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| This Team Epic DS 450 is one incredible piece of work. |
Today Can-Am officially released their 2008 ATV line-up, which includes the most innovative sport quad to date - the 2008 Can-Am DS450 EFI.
Can-Am is focused on the ATV sport market and their 2008 ATV line-up makes it known just how serious they are about it.
BRP is a leader in the snowmobile market with Ski-Doo, in the watercraft market with Sea-Doo and their Evinrude Outboard motors. They are serious about doing the same in the ATV sport market.
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| The Outlander Max LTD is a full on luxury touring ATV. |
The Outlander has been a serious contender in the sport-utility market ever since BRP introduced the Outlander 400 in 2003. The Outlander family has expanded each year adding 500cc, 650cc, and 800cc versions with multiple models of each. These go all the way up to the two rider Outlander Max 800 H.O. EFI Ltd which is a full luxury touring ATV. The Outlander is also a familiar face at the race track, as Can-Am won multiple utility championships in 2007 including the new WPSA Quadterrain Manufacturers' Cup.
For 2008 the Outlander family does not get any new members but they do get many upgrades. All 500,650, and 800 models get a new digital gauge and a redesigned CVT sealing system to keep the belt and clutches dry when it gets wet outside. The 800 gets new EFI mapping, which gives it 11% percent better fuel economy. That is a significant boost given today's $3-plus gas prices. There are additional styling updates across the board and a new 3000lb winch on the Outlander XT package.
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| Would you do this with your normal sport quad? Exactly. This is the benefit of a sport 4x4 like the Rengade for the ATV rider who likes an adventure |
For 2007, Can-Am introduced the Renegade 800 to the market place. The Renegade is in a class of it's own, which we will call the Sport 4x4. Unlike the normal 4x4 ATV, the Renegade is void of racks. It carries a sport-tuned suspension yet retains full 4x4 capabilities. We received our long term test unit over the winter and are just now getting to spend time out on the trails. The Renegade 800 oozes in testosterone.
For 2008 Can-Am adds to the Rengade line-up with a new 500 model. The Renegade 500 is virtually identical to the Renegade 800 with the only difference being the Rotax 500 H.O. EFI V-Twin power plant. Also new for the 2008 Renegades is split brake controls. Like most sport bikes you can now control your front and rear brakes separately. We believes this gives the rider much better brake control. The Rengade models also get the improved Visco-Lok calibration and better CVT sealing
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| Enough Said |
As though there was not enough changes and introductions in the Outlander and Renegade family the DS family gets three new models and loses one. Going away is the DS650 first introduced back in 1999. The DS650 has won numerous Baja championships and has proven popular with desert and dune riders but it is heavy and outdated in the current marketplace.
Of course the biggest news is what is sure to be the most innovative ATV of the year, the new DS 450 EFI. But not to be left out are two all new youth models a DS 90 and a DS 70. Both feature 4 stroke engines and long travel suspension. They also feature day lights unlike most of the youth models on the market
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| Warnert Racing Team Managers and Bill Laskowski and Levi Michel with one of the Can-Am Utility Unlimited ATV's. |
If you followed the WPSA Quad Terrain in 2007 you probably noticed Warnert Racing show up on the ATV scene in partnership with Can-Am. Warnert Racing was established in 1999 and has worked with BRP and their Ski-Doo and Evinrude brands on the WPSA Snocross circuit. On the GNCC circuit you have seen Mike Penland and Penland Brothers Racing with their Can-Am machines.At the same time on the West Coast you may have seen the Epic Racing team hitting the desert with a highly modified Can-Am Renegade and Can-Am Outlander.
Well, welcome to the Can-Am "Super Teams", Warnert Racing, Epic Racing and Penland Brothers Racing. All three will have full factory support for the remainder of 2007 and going into 2008.
Warnert Racing currently supports Brock Parker, Scott Kilby, Rick Cecco, Clifton Beasly, Michael Swift, and newly signed Chris Borich. All on Outlander and Renegade machines. While it has only been announced that Chris will be riding in the Quad Terrain class we expect you will see GNCC Points leader Chris Borich on the new Can Am DS450 EFI in the GNCC Pro before years end.
While Warnert Racing will be fielding and supporting a full team in GNCC and WPSA, Epic Racing will be fielding a race team on the west coast in ITP QuadCross and WORCS.
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| Jeremy Schell's Team Epic Quadcross DS 450 race machine |
Team Manger for the Team Epic will be Allen White. Allen was chief mechanic for Kory Ellis in 2006 and also has spent his share of time on the seat of an ATV. Epic team riders Josh Frederick and Jeremy Schell are currently 1st and 3rd in the WORCS point standings. Jeremy Schell also sits third in the Quad Cross standings. We expect that we could see Josh and Jeremy on new Can-Am DS 450 machines by WORCS Round 7 or possibly Round 8 in September.
Epic Racing has worked closely with Can-Am on the DS450 development and will have full DS450 race machines ready to go by the time they arrive at dealerships.
Watch for these teams at tracks across the country with full factory support rigs.
Evolution
This next year will be a very important one for Can-Am. The success of the new 2008 DS 450 EFI could have a very large impact on their future business. The innovation in the new DS 450 will also have a significant impact on the ATV industry itself. Just how will the other manufactures respond with new products of their own? What other new innovations may come out of this? It can only be good for out sport.
Along those lines, how will racing scene change. Suzuki has made a deep impact with their full-on factory effort on the motocross side. With Can-Am's factory backed "Super Teams" how will the other manufactures respond? We are looking forward to the next couple years of ATV racing.
