There is no doubt in our minds that we'd bust our asses on this insane mashup of a snow mobile and ATV, but given that it does zero to 60 faster than a Ferrari Enzo, we're willing to risk it.
Luxury boutique automaker Platune joined the Swiss off-roaders at Sand-X in developing this crazy contraption, which it claims will do zero to 60 in 2.8 seconds and hit 115 mph. That sounds like a sure trip to the emergency room, but Sand-X says its tracked all terrain vehicle is safer, more maneuverable and more fuel efficient (22 mpg) than any other ATV.
Who cares? We just want a chance to flog the wheels off of it.
It's all about the engine on this beast. The 440-pound Sand-X sports a liquid-cooled two-stroke 800cc Rotax engine producing 160. That's roughly what the Ducati 1198 cranks out and about twice the output of your typical ATV.
"We set out to build the world's fastest ATV, and the engine is the reason why the Sand-X is so fast," company CEO Urs Nachricht told us.
The unique body design might also have something to do with it. It's wide wheel track and low center of gravity reportedly makes it easy to push the Sand-X to crazy velocities. A wide Kevlar track, big running boards and loads of suspension travel make it more like a Jet Ski than an ATV.
The company says it has sold about 75 so far at $10,250 apiece. Look for them to arrive in America by 2010.
Photos: Sand-X.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wabbSPCJl4
