What gives BRP vehicles such outstanding performance, even in the Dakar Rally?

The heart of all our vehicles is an engine designed by the engineers at BRP-Rotax, building on a century of expertise that is constantly being refined. The Maverick X3 our number-one-selling vehicle, and the vehicle of choice for the majority of drivers in the Dakar Rally – is no exception. To learn more about what goes into a top-performance engine like the Maverick X3’s, we met Michael Simmer, Project Manager, Product Development, at BRP-Rotax, who led the development of the powertrain (the engine and transmission), including optimizing its functionality and performance.

Is the engine for the Can-Am Maverick X3 the same as for other side-by-sides?

As with all our vehicles, the engine and the transmission for the Maverick X3 were tailor-made to provide the best fit to the architecture of the vehicle, and to meet our performance objectives. This meant the engineers and designers in Canada, and the powertrain team based here in Austria, had to work very closely together. On our end, the team was also multifunctional, and I was responsible for ensuring we never lost sight of our goals of best-in-class performance and rider experience.

What does an engine need to win races?

As well as great performance, it also needs to be predictable and offer a high level of driveability. The driver needs to feel confident that their actions will have the intended results, so they can concentrate on the trail and what’s around them. Last but not least, the engine needs to be economical and reliable. This means the driver won’t lose time refuelling or repairing. In a race like the Dakar, every second counts!

What does a BRP-Rotax engine have that others don’t?

The engines that propel BRP vehicles have highly efficient thermodynamic systems that provide reliable and economical performance. Every engine is tailor-made for the type of vehicle and how it’s used. That means you always get the best performance and the best riding experience. We draw on our expertise in turbocharging, plasma, cylinder and coating technologies. We also use in-house developed capabilities, such as our charging system that enables us to reduce the size and power-to-weight ratio of our powertrains, and our control software. By always pushing the physical limits, we continue to grow our expertise and provide powertrains with outstanding performance that guarantee a unique experience for riders. 

Not sure if the number one refers to sales, but it needs to be clarified.