29 Jun 05. The Roush Diesel Quad Bike is to enter full commercial production early in 2006. In addition, Roush will become sole distributor for military variants of the diesel ATV for worldwide markets.
Both decisions follow the completion of a two-year development and test programme, during which the Roush Diesel Quad Bike has proven its potential as an extremely viable addition to the quad market. Operational trials with military users have demonstrated its suitability for a range of operational roles and applications including infantry and Special Forces.
The basic diesel quad bike models will run down Arctic Cat’s fully integrated production line in the US and civilian market models will be distributed and sold through Arctic Cat’s existing network. Roush’s operation in the US will supply the American military market – while Roush Europe, which led the diesel quad bike development programme throughout, will take responsibility for sales and marketing of military versions for all other worldwide markets.
The technical specification of the unit, which has been so successful throughout the development programme, is to remain effectively unchanged. The torquey twin cylinder 686cc, naturally aspirated Lombardini engine is matched to a Roush design transmission, mated to an IBC Constant Velocity Transmission (CVT) system, which together give the machine excellent controllability and exceptional driveability.
Front and rear rack payloads are retained – over 45kg on the front – and more than 90kg on the rear. In addition, the diesel quad can handle towed gross trailer loads of up to 500kg. The range of planned variants has also been extended to include fully road-legal homologated units and a longer wheel base two-seater option. Roush engineers are also looking at a weight-stripped, narrow-track variant for confined envelope transportation. Additional technical features include a ‘stealth’ exhaust system to reduce the overall acoustic signature.
A package of options and ancillary equipment has been identified, including front and rear winch, twin throttle arrangement and special lighting. This range will be extended over time to cover specific customer operational requirements.
The Arctic Cat chassis incorporates a number of best-in-class features, including 330mm of ground clearance and 250mm of ‘ground-following’ suspension travel. Spring pre-load adjustment enables the rider to select settings to suit load or operating conditions. Stand CC12 & OR52, DVD, Millbrook, 29-30 June 2005