2015 Can-Am Maverick X Ds Turbo – First Look

Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo

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The Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo was unveiled in early September and the news of the “first factory-installed” turbo unit in the industry spread like wildfire. Question on my mind and that of many other Can-Am enthusiasts I imagine: why would Can-Am concentrate its efforts on a Turbo unit when the major competitors put their efforts reverting back to trail specific units?

The answer is really simple: Can-Am is very competitive in the trail-riding market, offering a wide array of models in their line-up. However they were out gunned in the desert/dunes market and the solution came with the introduction of the Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo.

It really came as no surprise that the Press intro event for the Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo would be held at the Imperial Sand Dunes in California. For those of you unfamiliar with the Imperial sand Dunes, this place is the largest mass of sand in the state of California, covering an area of approximately 64-km (40 miles) long by 8-km (5 miles) wide. This area is widely known as “Glamis” and a favorite location for the OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) enthusiast.

Once we arrived in Glamis, we were able to take our first walk around the machine. Ergonomically speaking the unit provides the same superior fit and finish (best in the industry) as any other Maverick 1000 in the line-up; we expected nothing less from Can-Am. The interior cockpit also remains identical, besides one small tweak to the center console to accommodate for the turbo. As far as coloration is concerned, our test unit had the Carbon Black / Manta Green theme, but the unit is also available in White / Light Grey / Manta Green theme. The addition of the aluminum front bumper definitely adds to the assertive appearance that is portrayed by the unit.

Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo
The addition of the aluminum front bumper definitely adds to the assertive appearance that is portrayed by the unit.

BRP however did revise its suspension and handling package for the Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo. The front double A-arms and the rear TTA (Torsional Trailing Arms) have been redesigned to provide additional travel. The front now allows for 38.1 cm (15 inches) of travel and the rear has been increased to 40.6 cm (16 inches). The Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo offers an exclusive set of high-performance Fox 2.5 Podium RC2 piggyback shock absorbers. As you would expect from such a high-end package, the shocks offer both High and Low end compression adjustment as well as rebound and preload. The Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo also benefits from a “quick-ratio steering system” which has a reduced ratio from “lock-to-lock”, offering the unit a shorter turning radius. The extended 10 cm (4 inch) chassis, along with the revised suspension and handling, all contribute for more optimal performance at higher speeds.

The Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo is powered by a 976cc, 101-hp Rotax 1000R V-Twin engine. This is basically the same engine that powers the rest of the Maverick family, with the exception of new low-pressure forged pistons and modified fuel injectors. To accommodate for the new turbocharger, these engine tweaks were necessary in order to keep up with the added pressure in the engine and to provide optimal air/fuel mixture.

Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo
The Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo offers an exclusive set of high-performance Fox 2.5 Podium RC2 piggyback shock absorbers.

Boosting the performance of the Rotax 1000R engine is the industry’s first factory-installed turbocharger, which enables the Can-AM Maverick X ds to produce an imposing 121-hp and over 40% more torque than its competition. Some aftermarket turbo add-ons can suffer from turbo lag, however this is not the case here. The Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo seemed to have no noticeable turbo lag and extremely responsive acceleration from a dead stop. When you bring the hammer down, you immediately experience the sensation of almost endless torque, as the Maverick response is definitely fast & furious. All right, I will stop with the movie citations! In all seriousness, improved air-flow/cooling, fuel mapping and boost pressures (variable 0-8) are all contributing factors to the unit responsiveness.

BRP engineers also redesigned the CVT system for the Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo, as we all know the importance of the clutch/belt duo in power to the ground transfer. The redesign allows for better power transfer and faster engagement time, this is accomplished via an improved drive pulley and the new QRS (Quick Response System). The CVT ventilation has also been improved by making modifications to the inlets and outlets, resulting in 68% more cool air flowing through the pulleys. The belt is now constructed of “Zylon-reinforced” material with 1.6 times higher tensile strength, resulting in increased belt rigidity. We and the other media outlets present gave the Maverick an extreme shakedown during our 2-day event. When it was all said and done, not one unit incurred a belt issue: safe to say BRP did their research on this.

Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo
The Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo sits on a set of 14-in aluminum beadlock wheels and 28-in Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires.

The Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo sits on a set of 14-in aluminum beadlock wheels and 28-in Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires. To bring this 121-hp beast to a stop, BRP equipped the unit with a set of 20mm disc brakes with 32mm twin-piston calipers up front and 214mm and 32mm single-piston calipers in the rear.

As I mentioned in a previous article, being a Canadian off-road media outlet we really don’t get to play in the sand very often. Actually this was only our second trip to the Imperial Sand Dunes (Glamis). Glamis provides an exceptional riding experience, which is almost impossible to put into words. When you’re a dune rookie, there is a intimidating yet exhilarating feeling when you ride a huge bowl or that first time you ride to the top of Oldsmobile Hill. That is when I started to realize why the Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo would be perfect for this niche of the market.

After 2 days of riding and having experienced almost everything Glamis had to offer, we walked away very enthusiastic about the Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo. We learnt fairly quickly that out here in the dunes, it’s not the 10% increase in power that makes the difference, but the 40% increase in torque. The power throughout the RPM band is as equally impressive as responsive, especially when tackling some of these “insane” bowls.

Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo
The power throughout the RPM band is as equally impressive as responsive, especially when tackling some of these “insane” bowls.

Our expectations form this unit was more than surpassed as it constantly delivered a pure exhilarating ride, right out of the box! BRP has a definite winner here, especially for this niche of the market. Plus lets not forget, this being a factory-installed turbo you also benefit from the warranty as well.

With the launch of the Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo, BRP has undeniably upped its game in what seems to be the never-ending horsepower wars. Will other OEMs follow suit? Will the Can-AM Maverick X ds Turbo retain its coronation as horsepower king? Well that my friends remain to be seen, but it’s undeniably exciting times for the UTV industry.

For vehicle options, specifications and pricing for the Can-Am Maverick X ds Turbo. Please visit the Can-Am Offroad Website

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