Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., a Textron Inc. company, announces the transition of its Bad Boy Off Road brand to Textron Off Road.

Side-by-side models in the current line remain the same; vehicles with the new Textron Off Road branding will begin to appear in authorized dealerships by April 2017.

The Textron Off Road brand of side-by-sides features the gasoline-powered Stampede and Stampede XTR; the all-electric Recoil, Recoil iS and Recoil iS Crew; and the hybrid Ambush iS.

The brand name change signifies the strong engineering and manufacturing legacy Textron has in industries such as aerospace, defense and automotive. Among Textron’s well-known brands and products are Bell Helicopter rotorcraft, Cessna and Beechcraft fixed-wing aircraft, Lycoming engines, Cushman utility vehicles, Jacobsen professional turf equipment, and Greenlee professional tools.

“We are changing our brand from Bad Boy Off Road to Textron Off Road to better reflect the detailed design, precision engineering, manufacturing expertise and high performance for which Textron is known, across a number of major industries,” said John Collins, vice president, consumer for Textron Specialized Vehicles. “Our new name is more indicative of the level of performance, quality and innovation that we build into our side-by-sides, and demonstrates how serious Textron is about its future in the powersports market.”

Changes to the website and social media platforms are complete and online. The new website address is TextronOffRoad.com.

Textron Off Road, formerly known as Bad Boy Off Road, pioneered the category of electrically powered 4×4 vehicles used for hunting and outdoor recreation due to their silent, odorless operation and environmentally friendly, emissions-free drivetrains. Today, the diverse Textron Off Road product line includes gas, electric and hybrid-powered off-road vehicles for a variety of uses in work and play, including the new Stampede and Stampede XTR 4×4 side-by-sides. Textron Off Road is a brand of Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company.

About Textron Inc. – Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Textron Off Road, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training.

For more information visit textron.com.

Team RZR’s Mitch Guthrie Jr. took another checkered flag in the Pro Turbo class at Best in the Desert’s (BITD) Mint 400, in Primm, Nev. Along with Guthrie Jr.’s win, RZR XP Turbos represented two of the three podium positions in the class. RZRs also finished one-two in the Pro Production class with Polaris Factory Racer Kristen Matlock taking second.

The UTV classes saw more than 100 entries making it the largest UTV entry for the 300-mile race. Guthrie Jr. ran a dominating race taking the lead from the pole and never looking back.

“My plan was to get the holeshot and get away from everyone else so I could drive my own race,” said Guthrie Jr. “What my RZR got through today really shows how awesome this machine is and how great my sponsors are to put this thing together. I have the best crew out here. I drive the car, but they are the ones that keep it going.”

RZRs also finished first and second in the UTV Pro Production class with Dodge Poelman taking the checkered flag and Polaris Factory Racer Kristen Matlock taking second in her RZR XP 1000. This was Matlock’s second Mint 400 runner-up finish.

“It was a rough course and we kept trucking,” said Matlock. “I picked my way through the pack pretty quickly in the class and had to pass a few turbos as well. The RZR performed great all day. The course just kept getting rougher as the race went on.”

The next BITD race is the Polaris RZR UTV World Championship, April 14-15., in Laughlin, Nev.

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader that has been fueling the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts for more than 60 years. With annual 2016 sales of $4.5 billion, Polaris’ innovative, high-quality product line-up includes the RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; the Sportsman® and Polaris ACE® all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle® midsize and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot® moto-roadsters; and Polaris RMK®, INDY®, Switchback® and RUSH® snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets globally include military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe.

Visit polaris.com for more information.

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, announces both its new and returning factory-supported Side-by-Side (SxS) and ATV racers for the 2017 season, including defending champions racing the YXZ1000R pure sport SxS and class-leading YFZ450R sport ATV.

The 2017 Yamaha race team announcement follows the King of the Hammers UTV race in Johnson Valley, California, where Jason Weller took home Yamaha’s $5,000 bLU cRU bonus for piloting the top-finishing YXZ1000R. With 75 SxS vehicles starting, and only 38 finishing the grueling race, Weller secured an impressive top-ten position, conquering the Hammers’ brutal course “…considered the toughest one-day off road race in the world…” in his nearly-stock manual transmission YXZ1000R.

Dustin Nelson and his Dustin Nelson Racing / DWT YXZ1000R return with Yamaha this year, looking to repeat his dominance in the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series. Nelson will defend his title in the Southern California regional series, as well as compete in Lucas Oil’s new National UTV series. Nelson reigned supreme in both the Arizona and Southern California regional championships in 2016 driving his YXZ1000R, securing multiple wins and consistent podiums to earn more than 70 points above the next non-YXZ racer.

Joining Yamaha’s team of factory-supported SxS racers for the 2017 season in The Off-Road Racing Championship (TORC) series is decorated champion CJ Greaves. Greaves saw early success in TORC’s Super Buggy and Pro Light classes, earning Super Buggy championship titles in 2010 and 2011. He later moved on to the series’ Pro truck classes, earning three Pro 2 championships from 2014 to 2016, and two Pro 4 championships in 2015 and 2016. Last year, Greaves decided to take on the series’ inaugural Stock UTV class, winning the season finale at Crandon International Raceway. Greaves will chase this year’s Production 1000 UTV championship in his new Monster Energy / Maxxis / Greaves Motorsports YXZ1000R.

Also joining Yamaha’s growing team of SxS racers is current Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) XC1 Pro UTV champion, Cody Miller, defending his title with his Randy Hawkins N-Fab / Am-Pro YXZ1000R Sport Shift. Miller is an experienced GNCC racer in the SxS and 4×4 ATV racing classes, making GNCC history last year as the only one to win a 4×4 Pro ATV race and XC1 Pro UTV race on the same day.

Already off to a winning start, Yamaha-backed Walker Fowler, the WFR / Maxxis / Moto-XPerts two-time GNCC XC1 Pro ATV champion, is back to defend his title aboard his YFZ450R. Fowler will also make his SxS debut in the GNCC’s XC1 Pro UTV class, driving his WFR / Maxxis YXZ1000R Sport Shift alongside Miller. Fowler brings more than a decade of two and four-wheel experience to the podium, placing first or second overall in every series since his introduction to GNCC racing in 2006.

Also returning to the XC1 Pro ATV class and racing alongside Fowler on his N-Fab / Am-Pro YFZ450R is the two-time XC2 ATV champion, Cole Richardson.

Heading up the ATV MX effort for Yamaha is the second all-time winning AMA Pro ATV champion Chad Wienen on his Wienen Motorsports / SSI / 7240 / Walsh YFZ450R. In 2016, Wienen became the second racer in ATV MX history, and the only racer in 25 years, to win five-straight AMA Pro ATV MX championships. In 2017 Wienen looks to continue making history, chasing his sixth consecutive ATV MX championship in a row.

Thomas Brown will also be contending in the AMA Pro ATV series, continuing with Yamaha on his Root River Racing / CST / Pro Motorsport YFZ450R, and looking to strengthen the bLU cRU presence on the podium.

“We have worked hard during the off-season to strengthen our ATV and SxS racing efforts and are pleased with the group of drivers / riders that will be racing both YXZ1000R and YFZ450R models in premier series across the U.S.,” said Donnie Luce, Yamaha’s ATV / SxS coordinator. “The YXZ1000R and YFZ450R aren’t just winning championships, they are changing the landscape of racing.”

The Yamaha YXZ1000R and YFZ450R, along with the entire SxS line and full-size ATVs, are proudly assembled in the USA at Yamaha’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Newnan, Georgia, for worldwide distribution.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States. Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia.

For more information on Yamaha, visit YamahaMotorsports.com.

Polaris (NYSE: PII), the industry leader in youth off-road vehicles, today announced another first in the category, the single-seat Polaris ACE™ 150 EFI, the industry’s only single-seat youth model with a protective cab frame.

Modeled after Polaris ACE vehicles, the new Polaris ACE 150 EFI gives kids 10 years old and older the single-seat freedom enjoyed by their adult counterparts. Parents will love the included safety features and kids will love how fun it is to drive.

“Polaris continues to innovate its youth line up to provide a wide variety of safe, fun options for kids,” said Craig Scanlon, Polaris Off-Road Vehicles Chief Retail Officer. “The new Polaris ACE 150 EFI is another way for families to share the off-road riding experience together.”

The Polaris ACE 150 EFI has several features to provide a safe, enjoyable ride. The 150cc, Electronic Fuel Injected (EFI) engine has four speed-limit modes. Standard from the factory the vehicle is limited to 10 mph. Adults are able to adjust the top speed to 15 mph, 22 mph or 29 mph, based on the skills of the rider.

Other safety features include LED daytime running lights, seatbelt, side nets, whip flag and parking brake. Additionally, the vehicle comes with a video explaining safe operation and a DOT-approved helmet to reinforce the importance of wearing proper safety gear.

The Polaris ACE 150 EFI offers a large ergonomic range of adjustability to grow with the driver. This includes ample amounts of headroom, tilt steering wheel and pedals, and adjustable bucket seat for growing riders.

Likewise, the vehicle is the most capable youth model, featuring 6-in. of rear suspension travel, 9-in. of ground clearance, and large 22-in tires.

The features enable easier maneuverability over obstacles and provide easier handling for youth riders. For added customization, the Polaris ACE 150 EFI can be accessorized with poly roof, half-windshield, and front and rear bumpers.

The Polaris ACE 150 EFI will be available Indy Red, retails for $3,799 and is expected in dealerships end of March. It joins the Phoenix 200, RZR 170 EFI, Outlaw and Sportsman 110 EFI, and Outlaw 50 as part of Polaris youth lineup.

Adult supervision is required for all riders under 16. Polaris strongly encourages anyone operating an ORV to take available training. In the United States, the ATV Safety Institute’s RiderCourse training is available through the SVIA, at ATVsafety.org or 800-887-2887. The ROV E-Course and hands-on DriversCourse (for SxS vehicles such as the RZR 170 EFI) are available through ROHVA, at rohva.org or 866-267-2751).

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader that has been fueling the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts for more than 60 years. With annual 2016 sales of $4.5 billion, Polaris’ innovative, high-quality product line-up includes the RANGER, RZR and Polaris GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; the Sportsman and Polaris ACE all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle midsize and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; and Polaris RMK, INDY, Switchback and RUSH snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets globally include military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe.

Visit polaris.com for more information.

BRP (TSX:DOO) unveiled a new four-person flagship Maverick X3 MAX side-by-side vehicle tonight in Reno, Nevada, furthering its push to reshape the super sport market segment. The game-changing Maverick X3 MAX vehicle features the same sophisticated blend of defiant design, precision handling and exceptional power the two-seat Maverick X3 vehicle delivers, but also presents new levels of comfort and control to the multi-passenger segment of the off-road market.

The two-seat Maverick X3 side-by-side vehicle has established itself as one of the off-road industry’s most appealing off-road vehicles from its initial launch. It has received high praise and elite recognition from the press, earned victories on the most famous race tracks and is more and more chosen by the off-road enthusiasts, further proving its performance and elevating the showroom experience for customers and dealers alike.

“The 2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX side-by-side vehicle builds upon the industry-altering advancements achieved with the two-seat Maverick X3 unveiled last year by delivering new levels of performance, handling and passenger comfort to the four-seat segment of the market,” explained Anne-Marie LaBerge, senior vice president, Global Brands, Marketing and Communications at BRP. “It positions Can-Am to meet market demands for a clear leader in the four-person sport segment and adheres to our forward-thinking approach when it comes to innovation, design and refining the consumer experience.”

DEFIANT
The all-new Maverick X3 MAX side-by-side vehicle goes all-out in delivering its own blend of off-road dynamism for multiple passengers. The extremely bold Can-Am character and Maverick X3 family DNA is instantly enhanced with the expanded and spacious Ergo-Lok cockpit and longer chassis.

All four seats in the Maverick X3 MAX vehicle are on the same level, giving every passenger a similar experience while seated low in the cockpit. All four Ergoprint seats are four-way adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of passengers, enhance comfort and better connect each occupant with the vehicle. The rear seats have 2” (5.1 cm) of height adjustment and up to 4” (10.2 cm) of forward adjustment. The rear passenger space also has up to 18% more seat pitch than the closest industry competitor for ample legroom. Full rear quarter doors and strategically placed passenger grab handles and footrests further enrich passenger ergonomics and comfort.

PRECISE
The Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX vehicle leads its class with a high-performance, trophy-truck-inspired 4-link TTX rear suspension and recalibrated, premium FOX shocks supplying 22” (55.9 cm) of rear travel (Maverick X3 MAX X rs). Front arched A-arms provide up to 14” (35.6. cm) of ground clearance, while a full HMW (high-molecular weight) skid plate protects the underside of the vehicle. A high-rigidity chassis, made from fully welded DP980 steel, delivers precise handling, stiffer torsion and exceptional strength.

The Maverick X3 MAX vehicle has a 135” (342.9 cm) wheelbase that is 15% longer (18”) than the closest competition for enhanced off-road confidence at higher speeds and additional room for both rear passengers. A quick-ratio steering system, next generation Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering, selectable driving modes and intelligent throttle control (iTC) contribute to the Maverick X3 MAX side-by-side vehicle’s and enhanced high-speed control. Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires, up to 30” (76.2 cm) in size, provide superior grip, while large 262mm front disc brakes provide ample stopping performance.

POWERFUL
The Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX side-by-side vehicle’s 154-HP turbocharged and intercooled inline triple-cylinder Rotax ACE engine offers immediate and impressive power delivery and an all-out adrenaline-filled performance experience. Three dedicated air intakes, placed high and dry, are combined with a premium, high-flow exhaust to create advanced airflow dynamics and a signature sound. An efficient, high-response QRS-X CVT transmission is calibrated to virtually eliminate turbo lag and enhance throttle response. Paired with the precision-engineered airflow system, the Maverick X3 MAX vehicle receives advanced cooling properties to maintain optimal performance levels at all times.

The Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX family, includes three available packages: The Maverick X3 MAX and Maverick X3 MAX X ds vehicles are 64” (162.5 cm) wide, while the game-changing 72” (182.9 cm) wide Maverick X3 MAX X rs package presents two painted color options as well as 22” (55.9 cm) of class-leading suspension travel coupled with its fully adjustable FOX 3.0 Podium RC2 bypass shocks.

Can-Am Accessories
The Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX vehicle is designed in tandem with hundreds of genuine Can-Am accessories to deliver industry-leading fitment, improved convenience and enhanced performance. Exclusive accessory collaborations with established aftermarket companies have also been strategically developed to enrich the ownership experience by offering advanced customization options and new levels of comfort. The co-branded accessories were specifically developed for the Maverick X3 and Maverick X3 MAX lineups.

BRP (TSX:DOO) is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of powersports vehicles and propulsion systems. Its portfolio includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles, Can-Am Spyder roadsters, Evinrude and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft. BRP supports its line of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and clothing business. With annual sales of over CA$3.8 billion from over 100 countries, the Company employs approximately 7,900 people worldwide.

brp.com