Can-Am Introduces The Maverick X3: Industry's First 72" Wide Side-by-Side

Once again Can-Am has shaken up the
side-by-side world with the introduction of another industry first,
and this time it's a big one-literally-as the new Can-Am Maverick
X3 X RS is this first factory-built UTV that measures 72" wide. Two
years ago Can-Am boosted itself to the top of the horsepower tower
amongst its competitors with the announcement of its two seater
Maverick X ds and four seater Maverick Max X ds models that came
with the industry's first factory-installed turbochargers. With its
wide width the turbo-boosted Maverick X3 X RS has been specifically
designed to provide solid performance enhanced platform that is
optimally tailored for dune and wide-open desert riding.
[caption id="attachment_60158" align="alignright"
width="300"] Three oversized, out-of-the-way
intakes feed the engine and the CVT with clean air and keep
temperatures low and deliver fumes to a sport exhaust out
back.[/caption]
Actually there are three models in the twos-seater (no announcement
of a 4-seater model has been made) X3 lineup, the Maverick X3 Turbo
R, X3 X DS, and the wide boy, the X3 X RS. All three of the X3
models feature a Can-Am designed turbo mated to the company's
inline triple-cylinder 900cc Rotax ACE engine. The potent
combination produces an industry leading 154hp at 7,500 RPM and
113lb-ft of torque a 7,000RPM, resulting in 0-60MPH in about 4.9
seconds. Horsepower-wise, the X3 puts down about 33 more ponies
than the Maverick Turbo models, and 10 more horsepower than
Polaris' Turbo RZR models. To manage the power of the boosted
engine and ensure power delivery is smooth and reliable the Rotax
Engine is connected to a shiftless QRS-X CV transmission. For long
lasting performance the drivetrain features an overbuilt drive
belt, a strong three-pulley design, and no prop shaft, all of which
results in a gear-on-gear system that is durable and requires no
maintenance. Everything has been carefully calibrated to work with
the turbo to virtually eliminate lag, without shifting or torque
interruption.
The X3 family is based around a
dual-phase 980 steel frame, which according to Can-Am is 20-percent
lighter than its closest competitor while offering 53-percent
better torsional stiffness. With a greater tensile strength and
elongation compared to high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels of the
same yield strength, dual phase steel is used in a variety of
automotive applications with the higher level of tensile strengths
such as the 980 variety used for passenger safety cage areas. The
long wheel-base frame is extremely light and strong for exceptional
control and handling characteristics.
All three models provide an "in-the-car" feeling thanks
to a low seating position provided by low-slung, one-piece molded
seats. The seat positioning lowers the center of gravity and
delivers a confidence-inspiring ride by helping the driver and
passenger feel more connected to the vehicle. Driver and passengers
of all heights can get comfortably seated via the four-way
adjustable erogprint seats. The seats can be raised 2" and can
slide forward/backward 6". The wraparound cockpit gives the driver
the feeling of piloting a track oriented sports car with its
centralized brake and gas pedals and race-inspired flat bottom
steering wheel (steering wheel tilts up or down 25 degrees.).
Besides the chassis
and powertrain the X3 family shares other similarities such as
Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPSâ¢), two driving modes,
selectable 2WD / 4WD with Visco-Lok X auto-locking front
differential, quarter doors, and redesigned trophy truck inspired
TTX suspension. The all-new four-link TTX suspension delivers up to
24-in of travel (varies by model) and features a trophy truck-like
trailing arm and three links dedicated to keeping the wheels
perpendicular to the ground. The new suspension ensures high-speed,
confidence inspired driving by delivering crisp steering and very
little bump steer. The few things that separate the three models
from one another mostly lie in the wheels, ground clearance and
suspension setup.
Maverick X3 Turbo
R
The Maverick X3 Turbo R is available in white and comes with 14"
aluminum wheels and 28" Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires. Front suspension
is handled by Fox 2.5 Podium Piggyback QS3 shocks that feature
compression adjustment. Also up front are double A-arms with sway
bars. Rear suspension comes via 4-link Torsional Trailing-arms with
sway bars and Fox Podium Piggyback shocks with QS3 compression
adjustment and bottom out control. The front and rear suspension
have 20" of travel. This car's dimensions are: Ground Clearance:
14", wheelbase 102", length 131", width 64" height 66". MSRP
$22,999
X3 X DS
The Maverick X3 X DS is available in Circuit Yellow or Triple Black
painted. Similar to the X3 Turbo R this model also comes with 14"
aluminum wheels, however the wheels are of the beadlock variety and
instead of 28" Bighorns it comes with 29" tires. Up front
fully-adjustable FOX 2.5 Podium RC2 HPG piggyback shocks and double
A-arms with sway bars handle all the bumps with 20" of travel.
Outback are matching Fox 2.5 Podium RC2 shocks that provide extra
comfort with bottom-out control adjustment. It also has 4-link
Torsional Trailing-arms with sway bars and 20" of travel in the
rear. The X3 X DS has the same dimensions as the X3 Turbo. MSRP
$24,999
X3 X RS
The top of the model line X3 X RS is available in Triple Black or
Gold and Can-Am Red. As stated earlier the X3 X RS is
the world's first factory 72" wide side-by-side. The X3 X
RS has 14" beadlock wheels that are shod with 30" Maxxis Bighorn
2.0 tires. As the wide bodied, dune destroyer of the family the X3
X RS is loaded with premium suspension components such as
reinforced, boxed-in, trophy truck inspired double A-arms with sway
bars.
The front suspension is connected to Fox Podium
RC2 PHG Piggyback shocks with bypass and dual-speed compression and
rebound. FOX 3.0 Podium RC2 HPG shocks with remote reservoir with
bypass and dual-speed compression and rebound are found in the
rear. Similar to the other two models the rear is setup with 4-link
Torsional Trailing arms and sway bars. The X3 X RS has 22" of
travel up front and 24" at the rear. The dimensions are: Ground
clearance: 15", wheelbase 102", length 132", width 72", height 67".
MSRP $26,999.