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Long-distance trike goes hybrid

Those attending the 2011 International Motor Show in New York were the first to get a close look at Bombardier Recreational Products' Can-Am Spyder hybrid concept vehicle.

In developing the hybrid Spyder roadster, Gizmag reported, BRP intended to achieve a 50 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over the current Can-Am Spyder roadster - but with with comparable acceleration and a total range of about 600km - amazing for such a machine.

ENGINE FROM A SKI-DOO

This Spyder roadster is a plug-in hybrid with an electric motor, lithium-ion battery and a Rotax "advanced combustion efficiency" engine.

The engine is the same as that used in BRP’s 2011 Ski-Doo snowmobiles and, at 8.1 litres/100km, BRP claims it's the most fuel-efficient engine in the snowmobile industry.

CANAM ROADSTER: First prize for the three-wheeler will be a halving of its fuel consumption.
In December, 2010 BRP announced a four-year project to give the hybrid treatment to its Can-Am Spyder roadster launched in 2007 with its  a distinctive Y-architecture - two wheels up front and one at the back.

The project will be undertaken through a partnership with the Advanced Technology Center BRP-Sherbrooke University with funding from the Canadian government automotive partnership programme.
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