Kawasaki Announces New UTV Model: 2018 Mule Pro-FXR
Following multiple accolades for its MULE PRO series,
Kawasaki
has upped its game once again with the addition of the MULE
PRO-FXRâ„¢ side x side to the 2018 lineup. The new MULE PRO-FXR
features increased recreational abilities and premium styling that
further establishes the full-size, compact side x side as the
customer's dependable work partner.
Developed alongside the
PRO-FXTâ„¢ and
PRO-FXâ„¢models, the new MULE PRO-FXR side x side shares the same
engine and smooth acceleration, meaning it's still the fastest most
powerful MULEâ„¢ ever built, with independent suspension, powerful
disc brakes, effective engine braking and Kawasaki's acclaimed EPS,
speed-sensitive power steering. All of that is packaged into a more
compact design, shorter than the other MULE PRO models, with
improved ground clearance and turning radius.
Designed to appeal to someone who likes to play as a hard as they
work, the styling of the MULE PRO-FXR side x side has a tough,
truck like appearance with a painted hood and grill, low-profile
LED inner and halogen outer headlights, front and rear bumpers as
well as seating capacity for three in its contoured two-tone seats.
While it has a recreational side, the MULE PRO-FXR is still built
Kawasaki STRONG with steel cargo bed that has a 1000-pound carrying
capacity (600-pound carrying capacity in California) and the
ability to tow up to 2000 pounds.
With this much capability, the MULE PRO-FXR is sure to impress your
neighbors, even if the closest one is a half-mile away.
THE 2018 KAWASAKI
MULE PRO-FXRâ„¢
- Premium styling with standard features including painted
bodywork, contoured two-tone seats, cast aluminum wheels, rear
bumper and finished rear wheel wells
- 812cc three-cylinder fuel injected engine that offers plenty of
power with smooth acceleration
- Nimble handling for trails with a tight 14.1-foot turning
radius
The MULE PRO-FXRâ„¢ is assembled with foreign and domestic parts in
Lincoln, Nebraska as a part of Kawasaki's expansive side x side
family that continues to be Kawasaki STRONG. Built strong to play
and work hard, while backed by a factory three-year limited
warranty.
STYLING
The MULE PRO-FXRâ„¢ side x side is built to be noticed. The front end
has been refined and features a painted grill and hood designed to
resist scratches and UV fading. New front and rear bumpers complete
the tough truck inspired look. The compact vehicle size and smaller
Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) gives the MULE PRO-FXR side x
side a sportier look.
Inside the cabin, the plush bench seat is contoured to help
maximize comfort and facilitate entry and exit. The stitched
two-tone seat also features FXR badging, further increasing the
style. Topping off the MULE PRO-FXR side x side is the new hard
suntop built with lightweight composite conformed construction,
designed to divert water to its outside edges. The new suntop is
also approved for trailering.
SPACIOUS CABIN & EPS
With the tremendous durability and versatility of the MULE PRO-FXRâ„¢
side x side, all-day driving comfort is a high priority, allowing
the driver and up to two passengers to get on with the job at hand.
The cabin is particularly spacious, providing ample leg- and
headroom, as well as a thick-cushioned contoured two-tone bench
seat for up to three occupants.
Conventional three-point seatbelts and handholds are provided for
each occupant and doors are standard to ease entry. For the
driver's convenience there is a tilt-adjustable thick grip steering
wheel, which provides up to 40-degrees of adjustment to ensure a
comfortable fit. It can also be tilted out of the way to facilitate
access to the cabin.
The MULE PRO-FXR side x side takes full advantage of Kawasaki's
advanced speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS) system that
considerably reduces steering effort, but ensures the steering has
optimal feedback as speed increases, enhancing handling. The EPS
helps to reduce steering kickback, reducing driver fatigue.
Furthermore, it helps the driver enjoy a tight turning radius of
just 14.1 feet.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The strength of the Kawasaki MULE PRO-FXRâ„¢ side x side comes from
its 812cc, three-cylinder engine with efficient digital fuel
injection that has been tuned to deliver optimum performance
throughout the rev range. With 48 lb-ft of torque, it has excellent
pulling power when fully loaded, but also excellent acceleration
and agility when combined with its four-wheel drive system. While
the engine produces plenty of power, it runs quietly enough to hold
a conversation in the cab.
Thanks to a high-output alternator, which delivers an incredible
60.8 amps at 2,000rpm (with the headlights on), occupants can power
their accessories on all-day adventures and throughout the workweek
with a pair of built-in, 12-volt outlets.
Transferring the engine's performance to the ground is a specially
tuned CVT transmission that delivers smooth acceleration,
maximizing traction and contributing to precise maneuvering. The
CVT also provides natural engine braking to help when descending
slopes, with consistent engine hold-back to increase driver
confidence, especially when the vehicle is loaded.
The CVT is combined with an electrically selectable 2WD/4WD system
that has a dual-mode rear differential. Convenient dash-mounted
switches allow the driver to instantly engage the systems, giving
full control over the 4WD and locking rear differential.
INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION
Another element of the MULE PRO-FXRâ„¢ is the revised settings of its
front and rear independent suspension. By soaking up the bumps it
provides excellent comfort, and improves traction thanks to a
generous 8.7 inches of suspension travel.
The suspension utilizes twin-tube, preload-adjustable shocks at
each corner, with large diameter tubing for the A-arm design,
ensuring Kawasaki's legendary reputation for performance is
maintained. Extra ground clearance (10.4 inches) also gives the
driver confidence that the lower chassis will clear obstacles. The
MULE PRO-FXR side x side has been designed to be more nimble with
an overall length of 121.8 inches and a compact 81 inch wheelbase
that provides a very tight 14.1-foot turning radius.
The suspension uses rubber bushings at the attachment points to
enhance strength. The engine of the MULE PRO-FXR is rubber-mounted
to reduce vibration and contribute to a high quality, comfortable
ride.
BRAKES
Hydraulic disc brakes use 212mm rotors on all four corners and they
combine with the dependable engine braking system to produce
effective stopping power.
Dual-piston calipers in the front and single-piston calipers in the
rear give the driver strong yet progressive stopping power. An
easily accessible mechanical rear parking brake helps keep the MULE
PRO-FXRâ„¢ side x side in place when stopped. A fuel injection
control limits engine speed if the driver attempts to pull away
with the parking brake engaged.
HAULING & TOWING
Because it is built Kawasaki STRONG, the MULE PRO-FXRâ„¢ side x side
has a sturdy diamond-plate steel cargo floor with a maximum cargo
capacity of up to 1000 pounds (600 pounds max in California). The
cargo bed measures 37.5 inches x 53.3 inches x 11 inches and has
integrated steel cargo rails and internal ridges, allowing loads to
be secured using the abundance of available Kawasaki Genuine
Accessories . The storage options of the MULE PRO-FXR side x side
means you can pack it for any adventure or get the job done, no
matter what the day brings. The cargo bed has a gas-assisted tilt
feature that makes it easier to raise the empty bed to allow easy
access to the engine compartment.
The tailgate is secured by two sturdy levers, which make it easy to
open and close. The tailgate design also incorporates built-in
cupholders, which come in handy when the tailgate is lowered. The
cargo bed walls are designed with slots to accommodate cargo bed
dividers, one of the many available Kawasaki Genuine Accessories.
These allow cargo to be separated and stowed more securely .
The integrated 2" hitch receiver can enhance the versatility of the
MULE PRO-FXR as it provides the ability to tow a substantial 2000
lb load (where permitted by state law)with the receiver, giving the
new Kawasaki ultimate versatility.
DURABILITY - KAWASAKI STRONG
The MULE PRO-FXRâ„¢ side x side has a Shinari-tuned frame that
balances rigidity and shock-absorbing elasticity. Shinari is a
Japanese term for the elasticity that allows an object to bend
without breaking and return to its original shape. A redesigned
ROPS further increases the rigidity of the entire chassis.
The MULE PRO-FXR also has integrated inner wheel wells because
Kawasaki wanted to keep mud and debris out of the engine
compartment, protecting its vital components. The electrical
equipment is also mounted high in the vehicle to keep it away from
water, and the fuel tank is centrally mounted, away from the wheels
to reduce the risk of damage from debris thrown up by the tires.
Additionally, steel side guards help reduce the effects of side
impacts.
Another thoughtful aspect is the single latch maintenance cover
that provides quick and easy access to the oil dipstick, air filter
and battery without lifting the cargo bed. The painted hood panel
removes for easy access to ECU, fuse box and radiator.
The MULE PRO-FXR side x side features steel front and rear bumpers
to provide both improved styling and a measure of protection as
well as finished rear wheel wells that add style and durability to
the vehicle.
STORAGE
Occupants will appreciate the storage space under the front seat.
This allows users to securely store their equipment and gear in the
standard 13-gallon storage bin with a water resistant lid.
In addition, there is a handy glovebox as well as three dashboard
pockets - with the center pocket large enough to accommodate the
audio system, one of the many available Kawasaki Genuine
Accessories - and two cupholders built into the bodywork in front
of the dashboard.
DASHBOARD
The interior features multi-function LCD instrumentation. It
provides a large, intuitive, easy-to-read display that includes an
array of information such as digital speedometer, odometer and hour
meter, fuel gauge, dual trip meters, water temp, 2WD/4WD operation,
clock and parking brake indicator to keep the driver informed at a
glance. There is a light on the diff lock switch to indicate when
it is selected. There are also two DC power outlets provided for
convenient access to charge accessories and gadgets.
POWERFUL LIGHTING
The same high-power alternator responsible for charging smartphones
and devices will also contribute to lighting with the new small
diameter headlights. The MULE PRO-FXRâ„¢ side x side combines two
halogen headlights on the outside with high-intensity, auxiliary
LED headlights. The lights are controlled with independent switches
to adjust to different lighting conditions.
ACCESSORIES
The new Kawasaki MULE PRO-FXRâ„¢ side x side can be fitted with a
wide variety of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories to add a more personal
touch to the vehicle while accentuating individual needs and
style.
Owners wishing to accessorize the vehicle can take advantage of
more than 60 Kawasaki Genuine Accessories including a new brush
guard, roof mounted LED lightbar, audio system, flip-up windshield
and a soft cab that integrates with the lower doors and ROPS to add
to the appeal of the MULE PRO-FXR side by side. Owners can also add
a winch package and skid plates. All of these Kawasaki Genuine
Accessories were developed alongside the vehicle for installation,
fit and finish.
MULE PRO-FXR owners can also choose from accessories such as a
heater, bed extender, cargo divider, dual battery kit and so much
more. The industry-leading Kawasaki STRONG Three-Year Limited
Warranty remains intact after the purchase and installation of
Kawasaki Genuine Accessories.
Consumers interested to see how their new MULE PRO-FXR side x side
will look with Kawasaki Genuine Accessories in place will now be
able to build their vehicle online. They then have the opportunity
to print their custom build list and take it to their local
Kawasaki dealer to purchase the vehicle they designed. Visit
www.kawasaki.com for full
details.
KAWASAKI STRONG THREE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Customers can take pride in the knowledge that the new MULE
PRO-FXRâ„¢ side x side is assembled from foreign and domestic
components right here in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Completing the appeal of the MULE PRO-FXR is a standard Kawasaki
STRONG Three-Year Limited Warranty to keep you running STRONG.
KAWASAKI MULE PRO-FXRâ„¢
Colors: Atomic Silver, Candy Persimmon Red
MSRP: $TBA
Availability: Now
Chaparral Motorsports is an authorized Kawasaki dealership
