For off-road fans, Can-Am features innovation and robust performance. When it comes to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-side vehicles (SxS), it always stands out. So, what does Can-Am stand for? We’ll talk more about the powerful Can-Am vehicles. Read on!
What Does Can-Am Stand for?
The core meaning of Can-Am is an acronym for “Canada-United States”. The name first came from an extremely famous racing series, the Can-Am Challenge Cup, in the late 1960s and 1970s. It is a sports car series held in Canada and America. Known for having few rules restrictions, allowing the use of oversized engines and aggressive aerodynamic designs, it represented the pinnacle of racing technology at the time. The event attracted top teams like McLaren, Porsche, Lola, and others, creating many “simple rough” but huge horsepower legendary cars.
During that time, Bombardier introduced some motocross bikes with Can-Am. Of course, they won a few awards. Because of this, Can-Am has been tightly linked to top-notch performance, innovative technology, and fierce confrontations across borders from the beginning.
In modern times, Bombardier Casual Products (BRP) has revived the legendary name for the exceptional performance and uninhibited spirit of its products. Today, the Can-Am brand represents more than just geography. The vehicles of Can-Am stand for the core spirit of that golden age of racing: high performance, leading innovation, and the spirit of adventure.
A Brief History of Can-Am
The company was founded in 1942 as L’Auto-Neige Bombardier Limitée (Bombardier Bobsleigh Ltd) in Valcourt, Quebec, Canada by Joseph-Armand Bombardier. The name Can-Am did not appear until the 1970s, when BRP created it as a motorcycle brand. The vehicles of Can-Am stand for high-performance off-road engineering. From the start, Can-Am built powerful machines that quickly made their mark, becoming the first company to sweep the AMA National Motocross Championship in the 250cc class back in 1974.
Despite this success, the company’s focus began to shift. In 1987, Can-Am motorcycles were discontinued. The company shifted its engineering expertise to the growing ATV market, again operating under the Bombardier name. A prototype version of the BRP Traxter was released in February 1998, a utility-based ATV, and a year later, ATV Magazine named the new BRP Traxter “ATV of the Year”. BRP ATV was known as Bombardier ATV until 2006, when it was renamed the entire off-road series Can-Am.
Where Are Can-Am ATVs Made?
BRP has a 75-year history of innovation, focusing on powered sport vehicles and propulsion systems. In addition to entertainment products, it also produces Evinrude, Rotax’s marine propulsion system, and Rotax engines. Although Can-Am originated in Canada, it has expanded its manufacturing operations overseas since 2007.
A large part of the production of Can-Am vehicles takes place in Mexico. In 2007, BRP opened its first factory outside of Canada in Juarez, Mexico. This was the starting point for the assembly of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and the first time Rotax engines were produced outside their home country of Austria. Today, BRP has three factories in Mexico. The Juarez II plant assembles the popular Can-Am side-by-side all-terrain vehicle and produces components such as frames and bumpers. At the same time, the factory in Queretaro assembled Rotax engines for all-terrain vehicles and semi-submersible all-terrain vehicles (SSVs).
This international layout enables the efficient production of Can-Am and ships them to enthusiasts around the world.
Can-Am Rotax Engines
At the heart of every Can-Am vehicle is a Rotax engine. Power comes from ROTAX-WERK AG, a company BRP has owned since 1970.
Rotax dates back to Germany in the 1920s, and after being acquired by Bombardier in 1970, it marked a turning point in development. Since then, BRP has been able to use the most advanced engines on the market. Today, both Rotax’s four and two-stroke engines are known for being powerful, durable, and reliable.
It is also these engines that give Can-Am vehicles their signature power and torque. For example, the ATV engine can output up to 91 horsepower, and the flagship Maverick R SSV can directly burst out with 240 horsepower. That’s why Can-Am has always been ahead of the curve in various complex terrains.
Can-Am Utility Vehicles: ATVs and SxS
Can-Am’s off-road product line has two broad categories: all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and SxSs. They offer very different experiences.
All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are designed for single-person driving with straddle-type seats and handlebar-type steering. They are generally more flexible and agile, making them ideal for driving on narrow and highly technical roads. Can-Am offers two main ATV lines:
- Outlander
- Renegade
Side-by-Side Vehicles (SxS)
Unlike all-terrain vehicles, the SxS is equipped with a steering wheel, accelerator, and brake pedals. They also come standard with a roll cage for added safety, with more storage space, higher load capacity, and traction. In 2010, Can-Am introduced the popular Commander side-by-side vehicle. By 2013, Maverick was born, creating another craze. To keep these powerful machines in top condition for work and play, high-quality Can-Am parts are needed to ensure their service life and reliability. Can-Am has the following SxS series:
- Maverick
- Commander
- Defender
Can-Am’s Most Popular Products
Can-Am’s current flagship model, the Maverick R, is the ultimate choice for off-road enthusiasts and represents the brand’s highest level of performance. In almost every way, it surpasses the former popular one, the Maverick X3. With its high-pivot heavy-duty suspension, 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and an industry-leading 240 horsepower, it delivers extreme performance. Other notable models include the Defender, known for its utility and versatility, and the Outlander ATV, praised for its power and comfort.
Wrapping Up
From its early snowmobiles to its current leadership in the off-road vehicle market, Can-Am’s journey has been as thrilling and challenging as the terrain its machines conquer. If you’re ready to take your Can-Am experience to the next level, check out the wide selection of Can-Am parts at FridayParts. They’ll help boost your ride and keep you pushing the limits of adventure!
