Can-Am engines are crafted by Rotax, a key subsidiary of Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP). Since BRP’s acquisition of the Can-Am brand in 1995, Rotax has been the driving force behind the powertrains used in Can-Am’s off-road vehicles. With manufacturing facilities in Gunskirchen, Austria, and Valcourt, Quebec, Rotax engines power over 80% of Can-Am’s ATV and side-by-side lineup, producing more than 500,000 units annually across global sites.
History of Can-Am Engine Production
The Can-Am brand originated as a motorcycle line under Bombardier in the 1970s. Initially, engine development was a part of Bombardier’s broader operations, but following a reorganization in 1978, Rotax took over the engine production. This shift led to the development of early three-cylinder two-stroke engines, such as the 500cc model, which gained prominence in racing circuits. The brand was revived in 1995 under BRP, focusing on ATVs, with Rotax supplying four-stroke engines. A notable development was the introduction of the 650cc V-twin engine in the 2000s, which a BRP executive described as “the heart of Can-Am’s performance” (source).
In the 2010s, Can-Am expanded into side-by-side vehicles, integrating Rotax ACE (Advanced Clean Engine) technology into models like the Maverick. By 2018, production had ramped up to 300,000 engines annually, underscoring Rotax’s pivotal role in Can-Am’s growth (source). This expansion not only solidified Can-Am’s position in the off-road market but also highlighted Rotax’s capability to innovate and scale production to meet increasing demand.
Rotax’s Role in Can-Am Manufacturing
Rotax has been a BRP subsidiary since 1970, with its headquarters in Gunskirchen, Austria. This facility is responsible for producing Can-Am-specific engines, such as the 900cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine used in the 2022 Maverick X3 lineup (source). In 2022, Rotax produced 450,000 engines, with 60% allocated to Can-Am vehicles, including the powerful 1000cc V-twin engine delivering 110 horsepower (source).
Rotax’s engine variants, like the 850 E-TEC adapted for Can-Am’s 2023 Outlander ATVs, showcase the company’s ability to innovate and adapt technologies across different vehicle types. These engines feature electronic fuel injection and produce 82 horsepower, demonstrating Rotax’s commitment to performance and efficiency (source). This adaptability ensures that Can-Am remains competitive in the evolving off-road vehicle market.
BRP’s Global Facilities for Engine Assembly
The primary engine assembly for Can-Am vehicles occurs at Rotax’s Gunskirchen plant in Austria. This facility handles machining and testing for high-performance engines, employing a workforce of 2,500 since 1959 (source). Final integration takes place at BRP’s Valcourt, Quebec facility, where 40% of Can-Am engines are customized for North American models, including the 500cc single-cylinder engine for entry-level ATVs launched in 2019 (source).
Additional assembly sites, such as the Mexico plant in Saltillo, operational since 2010, contribute significantly to Can-Am’s global production. This facility assembles 150,000 Rotax engines annually, focusing on the 600cc parallel-twin variant for export (source). These global facilities ensure that Can-Am can meet the diverse needs of its international customer base while maintaining high production standards.
Innovations and Future of Can-Am Engines
Rotax continues to drive innovation with advancements like the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) paired with 1000R engines, delivering 125 horsepower in the 2024 Defender lineup. BRP’s investment of $200 million in research and development, as noted in their 2023 filings, underscores their commitment to maintaining a competitive edge (source). This investment is crucial for developing new technologies that enhance performance and efficiency.
Sustainability is also a key focus, with hybrid Rotax prototypes tested in Can-Am vehicles since 2021. The goal is to achieve 50% electrified engines by 2030, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. Rotax CEO has stated, “Innovation drives Can-Am’s edge in off-road power” (source). Additionally, 70% of components for Rotax engines are sourced from European suppliers, ensuring compliance with EU emissions standards for Can-Am’s global models (source). These efforts highlight Can-Am’s dedication to sustainable practices and regulatory compliance.
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