The new 2018 Yamaha Wolverine X4, a 4-passenger UTV designed to be more compact and nimble for recreational use.

Yamaha recently announced their new 4-passenger 2018 Wolverine X4 side-by-side. The Wolverine X4 features a new 847cc, twin-cylinder engine and stowaway full-size rear seats for flexible cargo space. To improve efficiency, the engine features a dry-sump design for a more compact layout, and an offset cylinder block to reduce friction loss, while rubber engine-mounts and a geared counterbalancer are designed to greatly reduce vibration at idle and throughout the RPM range, as well as reduce noise. The X4 also includes the new Yamaha Chip Controlled-Throttle (YCC-T®), a drive-by-wire system providing precise throttle control, and a key controlled speed system for restricting the vehicle’s top speed to 25 mph. The dimensions (59.8″ wide and 82.7″ wheelbase) of the new Wolverine X4 are purposely on the compact end of the scale to provide a more nimble vehicle for more technical trail riding. Other key features and specs include:

• Ultramatic V-belt transmission with all-wheel engine braking
• Yamaha On-Command 3-way locking differential; 2WD, 4WD, full diff-lock 4WD
• 8.7″/8.9″ of front/rear suspension travel
• 10.7″ of ground clearance
• Rear self-leveling shocks
• 26″ Maxxis tires
• Electronic power steering
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• 600 lb. cargo bed capacity
• 2,000 lb. towing capacity
• Full underbody skid plates
• Fully enclosed doors
• Wide fenders
• LED headlights and taillights
• Two 12V DC outlets
• Four pre-wired accessory switches
• MSRP $15,999 in Graphite

Model variations include the Wolverine X4 in:

• Yamaha Blue with overfenders and cast aluminum wheels (MSRP $16,499)
• Realtree Xtra camo with overfenders and cast aluminum wheels (MSRP $16,899)
• Matte Silver and Matte Carbon Special Edition (SE) models with overfenders, painted bodywork, color-matched interior and shock springs, and cast aluminum wheels (MSRP $17,249)

According to Yamaha managers they are trying to deliver a 4-seat UTV with some of the handling and size characteristics of a two seater and a high degree of versatility. They believe this segment of the market is currently underserved.

Learn more:  Yamahamotorsports.com

Comment:  The fact that the Wolverine X4 has been designed from the ground up and includes an entirely new engine shows the level of commitment Yamaha has made to the UTV space. They have rolled out new Wolverine and Viking models for 2018 after making a big push in the last two model years in the sport end of the market with the YXZ. The UTV market has become highly competitive and manufacturers will need to be introducing innovative new models on a regular basis to drive sales.

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com