There is a moment in time that will remain etched in my memory forever. And that's when Travis Pastrana, also known as one of my childhood heroes in the action sports arena, contacted me to do something risky.
We were at Mid America Outdoors, a newly constructed action sports hub, where we were exploring the facility, hanging out with Travis and his crew of action sports enthusiasts, and having one of the most enjoyable conversations/interviews I've ever experienced. However, during the property tour, using Can-Am's Maverick X3s as our tour vehicles, we found ourselves on a part of the land with what seemed to be a sheer wall to my eyes. A rocky cliff protruding from the dirt hill behind it. Sharp, vertical, and looking like an impossible obstacle in our path.
My eyes widened. Travis, on the other hand, accelerated and climbed the obstacle like a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. When we reached the base of the cliff, he and I got out, removed our helmets, and with Travis Pastrana's signature grin, he said, "All right, it's your turn!"
I had never really tried rock crawling before, but how could I refuse Travis Pastrana? It wasn't going to happen. So I did it, and it was a lot of fun. Since then, I have paid more attention to the sport. So when I heard that Can-Am was introducing a new Maverick R specifically designed for rock crawling, I knew I had to discuss it.
Say hello to the Maverick R X rc.
For those who may not be aware, Can-Am's Maverick R was, until recently, the most powerful production side-by-side vehicle on the market—Kawasaki has now claimed that title with the Teryx H2. At its core, it was a miniature trophy truck, with plenty of suspension travel, a 240-horsepower turbocharged engine, and all the capabilities needed to conquer a desert race like Baja or Dakar. In other words, it's a beast of a machine.
Since its launch, it has been racing and achieving high speeds in deserts, sand dunes, and trails around the world. However, what makes it a great high-speed vehicle doesn't necessarily make it ideal for slow-speed, precise rock crawling. That's why Can-Am modified the platform for this purpose.
The Maverick R X rc package is the result of knowledge gained from one of the toughest rock races in the world, King of the Hammers, a challenging rock/desert race in California's deserts. The Maverick R, in a modified form, has already won the race. This success forms the basis of the X rc.
According to Can-Am, the X rc package includes an Extra Low gear range, a Rock mode that adjusts the tuning of the Maverick R's Smart-Lok differential, 35-inch XPS Hammer King tires, a heavy-duty plastic skid plate, A-arm protectors, rock sliders, and an anti-intrusion bar. Can-Am also added a Fox Racing steering damper to ensure control in challenging terrain.
As for the price, the Maverick R X rc is not cheap. The base model starts at $47,999 for the two-door version. If you want a four-door, four-person Maverick R X rc, the price jumps to $51,499. This does not include optional extras, taxes, or title fees. It's a significant investment. But then again, so is building a Jeep capable of conquering terrain like Johnson Valley.
What are your thoughts? Are you excited for Can-Am's rock-crawling machine? Let me know in the comments below.