Side-by-side

Polaris believes performance side-by-side UTV racing is ready to step up a level. So it's launching the "first full-fledged UTV class factory racing program," complete with a purpose-built race vehicle, a full-time crew and a dedicated workshop.

We'd all like to think we go fast on the weekend, but Polaris sales manager Eric Borgen's got the ultimate proof. Roped into co-driving the storied Baja 1000, he discovered he's been mucking about with his friends in the desert at a race-winning pace.

Potential Motors aims to create a new category of all-terrain vehicle, and its debut product does indeed look like a new species. The Adventure 1 UTV micro-camper has a narrow body, smart suspension, two-motor electric powertrain and camper interior.

Potential Motors is deep in development on what it classifies a new category of vehicle. The compact, go-anywhere side-by-side camper will proficiently explore rough, wild terrain using a predictive 4-wheel control system.

To celebrate its 45th anniversary, Brabus does something different, stripping the Mercedes-AMG G63 into a downright evil buggy that looks plucked from the side-by-side market. In fact, it's a literal OHV that's no longer street-legal in the least.

Despite having some very capable luxury SUVs, Lexus isn't the first auto brand that comes to mind for off-roading, especially not powersports. That changes today with the reveal of the new ROV concept, an aggressive side-by-side with hydrogen engine.

Polaris raises the bar for side-by-side performance with the RZR Pro R. Powered like a small sports coupe, the Pro R makes 225 hp with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Factor in chassis and suspension upgrades, and the Pro R promises off-road excitement.

Vanderhall has provided a closer look its forthcoming all-electric off-road buggy. Switching names from Navarro to Brawley, the new e-4x4 looks like the most off-road fun you can have without any of the usual noise or emissions.

Vanderhall has made its name on turbo and all-electric three-wheelers. It's now turning some attention away from pavement and toward the off-road, teasing the Navarro off-roader, a high-riding four-wheeler with airy build and all-electric power.

Yamaha reaches for new heights of versatility with its latest side-by-side family. The Wolverine RMAX 1000 lineup combines a powerful twin-cylinder engine with a triple-setting drive-by-wire system that adapts response to the tasks and terrain ahead.

Originally developed for Israeli special forces operatives, the Australian-designed Tomcar TX is a mil-spec brick outhouse of a UTV. In fact, it's the go-anywhere UTV you need if you want to carry another UTV across some rough terrain.

It's flat-out silly season in the world of high-performance side-by-sides, with Can-Am announcing the most powerful supersport UTV in the production gasoline market. The new Maverick X3 X Turbo RR machines now make a touch under 200 hp, and by golly they'll go a bit.