Ripping through the forest and flinging mud was once the preserve of rally drivers and dirt bikers, but side-by-sides like the Can-Am Maverick have opened the door for a different type of off-road fun. Power has never been an issue for the Maverick, but that hasn't stopped Can-Am from boosting the Maverick X Turbo with the more powerful, range-topping Turbo R.
Power in the new Maverick X Turbo R comes from a turbocharged Rotax ACE with 172 hp (128 kW) of grunt for a 4.4 second sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h). That's a decent boost from the Maverick X3, which pumped out an already-impressive 154 hp (115 kW) and hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. In fact, Can-Am says the power boost makes the X Turbo R the most powerful side-by-side on the market. Given how much fun the Yamaha YXZ1000S SS SE offers with just 90 hp (67 kW) on tap, the Maverick with the mostest is likely to be a serious weapon.
You should also be able to enjoy that monstrous performance on almost any terrain, thanks to a long travel FOX 3.0 Podium RC2 HPG suspension system. With 24 inches (61 cm) of travel, and a 102 inch (259 cm) wheelbase – or 12 inches longer than the nearest competition – the more powerful Maverick should be reasonably comfortable in the rough stuff. The fully welded chassis is designed to take a serious beating, and high-speed stability is aided by a (slightly) tail-heavy weight distribution and 30-inch rugged tires.
For those who want to tackle trails a bit more slowly, the Can-Am Maverick range has also expanded to include a 120 hp (89 kW) side-by-side called the X3 Turbo. It'll be available in two-seat and four-seat configuration, and acts as an entry point to the range. Think of it as a gateway vehicle – fast enough to get you hooked on the experience, but not so terrifying you won't want more.
Speaking of working more slowly, the Can-Am Defender utility vehicle has been treated to a new entry-level model in the form of a MAX HD8 package. With a 50 hp (37 kW) engine and 10-inches of suspension travel, it won't be quite as thrilling as the Maverick mentioned above, but it will carry six people and a hefty payload in its tray. The Commander 1000R has also been given a boost for 2018, with 92 hp (69 kW) of power joining a wider track and bigger brakes for a more capable recreational utility vehicle.
If these updates still aren't good enough for you, stay tuned. Last year, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) said it would be releasing a new Can-Am side-by-side every six months until 2020.
Source: BRP
