By: Kent Lester
There’s been a steady buzz around media circles about a new UTV from Can-Am. The rumors started over a year ago and there’s been much speculation about the type of vehicle it will be – either a full-on dune buster like the Polaris RZR or a more adaptable RUV like the Grizzly or Ranger.
There’s also a lot of discussion about its source of power and the size and configuration of its engine. BRP’s Rotax is a veritable bank of resources for engines and several off-the-shelf Austrian-built engines could easily be adapted to SxS use, including an inline 1500cc EFI triple used in Sea-Doo watercraft.
Apparently, there’s no 2010 Can-Am UTV to be introduced in the next couple of months but we’re fully expecting a mid-year or early bird release sometime in the next 12 months.
Meanwhile, here’s our best guess on what’s coming: Keeping with Can-Am’s credo, this will be a strong performing Utility Vehicle most likely using the EFI 500 and 800 ATV sourced V-twins we all know and love already.
It will be a full sized, 2-passenger utility style Ute incorporating special safety equipment such as better harnesses and safer rollover protection than we’re used to seeing. It will be very cool looking and cater to the high performance side of the market. It will be raced.
It will also feature a CVT tranny, long travel independent suspension with an optional performance package that includes upgraded gas reservoir shocks, skid-plating, power steering and will have unique storage applications built-in.
Polaris, Kawasaki and Yamaha have raised the UTV bar very high in this segment. The Can-Am will come in with some dazzling sizzle we haven’t seen before to grab the market’s full attention. Count on it.
