SRO-aligned GT2 category and a second that will sit in a dedicated X-Bow GTX class.



KTM (that’s Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen, in case you didn’t know) were historically best known for their off-road motorbikes. Founded 89 years ago, it’s another company with a proud legacy that flew under the radar for a long time before bursting into the international consciousness. First up was moto-cross success in the ‘70s followed by a slew of incredible results at the epic Dakar rally in the ‘90s (KTM went on to win the motorcycle category every year from 2001-2019!); then small-cap sports bikes before moving into top-flight MotoGP. But in 2008, amongst all this two-wheel focus came something unexpected: the X-Bow. Four wheels not two. Steering wheel not handlebars. Driver not rider.



The original X-Bow was clearly designed by engineers who usually work with two wheels and some choices show that, like the transverse engine mounting, the way the gear ratios are spaced and that the car is very softly sprung from the factory. Although it obviously came from a different place to most GTs, there was still a precedent: models like the BAC Mono and Ariel Atom had showed their was still a hunger for lightweight racers in the classic Lotus mould, taking cues more from single-seaters and sports bikes than classic GTs. With the appearance of an insectoid, steroidal go-kart, the X-Bow quickly became a popular and cheap entry point into wind-in-your-face racing, and with some modifications was allowed to race within the FIA GT4 category.



The next step was for a radical new bodywork and aero package. Race specialists Reiter Engineering helped build a closed-cockpit version of the X-Bow GT4 for the 2015 GT4 season, which introduced the front-pivoting canopy clam-shell. But the cars still retained the buzzbomb DNA of the original, despite its mini prototype looks, and it certainly retained the principle of _really_ annoying people driving more expensive, ‘real’ GTs.



In 2020 came the X-Bow thunder in the form of the GTX and GT2 Concept twin-sisters. Continuing its development partnership with Reiter, KTM’s GTX/GT2 is an even more aggressive-looking machine. The impetus for the new design was partially provided by the SRO’s new GT2 category, but, as with their success in bikes, it was also a natural evolutionary step for KTM: this is a company who prove themselves at each rung of the ladder before launching their next assault. Despite going up against the might of supercar manufactures (again), the X-Bow GTX/GT2 proved it could win against its more mainstream opposition (again).



Although there’s the stark visual difference to previous models, it is based around the same Dallara-designed carbon monocoque as the original X-Bow and the GT4. Aesthetically this is an unapologetically modern design: low-slung with sharp lines and a big rear wing hung on swan-neck mounts. It’s a car that looks epic from all angles: from the heavily raked nose with its modernist LED lighting pack to the rear with minimalist, red monster-eye brake lights mounted above fighter-style slatted vertical ducts.



Thanks to the massive, almost panoramic windshield, driver visibility is particularly impressive, roll-cage intrusion aside. And even then, because the roll-cage sits inboard and isn’t physically connected to the canopy, it just accentuates the star-fighter feel.



Both models feature the same engine, which is a tuned version of Audi’s 2.5-litre TFSI turbocharged inline-five unit. It’s got an unmistakable rasping exhaust note with little turbo chirrups thrown in, familiar to anyone who’s driven the R8 GT3,. However, the GTX features a more GT3-compliant 532bhp, whereas the GT2 engine has been tuned up by Lehmann Motorentechnik to hit the 600hp limit of the GT2 series. Weighing a fraction over a metric ton, it technically has more power than a Veyron! Which is then where the hand that gives is balanced by the one that takes away: to balance this outrageous performance against its GT2 opposition, the SRO added a mighty 295kg of ballast – which unfortunately we have also added virtually for accuracy.



The two have a very similar resultant power to weight ratio, but the GT2 will keep going and hit higher top speeds where the GTX runs out of steam. But it still means the GTX is quicker over any lap by a few seconds at least: it's just more capable in braking zones and is stronger in corners. The transmission in both cars is a Holinger MF six-speed sequential, while adjustable dampers manage the challenging job of keeping this rocket ship on the (perhaps not so) straight and (hopefully not too often) narrow.



The addition of the GT2 and GTX X-Bows to Raceroom means you can drive the complete KTM range, as we already feature the original and GT4 models. Look out for the final preview of our On The Edge pack content next Monday, ahead of its official release on April 5th!

Today we’ll take you through the McLaren 570S GT4, one of the three cars that comprise our On The Edge performance pack, due to be released at the beginning of April. GT4 is a category that is often under-appreciated compared to more overtly showy series; “What, you want a slower GT3 car?!”. But that’s to miss the point. GT4 is the shining example of a series where the cars need to be pushed to get the maximum out of them: lap-times have to be earned. And the earning is fun. Even better, GT4’s popularity means there are so many models to choose from, and the addition of this McLaren further strengthens Raceroom’s already copious GT4 grid.



When GT4 first launched back in 2007, it was admittedly a little challenging for even the most ardent endurance racing fan to get over-excited about, with what seemed like a pretty stock look and feel. The initial batch of cars were literally barely changed from their dealer forecourt counterparts – just with some race stickers slapped on. The same could be said about OG GT3, released just the year before: just add standard rear wing.



But that was to ignore what these cars represented: a measured counterpoint to the futile but legendary arms races of two decades of GT1, eras of boom and bust that led to epic highs but of so low-lows. The three Golden Ages of GT1 came and went: the late ’90s, the mid 2000s and the sad but inevitable failure of the 2010-12 World Championship that straddled the period of evolution for the GT3 and GT4 categories, but something that proved to be a last hurrah for those primordial beasts. Instead, GT3 and GT4 were laying deliberate foundations for the long-term stability and success we now all get to enjoy.



As GT3 plugged away year after year, evolving and building both respect and performance, so did GT4. Manufacturers realised they could gather GT customers for a relatively low entry cost: particularly in GT4 where relatively little modification was needed. The cars got faster. And meaner. Post 2013, as road cars became more aggressive again after a period of manufacturer fear of using performance as a marketing tool, so did their GT brethren: suddenly the racing butterflies emerging from the production chrysalis were demonstrably weaponised.



The rules allowed a little more tweaking here and there, further enhancing GT4’s racing cred and pulling them away from street versions. McLaren entered the GT4 fray in 2017 with the 570S, their ‘don’t call me baby’ supercar. As with all their range it’s build around a carbon tub, an updated version of their MonoCell core, which is then itself swathed in yet more layers of carbon. It’s a pretty car, but pretty aggressive.



Power comes from a proprietary 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 – optimally sited in a rear-mid configuration – and delivered to the rear-wheels via a seven-speed sequential transmission. It’s good to let that sink in, as again it’s something that reinforces the excitement of GT4. This is basically a road car. But it’s pushing out almost 600hp in road car spec (though admittedly a little restricted in race trim, balanced against weight reductions, aero and engineering upgrades). This is a car that would make you pay attention if you were popping out to the shops, let alone lining up on a racing grid. Things happen very, very quickly in a 570S.



Add GT4 to the end of the model name, and if you don’t find entering a corner at 150mph – even in a sim – a little exciting, then you’re obviously operating in a different world.



The aero is efficient rather than overwhelming. Unlike the fully optimised package of a GT3, in a GT4 you might have the speed in a straight line but in the corners effort is required. And skill. The 570S is plenty fast enough that triggering the ABS when you stamp on the brakes can be seen a sign of success: the racing disks combined with the downforce will typically stop the McLaren before that kicks in, delivering predictable and confidence-building stopping power.



The McLaren’s chassis is renowned for its benign feedback; again, with its wider track and adjustable dampers it’s a car that allows you to build confidence and makes you want to drive round and round until you run out of fuel. And then refuel and get back out again.



That’s the point of these cars: they really are fun – but also challenging. A GT4 is the perfect learning environment for drivers who want to hone their racing skills, but also for a veteran looking to prove they’ve got some chops. The 570S looks the business, and is the business. And soon, you’ll be able to drive it in Raceroom.



Our On The Edge performance pack will be released at the end of the first week in April; look out for all the details on the second car in the pack later this week.

Our next content drop stars a trio of cars that are designed to be pushed to the limit: a set of performance monsters that reward – demand, even – maximum attack mode. We present a jet-fighter inspired endurance racing superstar; a GT supercar that punches well above its weight; and finally a true prototype missile of the modern era. These three cars make up our On The Edge performance pack.

First up is KTM’s quirky X-Bow GT2, the latest steroidal evolution of the X-Bow platform. What started off as a lightweight, grown-up go-kart has bulked up over the years, first gaining a clam-shell closed cockpit and now a longer wheelbase, extreme aero and even more power. Directed at the SRO’s ‘gentleman’ driver GT2 series, it’s also hit the international endurance scene hard – and with success.

You may think of GT4s as tame: boring, barely modified road cars? Think again. GT4 has evolved from its humble roots as an aspiring GT driver’s jump-off point to standing on its own, slotting in only just below the GT3 category (and often found racing alongside it). Don’t forget that the cars GT4s are based on are typically road-going supercars in the their own right, and McLaren’s 570S GT4 proves the point. Low-slung, capable and thrilling to drive, the McLaren will further boost Raceroom’s already strong GT4 pack.

The tip of this performance avalanche comes in the svelte form of Mazda’s RT-24P prototype. Built to IMSA’s DPi regulations by sportscar specialists Multimatic and based on the Riley-Multimatic Mk30 LMP2 chassis, the Mazda is a proper screamer. And that’s both its engine note and what happens when you drive it! The RT-24P is a full-on prototype: carbon-tubbed, laden with aero and delivering 600hp in a package that weighs well under a ton. Racing from 2017-21, it won all the American endurance classics: Sebring, Daytona and Petit Le Mans. It’s going to be a blast to drive and perfect for multi-class racing.

We’ll go into more details about each car over the coming days, leading up to the pack’s release at the beginning of April. Fasten your virtual seatbelts: things are about to get extreme!

Download size = 1.1 GB
Client version = 0.9.4.66
Client BuildID = 10764160

• Slovakiaring - Fixed a false cut detection in the last turns near the pit exit when player was close to pitlane entrance. Fixed inconsistent cut rules while at it.
  
• Brands Hatch - corrected the location of the pitlane exit gate
  
• Nürburgring - Fixed a texture misalignement on the BMW bridge

Download size = 510 MB
Client version = 0.9.4.65
Client BuildID = 10662978
Dedicated version = 90.0.1405
Dedicated BuildID = 10664330

• Dedicated server - added a "Select All" for servers with all cars
  
• Paul Ricard - Fixed HUD trackmap for 1A layout, fixed TV cameras
  
• Spa-Francorchamps - Added so white lines are visible in rearview mirrors, added terrain normal maps,
  fixed wall collision sounds for GP layout, added animations and some visual tweaks

The Daytona Oval Race returns on Friday March 3 2023!

- 3 x 30 min Races
- Top 10 reversed grids
- Fuel & Tyres x4
- Your leaderboard time = Your starting position

Qualify now on the Leaderboard!

Tune in LIVE Friday, March 3rd!





You have until Thursday March 2, 09:00 CET to set a lap time on the leaderboard. All drivers on the leaderboard are invited to race. You can cancel or confirm your participation until Friday March 3, 09:00 CET through an online form.

Drivers will be placed on a grid based on their lap time versus the other confirmed drivers.

On Friday March 3 around 14:00 CET you will receive an email with server information and the grid list.

The European server with the top 34 confirmed drivers will be broadcasted live on the RaceRoom channels.

Note: you do not need to own the content in order to set a lap time on the leaderboard, but you do need to own the car and track in order to participate in the online races.

Race format
The server will start at 18:00 CET / AEDT / EDT with 90 minutes of practice.

There will be no qualification session, the start order is defined by the leaderboard position

The first race starts at 19:30 CET / AEDT / EDT

You need to join before the first race starts and you need to stay on the server to be in race 2 & 3

• Race 1: 30 minutes - start order defined by leaderboard position
  
• Race 2: 30 minutes - reversed top 10 grid
  
• Race 3: 30 minutes - reversed top 10 grid

Race settings

• Car: Chevrolet Camaro GT3
  
• Fuel usage: x4
  
• Tire wear: x4
  
• Incident limit: 50
  
• Mandatory pit: 2 tires
  
• Rolling start
  
• Open setup
  
• 34 drivers per grid/server

For Europe we will have Bronze (75 reputation), Silver (1550+ rating and 80 reputation) and Gold (1700+ rating and 85 reputation) servers that will keep running.

For America and Oceania we will have 1 Bronze server available.

More information and questions/suggestions?
Make sure to join our Discord server or send an email to esports at raceroom dot com

Client version = 0.9.4.64
Client BuildID = 10503826

• Daytona - Adjusted bumpiness to match latest state of the track

Download size = 530 MB
Client version = 0.9.4.63
Client BuildID = 10399231
Dedicated version = 89.0.1399
Dedicated BuildID = 10399147

• Performance index reviewed so that M235i and MX5 are in a better order on the starting grid
  
• New Action cameras for Anderstorp, Aragon, Assen, Portimao, Bathurst
  
• Mid Ohio - brought to 2022 specs with visual updates and normal maps for the terrain

The RaceRoom Daytona 2.4H Race is one of the yearly highlights and will be broadcasted LIVE on our channels on Friday 27 January 2023


You can enter the leaderboards to qualify for the live servers - the MX-5 support race or the main event with GTR3, GTE and the P2 Daytona Prototype on the Competition Page


There will be more servers ready for everyone to join who didn't qualify for the LIVE Broadcast Race.

Download size = 1.9 GB
Client version = 0.9.4.62
Client BuildID = 10355614
Dedicated version = 89.0.1398
Dedicated BuildID = 10355631

• Added Esports WTCR 2023 liveries for upcoming competition See official website
  
• Shaders - Fixed issue where animated characters were not receiving shadows
  
• Mazda MX-5 Cup - Updated rearview mirrors to reduce stretching
  
• Volkswagen Scirocco - Fixed needles in the dashboard that could sometimes clip or be skewed
  
• Brands Hatch - Fixed a hole on the indy layout, updated turn 2 vegetation, curbs and runoffs, updated some textrures and various other fixes and tweaks
  
• Chang International - Updated with normal maps and various visual improvements.
  
• Ningbo - added collision to the blue tyres at the pit exit
  
• Nordschleife - fixed a hole in the collision wall of the VLN layout
  
• Oschersleben - updated with normal maps, visual improvements, camber adjustment in turns 5 and 12 and corrected sun position that wasn't correct with real life.
  
• Zandvoort - Fixed an invisible wall at turn 3 on all layouts