The R was introduced in 2011 as a variant of the KTM X-Bow. It maintained the characteristic roadster design without a roof or windshield, with rear-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission, but incorporated a more powerful engine: the same 2.0L turbocharged inline four, tuned to deliver 300hp. This version also received revised chassis and suspension, with adjustments to the center of gravity, axle geometry and overall rigidity, optimized for track riding.