First Can-Am Spyder rolls off the line

One of the more interesting vehicles of 2007, the new Can-Am Spyder, has entered production and the first units have already rolled off their Canadian production line. The three-wheeler is manufactured by Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) and will officially go on sale across North America in October. The first unit will be heading to the garage of car aficionado Jay Leno.

BRP has ambitious plans for its new Can-Am. Management hope to sell the vehicle in 15 countries all up, including markets in Europe, South America, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

The Can-Am features a small 106hp (79kW) 990cc Rotax V-twin engine mated to either a five-speed auto or an electronically actuated sequential five-speed manual. The chassis is set up with two steering wheels in front and a single shaft-driven wheel behind, with the rider sitting in a motorcycle-style position and steering via handlebars. Click here to read our previous story on the Can-Am or follow the jump to see our full gallery and the official press release.

THE FIRST CAN-AM SPYDER ROADSTER ROLLS OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE IN VALCOURT, QUÉBEC

Today marked the beginning of a new era for BRP as its first on-road vehicle, the 2008 Can-Am™ Spyder™ roadster, rolled off the assembly line in Valcourt, Québec.

A three-wheel vehicle (two in the front, one in the rear), the Spyder roadster offers the performance of a traditional motorcycle with much of the peace-of-mind of a convertible sports car. It is powered by a Rotax® 990 V-Twin engine, produced by BRP Rotax, the company's Austrian division and a world leader in engine development.

"This is a very important day in the history of BRP," said José Boisjoli, president and CEO, BRP. “Our employees around the world have a lot to be proud of as we bring to the market a product that is a true paradigm shift, a completely new and unique vehicle, one that will redefine the roadster category. The Can-Am Spyder roadster is yet another testimony of BRP's passion for innovation and for the powersports industry," he added.

The February 2007 launch was followed by a targeted marketing campaign in both North America and Europe, which gave potential clients the opportunity to ride the new roadster.

"Since its official unveiling, the Spyder roadster has been a hot topic among powersports enthusiasts, open-road newcomers and media alike the world over. To date, more than 20,000 consumers have tried the Can-Am Spyder roadster in 11 American states, four Canadian provinces and eight European countries," concluded Boisjoli.

The first units will be delivered to selected dealerships across North America in October while dealers in International markets will receive theirs at the beginning of 2008.

In 2008, BRP will pursue its go-to-market strategy and deploy the Can-Am Spyder roadster to approximately 20 additional American states, a few other Canadian provinces and 15 countries in Europe, South America, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. The roadster's worldwide deployment should be completed within the next two to three years.

The first Spyder roadster to roll off the Valcourt assembly line will be delivered to Jay Leno, a well-known collector and restorer of era-defining cars and motorcycles, columnist in Popular Mechanics Magazine, and host of the iconic U.S. television programme The Tonight Show.

Via: gizmag