Can-Am has launched what it's calling the market's first factory turbocharged side-by-side. The forced air on the mid-mounted Rotax V-Twin of the company's latest Maverick side-by-side lets the off-roader put more power and torque to work on dirt and sand, while a revised frame and suspension ensure stable, nimble riding follows from that boosted power.
The new turbo adds 20 hp (15 kW) to the stock Rotax 1000R unit for a total of 121 hp (90 kW). Based on Can-Am's preliminary testing and an internal comparison with competitor models, the company estimates that the turbocharged Rotax engine develops 10 percent more horsepower and close to 40 percent more torque than its competition.
The turbo is supported by an electronically controlled waste gate, air-to-air intercooler, low pressure forged pistons and high capacity injectors to keep the engine operating smoothly in all conditions and at altitudes of up to 5,000 ft (1,524 m). The Quick Response CV transmission is specially tuned to handle the added power of the turbo, and the electronic Intelligent Throttle Control is claimed to ensure smooth power delivery, even during rough, foot-shaking sections of the ride.
Moving outward from the powertrain, the Maverick X ds Turbo is loaded with new and tested technologies designed to let the driver turn its raw power into sharp, thrilling adventures. The rear suspension has been reworked into a 16-in (406-mm) travel torsional trailing A-arm (TTA) system with sway bar and custom high-performance Fox shocks. Those Fox units dial in feel by way of adjustments for dual speed compression, rebound and dual rate spring. The double A-arm front suspension uses the same Fox shocks and offers 15 in (381-mm) of travel.
While it was wrenching together the new rear suspension, Can-Am overhauled the entire Maverick rear end, stretching the 14-in aluminum beadlock wheels over an extended 88-in (2.24 m) wheelbase that gives the new side-by-side improved stability when the turbo engine is firing full blast. Despite the stretched-out axles, Can-Am says the new model still boasts nimble handling. The wheels are wrapped in 28-in Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires that maintain traction with the help of Can-Am's Visco-Lok QE auto-lock front differential.
Inside the steel cage, Can-Am has focused on making a comfortable, rider-focused layout. Driver and passenger are enveloped by the side-bolstered bucket seats, and the driver engages with a tilt-adjustable, molded-grip steering wheel and digital/analog gauge cluster. Drive features include selectable 2WD/4WD, tri-mode dynamic power steering, electric start and hydraulic braking. A 240-watt lighting system illuminates the trail whenever things get too dark.
"BRP is once again taking the industry by storm with the introduction of another industry-first, the new turbocharged Can-Am Maverick X ds side-by-side vehicle,” says Chris Dawson, Can-Am vice president and general manager, global sales and consumer experience. "The Can-Am Maverick X ds model brings pure performance to a whole new level."
The Maverick X ds Turbo measures 117.3 x 64 x 74.2 in (297.9 x 162.5 x 188.5 cm) and rides 13 in (33 cm) over the ground below. It has 4.8 gal (18.5 L) of cockpit storage and a 200-lb (91-kg) capacity rear rack with Can-Am's LinQ attachment system.
The Maverick X ds Turbo starts at US$22,999 and includes a digital anti-theft system as standard. In addition to the two-seat model detailed above, the turbocharged X ds trim is available on the four-seat Maverick MAX.
If you're more concerned with transmitting power to the ground than with turbo-boosting engine output, may we suggest looking at Can-Am's six-wheeled Outlander.
Watch the Maverick X ds Turbo take on the competition in the video below, and if interested, stick with the clip for a detailed look at the new model's primary features.
Source: BRP/Can-Am