2017 Arctic Cat Wildcat X Models

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The 2017 Wildcat X from Arctic Cat with RG Pro suspension.

The Wildcat X Limited adds full doors, front and rear aluminum bumpers and a molded roof.

The four-seat Wildcat 4X rounds out the lineup.

Arctic Cat recently unveiled their 2017 Wildcat X, X Limited and 4X models. The first two are two-passenger models and the latter 4-passenger. One of the key features of the 2017 Wildcat lineup is the RG Pro suspension. The RG stands for Robby Gordon who helped develop the new models. The suspension includes a rear trailing arm similar to what Gordon used on his off-road Dakar Hummers. The trailing arms allow the wheel to trail up and down. Compared to competitive vehicles the Wildcat X will hop around less and the tire patch will tend to remain in the same location, and this translates into more speed through the bumps. Other features include larger diameter tie-rods, King shocks, race-inspired ROPS with additional front braces, stronger chassis and KMC aluminum wheels with 27″ ITP Ultracross tires. (Gordon talks about the suspension)

Other features include:

951cc, H2, liquid-cooled V-Twin EFI engine
2WD/4WD with electronic front differential lock
17″/15.5″ of front/rear suspension travel
King gas shocks
12″ of ground clearance
Rapid Response clutch
Electronic Power Steering
Hydraulic disc brakes
Dual LED headlights and taillights
Half doors
Highback bucket seats

The Wildcat 4X is similar to the Wildcat X except that it has seating for four. The Wildcat X Limited has full rather than half doors, front and rear aluminum bumpers and a molded roof. MSRPs are Wildcat X $18,499, Wildcat X Limited $19,499 and Wildcat 4X $20.499.

Kubota RTV-X900 Reviews

Posted on November 1, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The RTV-X900 utility vehicle from Kubota

The Kubota RTV-X900 (See Specs) was introduced for model year 2014 and was an update to the RTV-900 which had been on the market for a number of years. Key improvements compared to the older model include changes to many physical dimensions and capacities to improve ergonomics and increase towing, tipping capacity and improve off-road comfort and performance. The variable hydraulic transmission (VHT-X) was also updated with a wider torque band from the engine with larger oil coolers to boost performance and durability. The wider torque band results in a a two speed (High,Low) drive compared to the previous three speed drive that required more shifting. The new drive also provides finer throttle control for operation on extreme terrain or under heavy loads.

There are three versions of the RTV-X900 the General Purpose in Kubota orange, the Worksite in Kubota orange and the Worksite in RealTree AP Camo. The Worksite version includes a hydraulic rather than manual bed lift, a brush guard in the front, a spray-on bed liner option and the camo paint option. Pricing ranges from around $13,500 to $15,000 depending on the model.

Kubota RTV-X900 Feature Walkthrough – This video walkthrough is from Kubota in the UK and points out some of the key features.

21 hp diesel engine
New front design
60/40 bench seats
Digital instrument cluster
Adjustable steering
Easy to reach parking brake
Glove box and underseat storage
Wider cargo bed than previously
Independent rear suspension added to independent front suspension
Adjustable susension

ATV.com – A day riding the full RTV X series lineup of vehicles including the RTV-X900.

Plenty of legroom and comfortable throttle pedal
The RTV-X line in general has heavier vehicles made for work with engines that deliver torque but not quick acceleration
Dynamic braking works well and makes steep descents worry free
The power steering is “the lightest we ever tested”, even at low speeds. Should reduce driver fatigue after long work days.
Vehicle feels planted
Turf tires had difficulty on muddier climbs
RTV-X900 only has lap belts instead of 3-point seat belts

Tractorbynet.com User Forum – Owner comments on the RTV-X900

Seating is comfortable.
H & L ranges are appropriate for most use.
Not fast, but strong.
Good storage under both seats. Glove box with door.
Good instrument panel.
Shifter is extremely hard to move between L H N R. Takes a lot of muscle to move it.
Shifter can become stuck in reverse when stopping on incline. Engine won’t restart if stuck in reverse, needed another piece of equipment to take pressure off reverse linkages before shifter would move and restart engine.
Dump bed must be raised to check oil, therefore starting engine before checking oil.
Factory supplied battery is very small, doubt it would have enough power to heat glow plugs and still start motor in freezing weather.
Engine seems to labor and slow down on inclines, let off & full on gas and resumes original speed.
Shifting problem was an issue that came up but other commnenters noted that the driver needs to brake while shifting which is tied into a release valve for the hydrostatic pressure. This valve may also require some adjustment.

www.agriculture.com – For four days a team of 12 experienced riders put eight of the newest UTVs through their paces in the Successful Farming Ultimate UTV Evaluation.

Hydrostatic transmission and hydraulics allow for easier driving, PTO accessories and engine-braking
Excellent downhill control but heavier weight can be an issue on inclines
Not built for speed
Can carry a heavy load and the suspension handles the load well so the vehicle maintains drivability
Nice features – Adjustable driver seat, tilt steering and horn

STOVs Role In Future Transportation

Posted on October 28, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Is there a role for golf car type fleets off the course and in the urban centers of the future?

My colleague Stephen Metzger has written an article on the role of small, task-oriented vehicles (STOVs) in future transportation systems given potential trends towards more urbanization, increasing road traffic and evolving transportation technology. These trends intertwine with specific mobility trends such as electrification, shared mobility and driverless vehicles. He posits that golf car type vehicles are well suited to play a role in the urban transportation systems of the future. Learn more: Smallvehicleresource.com

2017 Maverick X3 Reviews

Posted on October 13, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The Maverick X3 X ds package features different shocks, slightly larger wheels and different paint options (Shown here in Triple Black)

In August, 2016 Can-Am introduced their new Maverick X3, the latest salvo in the battle for supremacy in the sport/high performance recreational side-by-side market. Continuing the horsepower wars, this latest model is powered by a 154 hp, three-cyclinder, 900cc, turbocharged Rotax ACE engine with EFI. It delivers 113 lb-ft. of torque at 7,000 rpm and propels the X3 from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds according to Can-Am. Another key feature of the lineup is the large amount of suspension travel, from 20″ to 24″ depending on the model. Besides the base model X3, there is Maverick X3 X ds and the top-of-the-line Maverick X3 X rs designed for dune riding. The MSRPs are $22,999, $24,999 and $26,999 respectively.

Not surprisingly I was able to find a number of expert reviews of the new Maverick X3. They were uniformly very positive about the vehicle and believed it has set a new standard in the industry. Some of the common positive impressions across the reviews include:

Powerful engine
Great suspension
Good handling
Comfortable and adjustable seating
Good cockpit ergonomics

The following are some of the key impressions from the reviews. Some of the reviews were based on a limited test run at a dealer event, while others were based on a lengthier one or two day events with many hours of riding.

UTV Underground – Based on short ride at dealer event on demo track

Comfortable and highly adjustable seats with both fore and aft adjustment and the ability to lower the seat another two inches
Excessive chassis roll but still feels planted in the corners
Handles very deep and rough terrain better than any factory side-by-side

UTVguide.net – Extended test of the Maverick X3 X rs at UTV Invasion event in Idaho.

Low seats and plenty of legroom but shorter drivers may have issue with over-the-hood visibility
Comfortable seats, good pedal position but somewhat long steering wheel reach
4-point harness would be better
Rear rack would need accessories to add storage but inside storage good
Slight delay as turbo spins up but powerful when it does
The torque is silky-smooth, allowing you to drive hard with your right foot while still maintaining traction easily under hard cornering loads.
Lots of power
The steering feel produces zero feedback through the wheel
Steering is neutral with only some understeer
The suspension is great providing a solid ride under even extreme conditions
“We have officially entered a new era of suspension performance with the X3, as the X rs packs as much usable wheel travel as the Commander and original Maverick COMBINED.”

UTVGuide.net – Tested all three Maverick X3 models in Mexico over two days.

Quick ratio steering and Dynamic Power Steering great
“I found myself using the power often during the next two days to lighten the front end instead of stabbing the brakes for an obstacle. … Anywhere from 30 MPH to 70 MPH acceleration is violent and addictive.”
CVT worked well in transferring power
CVT and engine intakes are behind the driver’s head which may be annoying after several hours because of the noise.
The front differential lock is not good for rock crawling.
“Can-Am has raised the bar in the sport UTV market segment, especially when you look at the Maverick X3 X rs. Factory long travel with 22/24 inches of travel is amazing in a 102-inch wheelbase for the desert. And although the horsepower comparison between the RZR XP Turbo at 144 HP and the Maverick X3 Turbo at 154 HP isn’t all that much on paper, when you get behind the wheel of the X3 you can feel the difference and it is exhilarating.”

ATV.com – Short test run at dealer event.

Standing on the gas pedal gives a thrilling response
“This rig just seems to soak up the impacts one right after the other”
Braking seemed a little soft but more than adequate
“The suspension of the new Maverick X rs Turbo R is unlike anything else offered on a factory UTV.”
“On the few slick, flat surface corners we experienced, the Maverick likes to stay semi-flat, but you definitely feel the flexing of the super long travel of the suspension.”

Gearopen.com – Tested all three Maverick X3 models in Mexico over two days

Good power transfer
The power literally puts you back in your seat if you stab the throttle pedal hard.
Very well balanced suspension.
Can easily adjust to the three compression settings on the shocks.
“It was the Maverick X3 X RS that really stood out as a game changer. This is the first factory long travel UTV that measures 72 inches wide.”
Like with the other X3’s, the car feels planted, tracks straight and is ultra plush.
Good steering wheel feel
Predicatable cornering
Good rock crawler
“Vehicle feels solid, it’s fast and it feels glued to the ground”

Rockymountainatvmc.com – Tested all three Maverick X3 models in Mexico over two days

“Simply put, the turbocharged engine is perfectly suited to the demands of sport UTV driving. It produces instantaneous boost off idle, equating to an absurdly wide powerband…”
“The X3 pulls hard at any speed, with no lag or flat spots through its rpm range”
“It’s the X3’s handling that really triggers elevated levels of euphoria.”
Handles rough terrain very well and the driver feels in control.
The vehicle has some chassis roll.
The CVT is noisy in the cabin and you will need to replace the transmission belts occasionally.
It can handle many types of terrain very wel.l
“If you’ve never driven a side-by-side that’s truly “wowed” you, then test drive Can-Am’s latest Maverick.”

Ridenow TV video – The 2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 review was the topic of this week’s RideNow TV episode. We had an exclusive opportunity to have first dibs at test riding the Maverick X3 before they were available to the public and we had an absolute blast! Every single one of us was extremely impressed at the over all package delivered by Can-Am.

Comfortable and adjustable seat
Smaller steering wheel
Fastest side by side
Good throttle response – immediate
Sleeker looking than previous Mavericks
Low center of gravity
Great suspension
Good through the whoops and smooth as butter,
Couldn’t bottom out the suspension

Ridenow TV Walkaround video – Vehicle walkaround and interviews with Can-Am engineers and off-road racers who have test driven the new Maverick X3

Trailing arm suspension a big improvement nearly like a trophy truck
Excellent driver comfort and ergonomics
Different and cool body lines
Longer wheelbase and rear placed engine allows you to lower seat, also dropped the cage
Designed to be close to a race vehicle right out of the box
Used a new high strength alloy to make a lighter but more rigid frame to handle the high horsepower.
Other parts beefier as well
3 models for different riding condition including 72″ wide version for dune riding

Rider impressions

Amazing
As a racer great out of the box, could race with little changes
Handling matches the increased power
In its own class as a side by side
Near ready race car
Great lines
Race ready

Off-Road Racer BJ Baldwin

Really comfortable to drive
Goes through obstacles really well
Ride really well, much better than other UTVs when going from a trophy truck
Even at really fast speeds it still handles well
Ergonomics are good as well
Did a really good job

4ekolka: A 3D Printed LSV

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The 4ekolka, a prototype electric powered city car.

The 4ekolka is a 3D printed, electric powered vehicle out of Prague from Petr Chladek. The estimated cost to build this prototype vehicle was $12,000 with half of that for the batteries and battery management system. The vehicle is designed for a top speed of 55 km/h or approximately 34 mph. The 9.6 kWh battery pack consists of LiFePO4 batteries with a capacity of 200Ah @ 48V and the estimated range per charge is 200 km or 124 miles. The 4ekolka is expected to consume about 100 Wh compared to 200-300 Wh for most electric vehicles.

The expected market is for intra-city driving and as a secondary car. The designer is also investigating commercial uses. The vehicle is currently being tested on roads in Prague. Learn more: Electrek.co

Maverick X3 Development Process

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The Maverick X3 X rs package is designed for riding the dunes or occasionally above them.

An article in PowerSports Business provides some details of the product development process for Can-Am’s recently launched Maverick X3 side-by-side. The process started from scratch and early on the company researched trophy truck, sandrails and dune buggie markets for design input. Side-by-side users have been migrating from these markets. Based on this research, Can-Am engineered a large trailing arm and up to 24″ of rear suspension to the Maverick X3 lineup. The wider 72″ X3 model will also appeal to the dune riding crowd. Another critical design element is the low center of gravity for the passengers.

The overall design revolved around the words defiant, precise and powerful. Since the X3 was positioned as the top of the product line vehicle, Can-Am wanted it to be a statement vehicle with an aggressive and bold look. Precise refers to the suspension and handling characteristics and powerful refers to the turbocharged engine.

According to Can-Am dealer response to the Maverick X3 has been enthusiastic. The MSRPs for the line were less than they expected given the vehicle features they had heard about, and they liked that they can prep the vehicles and put them in their customer’s hands within an hour. The key demographic for the X3 is men in their mid-40s looking for an exhilarating adrenaline rush and most will be migrating from ATVs or replacing another side-by-side. Learn more: Powersportsbusiness.com

Hustler Turf’s New MDV UTV

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new MDV utility vehicle from Hustler with a unique cargo bed technology. Photo: Pinkston’s Inc.

More information on the Level Lift technology used in the Hustler MDV. Photo: Pinkston’s Inc.

A frontal view of the Hustler MDV. Photo: Pinkston’s Inc.

Hustler Turf Equipment, a manufacturer of zero-turn mowers for residential and commercial customers, has launched a new utility vehicle, the MDV (Maximum Duty Vehicle) with Level Lift technology. Level Lift technology allows the user to move the cargo bed from the vehicle to flat on the ground and vice-versa. At any point during this movement cargo can be lifted, lowered or dumped. The Hustler MDV was recently shown to dealers at a Hustler company event in Nashville and will be on display at the GIE+EXPO in Louisville, KY later this month. Learn more: Pinkstons

Comment: This is another example of a power equipment company trying to take advantage of their unique distribution network. The turf and lawn care UTV market is seeing big name UTV brands using partnerships and contract manufacturing deals to reach this market, as well as, outdoor equipment brands develop their own products. It will be interesting to see how the level lift technology does in the market and whether other manufacturers will develop something similar. It could be popular in larger institutional or other settings where there might be interest in trying to limit work place injuries due to lifting cargo in and out of vehicles.

Polaris Unveils New RZR XP Turbo Models

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The 2017 RZR XP Turbo EPS raises the bar with 168 hp.

The four passenger RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS.

Polaris announced their new model year 2017 RZR XP Turbo EPS and RZR XP Turbo 4 EPS. Both models feature the new ProStar Turbo H.O. engine with 168 hp, which is 15% more than last year’s models and the most of any model on the market. In conjunction with the increased horsepower, Polaris improved engine cooling with a more powerful fan, larger front grill and larger radiator, and strengthened the driveline. Other key features include:

FOX Podium Internal Bypass Shocks (3″ in front, 2.5″ in rear) with five compression zones and three rebound zones
Front and rear stabilizer bars
Electronic power steering with a new 1.5-turn steering rack
248-mm Hydraulic disc brakes with triple piston front calipers and double piston rear calipers
29″ Maxxis Bighorn wheels
14″ cast aluminum wheels
Both models will be available in late 2016 in Titanium Matte Metallic and Cruiser Black
MSRPs: Two-seater – $24,999; Four-seater – $27,499

Polaris also lowered the prices for the model year 2016 RZR XP Turbo and RZR XP 4 Turbo. Learn more: Polaris.com

Comment: The horsepower battles continue as Can-Am recently released their Maverick X3 with a 154 hp turbocharged engine. While the battle is most prevalent in the sport/high performance segment, it is prominent in other segments as well. One question is if there is a limit to how much horsepower can be put into these vehicles given the terrain and type of riding for which they are used.

Garia Launches Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Golf Car

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car

The Garia Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Golf Car extends Mercedes-Benz luxury to the golf course.

Luxury golf car manufacturer Garia has launched a special edition Mercedes-Benz Style Edition golf car. The new golf car is the result of a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Garia that started with a Mercedes-Benz call for submissions for new ideas for the golf car of the future. The Mercedes-Benz Style brand was created to extend the modern luxury associated with Mercedes-Benz automobiles to other product categories.

This excerpt from the press release details some of the key design elements and the thinking behind them.

As a showcar, the new Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car immediately appears distinctly different from conventional golf carts. The driver and passenger have a view through a large, curved windscreen. The carbon-fibre roof is different in colour and form from the base vehicle. With its short front and rear overhangs, it somewhat resembles a sporty baseball cap. The effect is to make the vehicle look low and more sporty.

The sporty impression is heightened by a small rear spoiler which acts as a golf bag holder while being fully integrated into the overall design as a significant feature. It is so constructed that it can accommodate two golf bags slanted rearwards. This slanted position allows golf clubs to be conveniently taken out and replaced. A carbon-fibre diffuser rounds off the lower rear end as a lighthearted reference to the vehicle’s character as a “real sports car”.

The bench seat has a sculptured, inviting look like a lounge chair, and blends in with the exterior design to provide a sensual experience. Other examples of intelligent and useful details: There is a refrigerator under the bench seat, and a stowage tray under the dashboard holds golf balls aligned in a row. Bottle holders on the instrument panel support and on the passenger side provide space for glasses and bottles.

An interior view of Garia’s latest luxury model shows the touchpad and use of leather, metal and wood.

This special edition golf car features a unique seat design including an underseat refrigerator.

Another feature is an integrated 10.1″ touchpad that displays both vehicle information and course related information. There are also Bluetooth enabled hi-fi speakers. The interior is a mix of leather, wood, carbon-fibre and metal. Other key features of this vehicle include:

Double wishbone suspension
3kW electric motor with 11kW peak power
Lithium batteries
Front disc brakes
460 kg payload
Up to 80 km range
30km/hr top speed
LSV compliant for use on US roads

Learn more: Arealsportscar.com

Martex Global Launches War Horse Line of Electric UTVs

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new War Horse 4×4 All Electric is part of a new electric product line from Martex Global Enterprises.

There is also a crew version of the 4×4 All Electric.

Martex Global Enterprise, LLC of Fort Worth, TX, is introducing an all-electric and hybrid line under the War Horse™ brand. The company, under the direction of Ben King, President and CEO,has for many years manufactured and sold the HuntVe™ line of all-electric 4 X 4 hunting vehicles. The War Horse is similar to the HuntVe, as a four-wheel drive vehicle, but as King explains, “Unlike the HuntVe 4×4 line which is marketed to, and targets only, the hunting industry, the War Horse 4×4 has a broader appeal and speaks to commercial/ industrial/ government applications as well as the general trail riding and outdoor loving consumer.” There are four models in the line, two all-electric, one of which is a crew-type vehicle, seating four, and two are hybrid vehicles, a two-seater and a four-seater crew model.

The War Horse 4×4 Hybrid Maxx features a 64 volt electric power train and 460cc gas engine for range extension.

There is a hybrid crew version as well with theWar Horse 4×4 Hybrid Crew Maxx.

The hybrid models, as well as the all-electrics, feature dual, 38 hp, direct drive motors. As King explains, “We considered moving to a single motor with drive shaft like most of the electric 4×4 competitors, but despite the cost savings, found that a single motor electric 4×4 will not perform to our expectations, and it makes so much more noise.” The expected range extension comes from a 480 cc gas generator, which can extend the range by approximately 30 miles. The War Horse specs call for a 20 mile off-road range in electric mode which looks very conservative for the vehicle when not in an off-road environment. Via the convenient on-board charger, the generator will keep the batteries charged for the extra mileage and can be used to recharge the batteries when not driving. In fact, the recharge time from a flat state of charge is only two hours, according to King.

The all electric models feature:

72-volt high performance electric system
38 hp dual direct drive motors
On-board charger
4-wheel independent suspension
Switch on the fly 2WD/4WD
4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes
Protective side doors
Head, tail and brake lights
11″ of ground clearance

The hybrid models feature:

64-volt high performance electric system
38 hp dual direct drive motors
460cc gas engine
4-wheel independent suspension
Switch on the fly 2WD/4WD
4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes
Protective side doors
Head, tail and brake lights
11″ of ground clearance

The MSRPs for the models are as follows:

War Horse 4×4 All Electric $14,799
War Horse 4×4 Crew All Electric $15,799
War Horse 4×4 Hybrid Maxx $16,499
War Horse 4×4 Hybrid Maxx Crew $17,299

To learn more about the vehicle’s development see our article in our Buying Guide section.

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