In Mattighofen, Austria, KTM has unveiled its groundbreaking 850cc MotoGP engine intended for the 2027 racing season, aligning with the sport’s new technical rules. This milestone demonstrates KTM’s commitment to advancing its position in MotoGP as the championship shifts towards sustainability and innovation.
The initial dyno runs of the prototype engine, which runs entirely on non-fossil fuel, took place at KTM’s headquarters. Surrounded by engineers, staff, and CEO Gottfried Neumeister, the team witnessed a defining moment signaling KTM’s readiness to compete fiercely in the upcoming MotoGP era.
The New Powertrain Behind KTM’s 2027 MotoGP Entry
The 850cc engine forms the centerpiece of KTM’s updated RC16 model for the 2027 season and beyond. Although this was just the first dyno test, it initiates a rigorous development phase aimed at balancing the demands of performance with compliance to the new environmental and technical regulations set for MotoGP’s future.
KTM’s Remarkable Evolution Over Ten Years
Since KTM’s MotoGP debut as a wildcard team at the 2016 Valencia Grand Prix, the Austrian manufacturer has shifted from an underdog to a formidable contender. The brand has accumulated multiple Grand Prix wins and podiums with six different riders while fostering a strong partnership with Red Bull KTM Tech3. This growth has helped KTM establish its worldwide reputation not merely as a participant, but as a core MotoGP team focused on winning at the highest level.
Pit Beirer Highlights Significance of the New Engine
KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer expressed his pride following the engine’s successful startup:
“I am extremely happy that we could fire up the future of MotoGP already in September 2025. We are on a perfect time schedule to get the full bike up and running very soon. We have packed everything we have learned during the last years of MotoGP participation into this engine and I am very confident that this piece of art will become a benchmark in the seasons to come from 2027. I want to thank the factory and the whole team behind the project for this massive effort.” – Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director
Preparing for Track Testing and the New Racing Era
Following the dyno testing stage, KTM is focused on constructing a complete RC16 prototype equipped with the new 850cc engine to begin on-track evaluations. By combining extensive racing insight with cutting-edge engineering, KTM aims to become one of the leading teams setting the pace in MotoGP’s next chapter.
This engine startup not only marks a technical achievement but also positions KTM as a key figure in the shift toward more sustainable, high-performance racing machines. As MotoGP evolves, the deployment of this engine symbolizes how KTM embraces innovation while honoring its decade-long journey from a newcomer to a championship contender.
