- New Aprilia X to be unveiled on March 27 at the Circuit of The Americas
- Limited to 30 units, as with all previous X models
- Already the sixth model in the exclusive X-Series since 2019
Aprilia Racing is using the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, for a special moment off the track. On Friday, March 27, 2026, a new motorcycle from the exclusive X-Series is set to be unveiled. As with all previous X models, production will be limited to 30 units. The model has since been unveiled as the Aprilia X 250TH, featuring carbon-carbon brakes derived directly from MotoGP.
The X-Series: Aprilia’s Bridge Between MotoGP and Customer
The X-Series is a globally unique program that Aprilia Racing has been running since 2019 through its in-house Factory Works division. The concept behind it is as simple as it is ambitious: technology normally reserved for MotoGP prototypes is packaged into a motorcycle that well-heeled enthusiasts can actually buy. Each model is produced in a limited run of 30 units, designed exclusively for track use, and delivered without road homologation. Handover takes place in person at Aprilia’s racing department in Noale, Italy.
The series debuted in 2019 with the RSV4 X, launched to celebrate the RSV4’s tenth anniversary. The motorcycle featured a full carbon fairing, a weight-optimized tank, and Brembo GP4-MS brake calipers. In 2020, the Tuono V4 X followed as the only naked variant in the series to date, equipped with carbon winglets. The RSV4 X Trenta arrived in 2022, introducing an underwing on the swingarm for the first time and wearing a purple retro livery inspired by the machine on which Alessandro Gramigni won Aprilia’s first World Championship title in the 125cc class in 1992.
From Ground Effect to Leg Wings: Ever Closer to the MotoGP Machine
The series took a significant leap in 2024 with the RSV4 X Ex3ma. For the first time, a machine intended for public sale featured ground-effect aerodynamics, a technology Aprilia Racing had previously used exclusively on the RS-GP24 in MotoGP. The specially shaped side fairings used air pressure between the motorcycle and the asphalt at lean angle to generate additional downforce. The 1,099cc 65-degree V4 engine produced 230 hp (169 kW) at 13,500 rpm and delivered 131 Nm at 11,000 rpm. Dry weight was 165 kg (364 lbs). The price was 80,000 euros (approximately 84,000 USD). Max Biaggi, three-time 250cc World Champion with Aprilia, was personally involved in the development and setup. All 30 units sold out within 76 days.
The most recent and most extreme model to date was the RSV4 X-GP, unveiled at the Catalan Grand Prix in September 2025. It celebrated ten years of the RS-GP in MotoGP and became the first production-derived machine to feature so-called leg wings and tail wings — aerodynamic elements beneath the seat and on the tail, taken directly from the RS-GP25. These components are designed to generate additional downforce during braking and cornering. The entire fairing was made of carbon, manufactured by PAN Compositi, the same company that produces the fairings for the MotoGP machine. Power increased to 238 hp (175 kW) at 13,500 rpm, with maximum torque of 131 Nm at 11,750 rpm. Dry weight remained at 165 kg (364 lbs). The price was 90,000 euros (approximately 105,470 USD). Equipment included forged magnesium wheels by Marchesini, Pirelli slicks in WSBK specification, an STM dry clutch, Öhlins suspension with MotoGP technology, and a titanium exhaust system by SC Project. Buyers also received a laptop for electronics tuning, an NFT certificate of authenticity, tire warmers, and paddock stands.
What Could the New X Bring?
At this point, one can only speculate about the sixth model in the series. The only certainties are the production number of 30 units and the unveiling date. However, the series’ development trajectory shows a clear pattern: each new generation has noticeably advanced aerodynamics and engine performance compared to its predecessor. The 2025 RSV4 X-GP already adopted nearly the complete aero package from the MotoGP machine with its leg wings and tail wings. It remains to be seen which direction Aprilia Racing will take the series — whether it will be another evolution of the RSV4 platform, perhaps a return to a Tuono variant, or whether Aprilia will pursue an entirely different approach with the new model.
Update: The Aprilia X 250TH was unveiled on March 27, 2026 in Austin – producing 240 hp, equipped with carbon-carbon brakes straight from MotoGP, and priced from 115,000 euros. → Aprilia X 250TH: MotoGP Brakes for the Road – Only 30 Units
Aprilia Racing in Top Form: Bezzecchi and Martín at the US GP
The unveiling of the new X comes at a time when Aprilia Racing is performing in MotoGP at a level rarely seen before. Marco Bezzecchi heads to Austin as the championship leader. In Brazil, he took his fourth consecutive victory and his second win of the season. Aprilia also celebrated a historic result in Brazil with a 1-2 finish in the main race, Bezzecchi ahead of teammate Jorge Martín. Martín returned to the podium in both the sprint and the main race and continues to refine his feeling with the RS-GP26.
Bezzecchi was confident ahead of the weekend: “I’m happy to be back in Austin. It’s a great track, but also difficult and quite particular, where last year we had a decent weekend despite some challenges. We’ll try to maintain this positive momentum and our determination to keep performing well.”
Martín added: “We’re heading back to Austin, a track that could confirm the positive feelings from the first two races. I think we’re doing a great job, but we need to keep our feet on the ground, as this is always a particular track.”
The Circuit of The Americas in Profile
The Circuit of The Americas in Austin measures 5.51 km and is ridden counter-clockwise. The track features 20 corners, nine right-handers and eleven left-handers. One of its most distinctive features is the elevation change of nearly 41 meters at the end of the start-finish straight, followed by a left-hand turn. This section is considered one of the most demanding passages on the entire MotoGP calendar.
COTA has recently been a strong venue for Aprilia Racing. Following the Grand Prix weekend, Aprilia is also hosting the Aprilia Racers Days, a two-day track event on March 30 and 31 on the Grand Prix circuit itself. The VIP day is expected to feature MotoGP riders and members of the Trackhouse MotoGP team.
➜ This article is part of our comprehensive overview: New Motorcycles 2026: All Models, Releases, and Highlights at a Glance. Find all key information on this topic in one place.
