SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/726957
C an-Am's 2017 Maverick X3 is the latest side- by-side, poised to take on the Baja desert terrain in the coming year with new performance features and a 154 horsepower turbocharged engine. Designed as the company's flagship performance vehicle, BRP/Can-Am has outfitted this side-by-side with a host of new refinements and set a higher performance level which will further boost the market. "With the Can-Am Maverick X3, we set a goal to deliver a clear leader in the sport segment, and our teams worked together and produced a bold vehicle with incredible looks, agility, and performance," said José Boisjoli, BRP's president and CEO. "The Maverick X3 is the latest addition to our off-road model lineup as we continue to deliver on our promise to introduce a new side-by-side vehicle every six months through 2020." Two of the most competitive UTV class race drivers within SCORE that utilize Can-Am vehicles are Derek and Jason Murray. Both were introduced to the X3 at its official launch and had spent time driving the vehicle. During an interview at the event, they said they are obviously anxious to get their hands on one and start racing with it. "Once I actually got in the car, behind the wheel, and pounded on the throttle, I was just hooked," said Derek Murray of Murray Racing. "Can-Am killed it," said Jason Murray. "This car is so race-ready.Except for a full roll cage and safety nets, this thing can go out and smash the desert as it sits right now." The biggest news on the 2017 Maverick X3 is its higher horsepower engine. The 900cc Rotax ACE, produces 154 horsepower from a turbocharger and intercooler. This three- cylinder engine's overall performance is aided with a new high airflow system and a performance-tuned, shiftless QRS-X CVT transmission. The transmission is designed to work with the turbocharger in that it eliminates lag and provides the X3 with excellent acceleration, 0-60 MPH in 4.9 seconds. The air intake system uses three oversized ducts that are located behind the driver that deliver a constant supply of clean air. This also helps cool the CVT transmission and incorporates a performance Donaldson air filter. Power also comes from a new exhaust manifold that improves airflow and minimizes pressure drop so the turbo has no lag, providing the X3 models with better throttle response and instant torque rated at 113 lbs.-ft. at 7,000 rpm. Can-Am will offer the Maverick X3 in three styles, the Maverick X3 Turbo R, the Maverick X3 X ds Turbo R, and the wider Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R. From the base model to its full race ready X rs Turbo R, the suspension system has been upgraded to provide precise handling at faster speeds. A new TTX suspension looks more like a Trophy Truck suspension than what is used on a typical side-by-side. Its design delivers 24-inches of rear wheel travel (22-inches in front) and utilizes a four-link trailing arm system 049 SCORE JOURNAL