COVER FEATURE
DRIVETRAIN To power the thing along BRP selected a longitudinal inline BRP Rotax engine, with two or three cylinder options. These are assembled in Austria and Queretaro, Mexico. “We chose this engine arrangement because as well as good performance it works well from an ergonomic perspective, it’s smaller between the driver’s legs. It is also optimised for the inertia distribution for better handling,” observes Varaldi. The gearbox is a modified version of
a BRP CVT, based on the companies’ many years of experience with this type of drive. A driveshaft was chosen to transmit torque to the rear. This technology was chosen because it is robust and durable, lowering the cost of ownership. And it gives a smoother ride. “The driveshaft is also able to accommodate the distance versus a chain because the rear wheel is too far away from the power pack,” notes Varaldi. “And to nail this choice, it is better packaging than a belt, which allowed us to drop the seat height for
A lever on the left selects reverse
a more fun ride, giving the go-kart sensation we were seeking, with better handling and a lower centre of gravity.”
Although this is
clearly a performance machine, economy was also considered in
tandem, with the optimisation of the engine and transmission parameters and all the CFD done at the start of the project to achieve better aerodynamic performance. An optional windscreen improves economy. Talking of options, there are plenty of them. In fact, there are 75,000 possible configurations with the options available at purchase. Even the sales process is novel, with an augmented reality app to help potential buyers choose. Varaldi explains, “A ‘ride like no other’ needs a shopping experience like no other, and that’s what the Ride Builder app is. We’re at the forefront of bringing AR to the industry. People can design and build their dream machine, and then see it right in front of them in their driveway or even their living room.” Production is taking place in Juarez,
The Rally Edition has a Rally Mode that allows for rear tyre drifting while riding off the beaten path
Mexico, where there is a mix of manual and robot assembly. The assembly lines are automated with AGVs and buggies on a track. Varaldi concludes, “This represents a US$350 million business at BRP, and we expect that number to triple in the next five years.” ●
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