Those attending the International Motor Show in New York this weekend will be the first to get a close up look at Bombardier Recreational Products’ (BRP) Can-Am Spyder hybrid concept vehicle. In developing the hybrid Spyder roadster BRP are aiming to achieve a 50 percent improvement in fuel efficiency than the current Can-Am Spyder roadster with comparable acceleration and a total range of 375 miles (604 km).
The hybrid Spyder roadster is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that will be equipped an electric motor, lithium-ion battery and the Rotax Advanced Combustion Efficiency (ACE) engine. This engine is the same used in BRP’s 2011 Ski-Doo snowmobiles, and with 29 mpg, BRP claims it is the most fuel-efficient engine in the snowmobile industry.
Last month, BRP announced a four-year project to give the hybrid treatment to its Can-Am Spyder roadster launched in 2007 that boasts a distinctive Y-architecture with two wheels in the front and one in the back. The project will be undertaken through a partnership with the Advanced Technology Center BRP-Sherbrooke University with funding from the Government of Canada’s Automotive Partnership Program.