The project is developed by BRP in partnership with the Advanced Technology Center BRP-Sherbrooke University and with funding from the Government of Canada's Automotive Partnership Program.
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the hybrid Spyder roadster will be equipped with an electric motor, lithium-ion battery and the Rotax Advanced Combustion Efficiency (ACE) engine. This engine is currently used in BRP’s 2011 Ski-Doo snowmobiles.
BRP aims for the hybrid roadster to be 50% more fuel-efficient than the current Can-Am Spyder roadster with comparable acceleration and a total range of 375 miles. It will also cut CO2 emissions by half.
The concept vehicle will be displayed to the public for the first time at this weekend's Cycle World International Motorcycle Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, from January 21-23, 2011.
“The next dimension in open-road riding, the Can-Am Spyder roadster is a paradigm-shift with its unique Y-architecture. This three-wheeled vehicle, with two wheels in the front and one in the rear, offers a completely new and stunning look. Launched in 2007, it can best be described as part motorcycle and part convertible sports car,” a company statement reads.
Over the next four years the CTA will produce three generations of prototypes and their components. The final product must pass the test in terms of performance, reliability, durability, and economic mass production. Any technological innovations will be potentially transferable to other types of vehicles and products.
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