Can-Am Spyder: Sports Car With Three Wheels?

VALCOURT, Canada — Bombardier has announced production of the 2008 Can-Am Spyder, a dramatic three-wheel vehicle that is part motorcycle, part snowmobile and part sports car.

Powered by a 106-horsepower DOHC, 990cc Rotax V-twin, the Spyder offers the kind of high-speed motoring that should appeal to car enthusiasts as well as motorcycle riders. The chassis is set up with two steering wheels in front and a single shaft-driven wheel behind. The rider is seated as if on a motorcycle and steers the 697-pound (dry) Spyder via a handlebar.

Two different transmissions are available: a sequential five-speed manual and an electronically actuated sequential five-speed manual. Both include a reverse gear.

The front wheels are located with double wishbone-type control arms and afford 5.7 inches of suspension travel. The rear wheel is located by a motorcycle-style swingarm and monoshock, and also has 5.7 inches of travel. The 14-inch front wheels carry 165/65R14 tires while the rear tire is a 225/50R15.

The Can-Am Spyder looks like a futuristic snowmobile with wheels, yet it has some of the sophisticated technology of a sports car. Power steering, antilock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and electronic stability control with anti-rollover technology are part of the package.
The Can-Am Spyder is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. this fall at a price of $14,999.

© Source: article on insideline
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