2013 Can-Am Maverick SxS

Canadian power sports company BRP has taken the wraps off its latest side-by-side (SxS) vehicle, the 2013 Can-Am Maverick 1000R, claiming the best power-to-weight ratio in its class.

A direct rival to the Polaris RZR XP 900, the new Can-Am Maverick 1000R will spearhead the company's tilt at the 2013 SxS Rally Challenge in the Australia Rally Championship, replacing the Can-Am Commander.

The Maverick 1000R promises class-leading power, the quickest acceleration in class and the best handling, and will be launched in Australia in late November, where it will make its local debut at the Australian Motorcycle Expo Melbourne.

Local pricing for the new model will be announced at the Motorcycle Expo in Melbourne.

Steve Mandis, Marketing Communications & Events Coordinator for BRP Australia, told the Bikesales Network that "limited stock" will be available late from late November this year, with dealers getting full shipments of the aggressive SxS model in early 2013.

The high performance SxS vehicle had its global launch in Maryland, USA, and is the second side-by-side vehicle in the Can-Am stable, and a much sportier proposition than its utilitarian cousin, the Commander, thanks to its all-new chassis, mid-mounted engine and light weight design.

Powered by a 101hp (75kW) Rotax V-Twin displacing 976cc, the  SOHC liquid-cooled unit gets electronic fuel injection and dual exhaust system. Interestingly, the twin-cylinder engine is mid-mounted, where its Polaris rival has a rear-mounted setup.

BRP has designed the new two-seater Can-Am Maverick to deliver agile off-road handling and is available in regular, high performance X RS, and MAX four-seat variants in the USA, the latter not arriving until later in 2013.

However Australia customers will only be offered the top-spec Maverick 1000R X RS model, designed for racing, and BRP Australia is excited about the vehicle's debut in the SxS Rally Challenge in 2013.

BRP will develop a CAMS approved racing package for the Maverick BRP factory teams in the SxS Rally Challenge and will then offer the same package to privateer teams. Mr Mandis calls it an "end to end package," adding that drivers only need their racing license and they're ready to roll. A full pricing structure for the Maverick ARC race package will be revealed in due course.

Mr Mandis confirmed that BRP Australia will "definitely consider" the Maverick MAX four-seater variant when it launches in 2013.

Completely new in every respect -- new frame, new suspension, new look -- Can-Am is confident the new Maverick will outperform its  Polaris RZR rival. It features independent suspension all-round, including new 'Torsional Trailing A-arms' or TTA independent rear suspension, which BRP says "improves traction while also reducing unsprung weight and eliminating bump steer for extremely predictable handling".

Like all BRP SxS vehicles, it features adjustable seats and steering rack for "unmatched comfort" says the company. It also has the segment's largest fuel tank, 38 litres, and multi function digital instruments. Australian-spec Maverick 1000R X RS models also come with uprated Fox Podium X Performance RC2.5 Piggyback shock absorbers at all four corners.

Australian riders interested in fielding the new BRP Maverick in the SxS category of the Australian Rally Championship in 2013 can email ba_marketing@brp.com.