With the announcement of the 2016 Wolverine-R, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. plans to take the battle to the Polaris RZR with an improvised package to boast. Yamaha states that their all new SxS (side by side) ATV will set new standards in off-road capability, durability, quality and class-leading comfort.
Constructed on an all new compact chassis, the 2016 Yamaha Wolverine-R features an 81.3-inch wheelbase, 11.4-inches of ground clearance and wide-arc A-arm for tackling technical trails and challenging terrain. The chassis has been upswept at both ends and higher by two inches than the center to aid gliding over obstacles. Rear wheel protectors have been added to reduce contact against hurdled terrains. Other protection features include full-coverage skid plates, front A-arm-mounted CV boot protectors and rear A-arm built-in skid plate protectors.
Shock absorption duties are handled by a highly customisable long-travel suspension with KYB piggyback shocks with 9.7 inches of travel (front) and 10.6 inches (rear). 12 inches steel wheels mounted with an all new set of 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tyres take care of rolling while providing traction and comfort.
Comfort reminds of the features Yamaha has plonked for the occupants in an automotive-style cab with all-new supportive high-back bucket seats. The drivers and passenger seats are three-position adjustable with three-point seat belts and shoulder bolsters. The center console is also new featuring a digital display panel with speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, hour meter, clock, fuel gauge, gear position indicator, and four-wheel drive setting. Other functional features read two cup holders, two center console storage bins, a dash-mounted glove box, 12V DC outlet and an under-seat storage. A hard top and ROPS US OSHA/ISO3471 compliant cage has been bolted on for added protection.
At the heart of the 2016 Yamaha Wolverine-R is a new DOHC fuel injected 708cc engine with a new Air Induction System aimed at complying with EPA emission standards. The ATV features Yamahas On-Command® four-wheel drive system in 2WD, 4WD and 4WD (with diff-lock) package alongwith an Ultramatic® automatic transmission. An elevated air intake with oversized dual foam filter restrains the elements from getting into the engine.
Yamahas Electric Power Steering (EPS) with rack and pinion steering provides for precise steering feel and handling. Braking is taken care by four-wheel disc brakes with a separate new wet parking disc brake system provide increased durability and protection from the elements.
The 2016 Yamaha Wolverine would go on sale in US markets from April 2015 with prices starting at US$12,199 for the standard and US$13,199 for the electronic power steering variant.
Well, here’s a detailed video- the way it goes around, we so wish to drive one.