Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/648549
FOCUS PSB Utility UTV 18 • March 14, 2016 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com Can-Am's debut utility UTV launches to accolades BY KATE SWANSON ASSISTANT EDITOR In Nashville last fall, BRP made news with its global product reveal and new movement into the utility/recreation segment of the side-by- side market. The Can-Am Defender lineup has received a positive response from both dealers and consumer across the world. "The dealers appreciate the innovation the Defender side-by-side vehicle brings to the market, which goes much further than the bench seating and cargo bed," said Marc- Andre Dubois, director of Global Marketing for BRP. "The vehicle also separates itself from the competition in that it fully carries our Can-Am DNA in a tough, capable and clever package." In December, the 2016 Can-Am Defender was named the Utility UTV of the Year by ATV.com and Utility Model of the Year by UTV Planet Magazine. The Defender is available in a variety models. The standard Defender comes with an MSRP of $10,999. The Defender DPS, which features dynamic power steering, retails for $12,799. The Defender XT is equipped with multiple factory-installed accessories, including 27-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires, 14-inch wheels and a roof, in addition to its dynamic power steering. The MRSP for the Defender XT begins at $15,599. Recently BRP also introduced the Defender XT Cab. The latest model in the 2016 lineup, the XT Cab features a full cab enclosure with a tilt up windshield and wiper kit, doors with electric opening windows, a sliding rear win- dow and a heater kit. The Defender XT Cab is due in dealerships in mid-March and has a starting MSRP of $23,699. "The Defender is an important vehicle for many reasons, but one key ingredient is its ability to introduce all-new customers to the Can-Am brand and our way of thinking," Dubois said. "Can-Am off-road vehicles are known for their performance, handling and rider-focused designs. That doesn't change with the Defender. … [It has] not only those key attributes, but also establishes new lev- els of toughness, simplicity, durability and resourcefulness." All four models of the Defender include either the 50-hp Rotax HD8 or 72-hp HD10 V-twin engine. The Rotax HD10 engine provides up to 20 percent more torque than it closest competitor and produces it at a lower RPM for optimal delivery for Defender packages offer range of options See Defender, Page 20 BRP's debut entry into the utility UTV seg- ment is the Defender, which is offered in its standard package at $10,999 and has already won numerous awards from enthu- siast media. The shown Dynamic Power Steering model retails for $12,799.