Mahindra Reveals Roxor Turbodiesel UTVs

Posted on March 5, 2018 by Marc Cesare

The new Mahindra Roxor utility vehicle powered by a 62 hp urbo diesel.

The Mahindra Roxor LE adds features like a winch, soft top, LED light bar and more.

Mahindra, a well-known auto and tractor manufacturer, revealed two new turbodiesel powered utility vehicles, the Roxor and Roxor LE. The 152cc engine puts out 62 hp at 3,200 rpm and 144 ft lbs of torque at 1,400 rpm. The retro styled exterior is reminiscent of a classic Jeep and is married to a boxed steel frame. The Roxor seats two, has a top speed of 45 mph and 9″ of ground clearance. Both models are targeting recreational users. The vehicles are assembled in Mahindra’s Auburn Hills, Michigan plant. Other key specs include:

3,490 lbs towing capacity
349 lbs cargo capacity
5 speed transmission
Selectable 2WD/4WD
Rigid leaf spring front suspension with stabilizer bar
Leaf spring rear suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers
Hydraulic front disc and rear drum brakes
Hydraulic power steering
Halogen headlights
Underseat storage
Available in Carbon Black, Classic White, Fire Orange or Tahoe Blue
MSRP: $15,499

The Roxor LE adds the following features:

Bestop Bikini soft top
Warn 8,000 lb. winch
HD front bumper with mounting plate and HD battery
40″ KC HiLites Light Bar
BF Goodrich KO2 radial off-road tiers
MTX AM/FM bluetooth sound bar
Side and rearview mirrors
ROPS mounted grab handles

The MSRP for this limited edition model is $18,899. Company marketing material indicates a Dune Edition will be coming later in California.

A marketing program to support the new vehicles will be launched this Spring and the vehicles will be available from over 240 Mahindra powersports dealers in the US.

Learn more: Roxoroffroad.com

SVR’s Take: I think the very Jeep-like look could prove popular, although not everyone may want a diesel powered UTV. The styling really sets the vehicle apart in a market where there are plenty of options and more seem to materialize every day. If it proves popular I wouldn’t be surprised to see some of the larger players in the market come out with similar styling.

This is another example of an agricultural equipment company more aggressively moving into the UTV market to take advantage of their existing distribution channel. However, Mahindra appears to be putting more resources in the most by designing and manufacturing the vehicles themselves, and establishing dedicated new facilities in the US.

A quick perusal of their dealer network shows a large number of agricultural and power equipment dealers. The diesel powertrain makes the UTV a natural fit on farms. The company may have difficulty reaching beyond the farm and large area home owner market, which are a primary target given Mahindra’s popularity in the tractor market. It would appear that this vehicle could have wider appeal beyond these segments, but Mahindra may have to be creative in developing dealers or partnerships to expand the reach of their current distribution channel.

Marc Cesare, SVR

Kubota Updates UTV Lineup

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Marc Cesare

The new Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick utility vehicle, gas-powered and with a 40 mph top speed.

Over the last few months Kubota has unveiled two significant model additions to their utility vehicle lineup that will be available at dealers in the first part of 2018. The first reveal was the all new RTV-XG850 Sidekick. The Sidekick is a gas powered UTV being marketed as fast, strong and agile with a 48 hp engine, 40 mph top speed, a CVT with centrifugal clutch and speed sensitive electronic power steering.

Kubota is clearly trying to expand their more work-oriented customer base with the faster, crossover oriented Sidekick. However, the RTV-XG850 still maintains solid work specs with a 15.2 cu. ft. and 1,000 lb. capacity steel cargo box and a 2,000 lb. towing capacity. The cargo box has an optional electric hydraulic lift.

Additional features of the Sidekick designed to widen the vehicle’s appeal include:

Improved ergonomics with a new digital display, steering wheel and shift knob
LED headlights
Green and Black color options beyond the traditional Kubota Orange and RealTree AP Camo choices
Sidekick specific accessories including a premium audio system, sports roof, alloy wheels and bed extender

Other key specs and features of the Sidekick include:

Selectable 2WD/4WD with limited slip front differential
4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes
Front and rear independent suspension
9″/8.5″ of front/rear suspension travel
9.8″ of ground clearance
Tilt steering
Front guard (standard on Worksite and Special variations)
Optional spray-on bed liner

The Sidekick will come in three different variations: General Purpose, Worksite and Special. The Special comes with a front guard, alloy wheels, tilt steering and spray-on bed liner standard. The Worksite comes with the front guard and tilt steering standard. The General Purpose does not come standard with any of these options. The Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick will be available at dealers in Spring 2018. A quick internet search shows pricing in the $13,000 to $14,500 range.

The other addition to the Kubota UTV lineup is an updated version of the RTV-X1120, a heavy duty work-oriented utility vehicle. The updated model comes with a significantly lower price tag compared to the older version, $13,999 compared to approximately $16,000.

The RTV-X1120 is powered by a 24.8 hp diesel engine and has a Variable Hydro Transmission, a top speed of 29 mph and 4WD with limited-slip front differential and foot operated rear differential lock. Kubota aimed to improve ergonomics and styling with new shoulder restraints, ergonomic 60:40 split bucket seats, digital display, easily accessible parking brake and under seat storage compartments.

Additional key features and specs include:

Hydraulic power steering
Steel cargo box with optional hydraulic lift
Front and rear standard 2″ hitch receivers
1,300 lb. towing capacity
Optional machine-polished alloy or black alloy wheels
Optional spray-on bed liner
Colors: Kubota Orange or RealTree AP Camo

The RTV-X1120 will be available in General Purpose, Worksite and Deluxe configurations with a starting base price of $13,999 The new RTV-X1120 models will be available at Kubota dealerships in February 2018.

Learn more: Kubotausa.com

SVR’s Take: The work and multi-purpose use segment of the UTV market has become more competitive over the last several years as manufacturers have identified the segments as key growth areas. No doubt Kubota has felt the encroachment of this competition on their traditional customer segments of farm, ranch, large area home owners and construction. This has come from larger brands such as Can-Am with their new Defender line, Honda with their expanding Pioneer line and market leader Polaris with their dominant Ranger line, as well as from smaller brands like the value oriented and expanding Cub Cadet Challenger line and the likes of Toro and New Holland that have partnered with larger UTV manufacturers to develop vehicles to sell under their own brands. The most recent in the latter category is the construction oriented Caterpillar.

As the pace of new model development in the UTV market has increased in the last five years, one could argue that Kubota has been at the slower end of the scale among the large manufacturers. The Sidekick in particular may be an indication that Kubota will be accelerating their product development moving forward with an eye towards expanding their appeal. A key difficulty for Kubota in growing their customer base will be how to reach new customers with their existing farm and construction oriented dealership network. They may look to add new types of dealers or partner with other companies to reach new distribution channels.

Marc Cesare, SmallVehicleResource.com

Cushman Introduces New Hauler 800 and 800X Utility Vehicles

Posted on February 12, 2018 by Marc Cesare

The new Cushman Hauler 800X from Textron Specialized Vehicles.

The new Cushman Hauler 800 from Textron Specialized Vehicles.

Cushman, a brand under the Textron Specialized Vehicles umbrella, recently announced new, upgraded versions of their Hauler 800 and 800X utility vehicles. Each vehicle comes in an electric powered or gas powered variant. The electric powered models feature a 48-Volt AC powertrain with a 4.4 hp motor, six 8-volt deep cycle batteries, DC PowerWise QE charger and 235 amp AC controller. The gas powered models feature a 13.5 hp Kawasaki, 4-cycle, 401cc engine.

“Customer research guided the design of the Cushman Hauler, and the new Hauler 800 and 800X provides an excellent go-to, light-duty utility option in our lineup,” said John Collins, Vice President, Consumer for Textron Specialized Vehicles. “A customizable bed, functional dash storage, and increased visibility allow the operator to be more organized and productive on the work site.” New options for the Hauler 800 and 800X include:

A floor mount attachment that enables you to transport and secure small equipment in the passenger area of the vehicle
An independent radio clip that has been ergonomically designed for easy reach
Glove box mat package to prevent movement of items in storage compartments

Additional key specs common for the vehicles include:

Seating for two
8.4 cu ft of cargo deck capacity
Headlights
Brushguard
Optional bed divider
Welded Steel w/ E-Shield e-coat plus DuraShield™ Powder Coat

Some of the key differences between the Hauler 800 and the 800X include:

The Hauler 800 has slightly more cargo bed capacity at 400 lbs vs. 325 lbs and more towing capacity with 900 lbs vs. 500 lbs
The Hauler 800X has a faster top speed of 16.5 mph vs. 14.5 mph
The Hauler 800X has more ground clearance: 5.5″ vs. 4.3″

The Hauler 800 and 800X are available in Patriot Blue and Forest Green.

Learn more: Cushman.com

SVR’s Take: While the changes to the Hauler 800 and 800X are not drastic, they are very focused on the application specific needs of end users. These types of changes are indicative of how competitive the work side of the utility vehicle market has become as manufacturers tailor their vehicle offerings to specific sub-segments of the market. They are accomplishing this by adding new work specific features and offering a wider range of options and accessories for specific applications. In some cases, they are providing a pre-packaged set of options and features for certain end-use applications. This is often in the context of segment specific marketing efforts. For example, Club Car has identified certain market verticals they are strategically targeting, and Cushman is using different marketing material for commercial and golf segments for these Hauler 800 and 800X models. These approaches demonstrate the functionality and versatility of utility vehicles that serve as a common work platform which can relatively easily be customized for a wide range of work environments and applications. Marc Cesare, SmallVehicleResource.com

Club Car Launches Tempo Fleet Golf Car

Posted on January 29, 2018 by Marc Cesare

The Tempo, Club Car’s newest fleet golf car.

The four-person Club Car Tempo 4Fun fills out the new fleet line.

Club Car launched their newest fleet golf cars, the two-person Tempo and four person Tempo 4Fun at last week’s 2018 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. The Tempo comes with an all electric or gas drive train while the Tempo 4Fun is only available as an electric.

Tempo’s electric drive train features a 3.3 hp motor, 48V power system and a single-point watering system. The Tempo 4Fun has the same system except for a 3.7 hp motor. Both features battery packs with six 8-volt batteries. The gas Tempo is powered by a 404cc, 14 hp, single cylinder engine.

The touchscreen is part of the Tempo Connect package which includes Visage fleet management and the Shark Experience entertainment bundle.

The distinguishing option for the new fleet golf car is Club Car’s Tempo Connect, an electronics and connectivity package which includes speakers and a touchscreen that can display an electronic scorecard, 3-D flyovers, hole overviews, a rangefinder and a GPS messaging system. Tempo Connect includes both the Visage Fleet Management system and the Shark Experience. The latter is an entertainment system developed by Verizon in partnership with Greg Norman that provides golfers with live sports, music and golf tips. Visage has been on the market a number of years and is a fleet management system.

Common features for all models include:

Independent leaf spring with dual hydraulic shocks front suspension
Rear wheel mechanical drum brakes
Automotive body styling
Optional molded-in and painted Premium colors
Aluminum frame
Alloy wheel
Premium seats

Learn more: Clubcar.com

Honda Unveils Swappable Battery for Electric UTVs

Posted on January 15, 2018 by Marc Cesare

Honda’s Mobile Power Pack recently unveiled at the CES.

At the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Honda unveiled a new swappable Mobile Power Pack battery system as well as UTVs and other products that use the system. As part of this Mobile Power Pack battery ecosystem Honda introduced a portable power system, “Mobile Power Pack Exchanger” and personal charging system.

Honda’s Mobile Power Pack is designed to have a capacity of 1 kWh or higher and envisioned as a method of storing and later using renewable energy produced during off peak hours. To that end, Honda presented several product concepts powered by the these swappable battery packs.

The autonomous 3E-D18 combines Honda’s work in batteries, robotics and powersports.

One such product is the 3E-D18 which Honda refers to as “an autonomous off-road workhorse device utilizing AI”. The vehicle features a Honda ATV chassis with an electric powertrain. By changing the upper part of the vehicle, Honda anticipates the vehicle being used in fire-fighting, agriculture, sports training support or a myriad of other uses.

An electrified Honda Pioneer 500 powered by the new mobile power pack.

A close-up of the Honda UTV showing a pair of the battery packs.

Another product presented was an electric powered UTV based upon their existing Honda Pioneer 500 model. They envision the vehicle being used for urban transportation, small cargo delivery and outdoor recreation. Other products included an electric powered scooter, a wheelchair type vehicle, a robotic cart for indoor use and a AI driven personal assistant called the “Empathy Concept”. Learn more: Honda.com

SVR’s Take

We have already noted some autonomous vehicle efforts in the UTV market by Yamaha and Polaris. This concept from Honda is the first to utilize electric power. These vehicles are likely to be used in highly-specialized and high value applications such as military and fire fighting first because of their high initial cost. As the cost of the technology decreases, they should be used in a wider array of applications. These type of vehicles require a range of competencies and technologies that likely relegates their development to only the largest UTV manufacturers or manufacturers from entirely different industries. Smaller or medium-sized players will likely have to look for technology partners to compete in this area.

The swappable battery concept may be a way of addressing range issues for electric UTVs. One can envision a UTV that is used for both work and recreation where work uses do not create a range or battery power issue, but an owner might want to bring along an extra battery pack for trail riding. In a work fleet scenario batteries could be swapped out similar to what is done with forklifts.

Another interesting point is that Honda lists urban transport and small cargo delivery as potential electric UTV uses. Neither of these uses are currently a primary use of UTVs and indicates a potential long-term growth area for the industry, although one that would require some changes to road use regulations.

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

2018 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 EPS Reviews

Posted on January 11, 2018 by Marc Cesare

The 2018 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 EPS.

The 2018 Polaris XP 1000 EPS seats three and is powered by a 999cc, 82 hp gas engine with EFI. This model features electronic power steering, High Performance On-Demand AWD/2WD/ VersaTrac Turf Mode, 11″ of front and rear suspension travel, 13″ of ground clearance, a 2,500 lb towing capacity and a 1,000 lb. capacity cargo dump bed with gas assist. This base model is priced at $15,299. Some key improvements over the 2017 model include a stiffer chassis, more suspension travel and ground clearance, increased payload, greater towing capacity, tighter steering system and improved cargo bed.

Polaris also offers what might be called a “premium” EPS model for a $1,000 more with several automotive style paint options as well as aluminum Black Xcelerator 2.0 wheels and cut and sew seats. For a further $200 you can have camo graphics. There is also a Northstar Edition for $23,999 which comes with a complete cab with heating and AC.

The following are summaries from a number of reviews of the 2018 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 EPS. These include reviews from trade magazines as well as user generated content. In general the reviews of this model are positive. Polaris made a number of improvements both large and small from the 2017 model and they were well received. Some of the more common features that reviewers liked included:

Improved ingress and egress
Large amounts of cab storage including a flip-up seat
Built-in electrical buses for easily adding accessories
Better low power delivery and smoother power delivery overall
Improved cargo bed

www.atv.com – Two days of testing at a hunting property in Louisiana

Slightly improved seat entry and egress
“Massive” amounts of storage in the cab including fold up passenger seat for more cargo area
Cargo bed has more molded in dividers
Easy access to engine for maintenance
Built-in electrical buses for easily adding accessories such as a winch
Quiet cab
Smooth power and throttle delivery

www.utvplanet.ca – Test drive in work and trail environment.

Great suspension on a variety of terrain at slower speeds and improved over 2017 model at higher speeds with less body roll.
Better low end power delivery
“This is the most fun Ranger we’ve ever driven.”
More comfortable seats with additional padding
Cup holders have handle cutouts for mugs
Lots of cab storage
“Love” the new truck-inspired exterior design
Improved handling with tighter steering system and better feel
Smooth and controllable power delivery
More trail capable with “.. improved control, ride quality and stability of the new, stiffer frame.”

Cycle Works Edmonton – Video walk through of various aspects of the vehicle

Pre-built busbars for easy accessory connection
Easy access to engine for maintenance
Reinforced cargo box
Easier cab ingress and egress
Lots of cab storage – “Really like” the lower storage area in the dash
Easy access and more storage with flip up seats
Older accessories except doors will fit on new machines
Skid plates and biggest standard bumper in the industry
Can switch suspension to outside positioning for heavier weight like cab
Tailgate can easily handle weight when sitting and latch system is beefier

User Forum – Actually a Honda forum but discussed the Ranger XP 1000.

A number of users noted the increased ground clearance and greater towing and cargo bed capacity
Several voiced concerns about reliability in light of all the Polaris recalls
A couple of posters wanted doors instead of nets
Some noted the improved suspension and improved belts which posters noted as a problem in the past
Some posters liked the new design which was compared to that of a Toyota Tundra while others did not like it

Polaris Marketing Video – Marketing video that highlights some of the key features of the Ranger XP 1000 EPS

Dirt Trax Television – In-depth look video presentation. Mostly a presentation by a Polaris employee but a thorough explanation of the many changes made compared to the 2017 model.

Cat Introduces Utility Vehicles

Posted on November 29, 2017 by Marc Cesare

The new Cat CUV102D from Caterpillar which partnered with Textron Specialized Vehicles to produce their UTV line.

The gas powered Cat CUV82 is the other model in the new product line.

Last month Caterpillar announced that they were partnering with Textron Specialized Vehicles to produce a line of Cat branded utility vehicles. This month two Cat utility vehicles and their specs have been revealed. The CUV82 is a gas powered model and the CUV102D is a diesel powered model.

The CUV82 has a 50 hp, three cylinder engine and a top speed of 45 mph, but can be restricted to 25 mph. The CUV 102D features a 25 hp, 3-cylinder diesel with a top speed of 25 mph. Clearly work vehicles, the CUV82 and CUV102D each have a 1,000 lb. capacity steel cargo bed and a 2,000 lb. towing capacity. The vehicles are designed for all day comfort with ample elbow and legroom and an eye towards reduced vibration and noise. Other key features common to both models include:

CVT
2WD/4WD/4WD Lock drive system
10.5″ of ground clearance
25″ tires on steel wheels
Four wheel independent suspension with A-Arms front and rear and a front sway bar
Dual piston disc brakes
Halogen headlights and LED tail lights
Electric power assist steering
Seating for two
ROPS
Pre-wiring for accessories
Digital instrument gauge
Horn

There are already a fair number of accessories available for the vehicles including various bumpers, guards, windshields, roofs, full doors and some lighting options. For work related tasks a front winch, snow plow and electro-hydraulic power dump bed are available.

A quick check of the SVR vehicle database puts these vehicles in the same class as Can Am Defender models, the Cushman Hauler 4×4 Diesel, the Cub Cadet Volunteer and Intimidator Classic models. Learn more: Cat.com

Will Electric UTVs Disrupt the Market?

Posted on November 24, 2017 by Marc Cesare

A prototype Nikola Zero electric UTV from Nikola Motor on test in Utah. Photo Credit: Nikola Motor

A shot of the Nikola Zero prototype’s underbelly while rock climbing. Photo Credit: Nikola Motor

Fred Lambert of Electrek.co, a news site that focuses on electric vehicles along with solar and wind power, was part of a small group of people that recently had a chance to experience the prototype Nikola Zero electric powered UTV in the challenging terrain around St. George, UT. His experience indicates that the Nikola Zero is not just vaporware with some outstanding specs but an actual UTV moving towards production. More importantly, Lambert’s experience with the Nikola Zero points to the possibility of electric UTVs significantly disrupting the market.

Before further discussing market disruption, lets take a look at the Nikola Zero test drive. The exact specs for the prototype were not provided but Nikola Motor stated that it is fairly close to a production version. Missing from the prototype are body panels. The prototype appeared to meet the the original spec sheet, which promised 555 hp and 4,900 ft-lbs of torque along with 20″ of suspension travel and 14.5″ of ground clearance. The prototype weighed in at around 3,500 lbs, featured 35″ tires, and was outfitted with a 107 kWh battery pack as opposed to the planned high end option of 125 kWh. For comparison, either size provides the UTV with a bigger battery pack than the maximum 100 kWh pack for a Tesla. The prototype’s display screen at the beginning of the test day indicated a 153 mile range at a 92% charge level.

Some highlights from Lambert’s take on the test drive:

Roomy 4-passenger vehicle even in the rear seats
Top-speed reached was 57 mph limited by terrain but company notes 80 mph is possible
Torque of four electric motors and low center of gravity made climbing even up 50% inclines seem effortless
- One 50% grade was tackled from a standstill where as gas-powered UTVs needed a running start
- A rock climbing spot was easily conquered by the Nikola Zero while a Can Am UTV and crew were stymied
- In another difficult spot a Yamaha was easily passed
Greatly reduced ride noise compared to a gas UTV
Two hours of driving and 1,500 ft. of elevation gain used about one-third of the battery capacity

The company remarked that they are using LG and Samsung batteries in a patented battery pack architecture. They are planning on producing a few hundred units in 2018 and a few thousand in 2019 with a MSRP in the $35,000 range for the 75 kWh battery pack option and $55,000 for the 125 kWh battery pack option. The production version is expected to be launched in December, 2017.

What does this test drive say about how electric UTVs can disrupt the market. One area is performance, especially in the recreational end of the market. The amount of torque and responsiveness of an electric UTV would be very difficult for gas powered vehicles to match. Having motors at each wheel is another advantage as is the lower center of gravity. A gas powered UTV simply cannot be designed this way. Even for the utility segment, while the capability for high speeds would be considered undesirable by many employers, the performance features applied to heavy duty work applications would be welcome.

Performance based disruption is directly tied to expertise in engine design and development. The major UTV manufacturers have invested enormous amounts of money and resources into developing their own engine technology to create more powerful and lighter gas engines as they have engaged in horsepower and torque battles. Electric UTVs have the potential to make that expertise obsolete and demand a focus on batteries, battery pack design and management, and electric motors instead.

Another area of potential disruption, that may be undersold at this point, is the relatively low noise level of electric UTVs. While many riders enjoy the sound of a roaring engine and maybe even consider it integral to the off-road experience, the lower noise levels may prove quite appealing during long hours of riding. The ability to more easily carry on conversations could increase the social aspects of riding. Quieter electric UTVs could potentially open up more areas for riding where noise is a primary land use concern. Again this will be an area that gas powered UTVs will have a hard time competing.

Another potential area of disruption is vehicle reliability. While the chassis, suspension system and many other parts will still be needed for electric UTVs, the electric powertrain eliminates a lot of moving parts and other systems associated with gas engines. A quick perusal of recent UTV recalls indicates that a significant portion of them are related to the gas engine or ancillary system. There is also less maintenance involved with electric powertrains. On the other hand, battery packs will have to demonstrate their reliability.

At this point, a major impediment to this disruptive technology is price. As the anticipated pricing of the Nikola Zero demonstrates, electric UTVs are very expensive machines relative to the current market. A lot of that pricing is tied to the battery pack. Unless battery pricing decreases significantly an electric UTV like the Nikola Zero will only be a niche product targeting the high performance end of the market, not dissimilar to what the original Tesla Roadster was. On the other hand, battery pricing has been dropping significantly, so more affordable but relatively high performance UTVs may not be that far away.

Learn more: Electrek.co, Nikolamotor.com

Marc Cesare, SmallVehicleResource.com

Textron Off Road Reveals Havoc X Crossover UTV

Posted on November 7, 2017 by Marc Cesare

The new Havoc X from Textron Off Road.

The new crossover Havoc X at play.

Signaling an aggressive approach to the side-by-side market since acquiring Arctic Cat, Textron Off Road revealed their new Havoc X crossover utility vehicle. The new model is likely the start of new product line targeting the market between pure recreational vehicles like their Wildcat models and the more work oriented vehicles under the Prowler name.

The Havoc X has an abundance of high performance features for work and play. For starters there is Textron’s own 100 hp, 957cc, SOHC engine with EFI. The front and rear double A-arm suspension coupled with King 2.5″ piggyback reservoir shocks with 30-position compression adjustability provides 12.8″ of front suspension travel and 12.9″ of rear suspension travel. There are front and rear sway bars as well. The Havoc X also features 13″ of ground clearance and 28″ ITP Ultracross tires on 14″ aluminum wheels.

On the works side of things, the Havoc X has a 600 lb. capacity cargo tilt cargo bed, 2,000 lb. of towing capacity and 4,000 lb. Warn winch. Other key features include:

On-demand AWD with automatic locking overrunning clutch front differential
CVT
67 ft.-lbs. of torque
Electronic Power Steering
4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes
Steel front bumper
Full doors
Two-tone bucket seats
Extended cab storage
LED headlights and accent lights
Backlit LCD discplay
USB port
Tilt Steering

The Havoc X comes in Dynamic Grey and will be available at Textron Off Road dealers in December. The MSRP starts at $17,299. Learn more: Textronoffroad.com ; Preview video

Based on the specs the Havoc X looks like a pretty impressive vehicle with a lot of solid features you would expect in a high end vehicle. The horsepower is slightly less than what some had predicted from a reveal of an early prototype around May, but still impressive.

The Havoc X is clearly taking aim at the Polaris General product line. This new entry is yet another sign of how competitive the side-by-side market is. The competition is providing consumers with a wide range of vehicle choices across many market segments and over a range of price points. While many of the high performance vehicles for both work and play are pricey, they also come packed with many features and extensive capabilities and the high level of market competition is likely to keep pricing down.

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Polaris Introduces RZR XP 4 Turbo DYNAMIX Edition

Posted on October 30, 2017 by Marc Cesare

The new 2018 RZR XP 4 Turbo DYNAMIX Edition from Polaris.

Polaris has introduced their new four passenger RZR XP 4 Turbo DYNAMIX Edition, which features the intelligent RZR DYNAMIX Active Suspension that adjusts individual shocks on-the-fly based on near continuous monitoring of key ride inputs. The new model builds out their DYNAMIX lineup introduced earlier this year for model year 2018.

The RZR XP 4 Turbo DYNAMIX Edition includes a RIDE COMMAND 7” display with rear camera, and an all-new, 900-watt charging system that improves battery charging and allows for additional accessory electrical loads. The display provides information on the suspension control system including compression dampening, selected mode, g-force, pedal position, steering angle, brake status and diagnostics.

The DYNAMIX system is designed to deliver a high level of ride comfort while still providing a high level of driving performance. The rider chooses from one of three styles of riding and the system makes adjustments within parameters for that riding style. Riders can choose from:

Comfort: Designed for cruising around and eliminating the small chatter.
Sport: Blends performance and comfort for ultimate high-speed handling.
Firm: Cranks all four shocks to max stiffness for the firmest suspension in the industry for the most severe terrain.

Other key features and specs of the RZR XP 4 Turbo DYNAMIX Edition include:

168 hp, ProStar Turbocharged 925cc engine with EFI
FOX 2.5 PODIUM Live Valve shocks with Bottom-Out Control
16″/18″ of front/rear suspension travel
High Performance True On-Demand AWD/2WD
Electronic power steering with integrated steering angle sensor
13.5″ of ground clearance
64″ wide
29″ Maxxis Bighorn tires on aluminum wheels
Bowed 1/4 doors
LED headlights and taillights

The RZR XP 4 Turbo DYNAMIX Edition comes in Black Pearl and will be available in dealerships in early December with a $28,499 US MSRP. Learn more: Polarisindustries.com

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