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Predator - X18 Intimidator
Photos:
Specifications:
Power Train:
- CARB and EPA Approved Green Sticker / MSO
Engine Performance:
- GM / Chevrolet Ecotec
- 170HP 2.2 Liter Engine @ 155 Ft. Lbs. of Torque
- Exhaust: Stainless Steel Twin Tip Muffler with Stainless Steel
Header Manifold, Certified Catalytic Converter
- Stainless Steel Intake Manifold
- Cooling: Large Capacity Radiator, Triple 9 Fans (Independently
Relayed and Fused)
- Air Filter: K&N Washable Pleated Mesh
- MSD Ignition: Mefi 4 Computer & Wiring Harness
- Power Steering Assist
- Alternator 120 Amp
Transmission:
- Automatic CVT
- 8 to 1 (2WD) .091 Differential, F-N-R Transmission
- Axles: 1-1/4 Chromoly with 930 CV Joints
- Automatic Clutch: Team Industries Driven Clutch and Comet Drive
Clutch, Kevlar Belt
- Shifter: Billet Machined Aluminum F-N-R
Chassis Construction:
- Chassis Construction: 1-1/2 .095 Wall, Chromoly, Mig Welded
- Suspension Rear: 1-1/2 .130 Wall, Chromoly, 4130 Swing Arms
- Suspension Front: 1-1/2 .130 Wall, Chromoly Double A-Arm, Tig
and Mig Welded
- Spindles Front: 1-1/2 Chromoly, Mig/Tig Welded
- Full Skid Plate
- Frame: Powder Coated
- Gel Coated Fiberglass Body, 7 Standard Colors: Red, Black, White,
Yellow, Green, Blue and Orange
Performance and Fuel Capacity:
- Keyed High Speed Ignition Approx. 70 MPH
- Keyed Low Speed Ignition Approx. 35 MPH
- Fuel Capacity: 16.0 Gallons
Brakes, Suspension, Tires & Wheels:
- Travel and Suspension: 20 Front and 18 Rear
- Chromoly Heims 7/8 and 3/4
- Shocks Front: Vogtland Off-Road 10 x 2.0 x 7/8, Piggy Back
Reservoir, Nitrogen Filled
- Shocks Rear: Vogtland Off-Road 13 x 2.0 x 7/8, Piggy Back
Reservoir, Nitrogen Filled
- Front Hubs: Billet 7075 Machined
- Rear Hubs: S10 Chromoly Micro Stub and Bearing
- Brakes, Front and Rear Independent: 4 Calipers, 2 - 4 Piston with
9 Drilled Rotors Front, 2- 4 piston with 11-1/2 Drilled Rotors Rear
- Dual Brake Reservoir with F-to-R Adjustable Bias
- Emergency Brake
- All Terrain Tires Front and Rear
- 5 Bolt Cast Wheels
Safety and Communication:
- Full Suspension Seats, Fully Adjustable, Heated, Low and High
settings
- Simpson 5-Point Safety Harnesses
- Simpson Window Nets
- Simpson Limit Straps
Electrical & Instrumentation:
- Battery: AGM 12-Volt DC, 350 Cranking Amps
- 12-Volt Disconnect: Master On/Off Switch Located Under Dash
- Gauges: Tachometer, Oil Pressure, and Water Temperature
- Control Panel: Control Panel with LED Indicator Lights for On/Off
Switches
- Fuses & Relays: P.C.B. Indicates Blown Fuses and
- Devices Being Powered. All Circuits are Relayed.
- Lighting: (2) Running Lights; (1) Buggy Whip Mount, Aux (Pre-Wired
for Four Roof Spot Lights (2) - 30 Amp Relays), Interior LED Light
- Horn: Twin 12-Volt Air Horns
- Starter: Hi-Torque GM 12-Volt Electric Starter
Optional Features Available from Your Dealer:
- Tool Kit (Removable)
- Spare Tire Rack (Removable)
- 1.5 Ton Aluminum Jack (Removable)
- Side Wings Rear Race Number Plates
- Removable Rear Storage Wing
- GPS Radio
- FM Radio
- Add-on Removable Bumpers
- (4) 6 HID Lights Light Rack / Roof Mounted Storage Rack
- (2) 6 Round HID Front Driving Lights
- Rear Storage Rack Over Engine
- Tow Hitch Receiver
- Hitch Mounted Storage Rack
- Windshield
General Specifications:
- Dry Weight: 1950 lbs Approximately
- Measurements: Height: 64, Length: 143 (Including Wing), 136 (No
Wing), Width 85, Wheelbase: 103 (Note: With VW Stock Wheels
Wheelbase is Narrowed to 74)
Conclusion:
Its not often that someone tosses you
the keys to their sand car and says go have fun, but that is exactly what
happened to me during the Sand Addiction Dune Tour at Gordons Well. I had
checked out the Predator X18 Intimidator at the Sand Show and was very
impressed by the looks, overall design and simplicity.
But I was doubtful that a car powered by a 170 HP 2.2L
Ecotec and mated to a CVT transmission would be responsive
enough for the way I like to drive. To me speed isnt about
how fast I can run up a hill. Its how fast I can slice
through the dunes with hard turns, hard braking and lots of
acceleration.
Once behind the wheel, I was pleasantly surprised at how responsive the
X18 was. I really didnt expect to be able to accelerate as fast as I did,
and the automatic transmission seemed to provide very good throttle response
in every scenario I hit. And a cool feature about the drivetrain in this car
is the CVT belt also acts as a fuse. It is designed to soak up the shock
that normally hits a transaxle, but brake in extreme circumstances before
more expensive components would typically fail. CVT belts are cheap, and
easy to replace in the field.
As far as handling is concerned, the car was a bit stiff, but to be fair,
the car was setup for desert hardpack, not the dunes. But transitions were
very stable and g-outs were handled just fine. The car likes to slide in the
turns, but it felt very balanced.
Driving the car was very comfortable. I am 6 1 and had plenty of
legroom. The seats and harnesses were comfortable, and the visibility was
great. I felt pretty safe with all of the cross bracing too.
After I had my turn behind the wheel, I handed the keys back over to Rat
Sult from Predator Offroad. I grabbed my camera and gained even more
respect for the cars abilities. Rat has spent a lot of time behind the
wheel of his X18, and it shows.
Overall, I was very impressed with the X18. For a car that has an MSRP
below $30K, it sure seems like you get a lot of car for the money. I really
like that the engine is built by CBM
Motorports and the transmission is built by the
Wright Gearbox. A lot of parts
are also available through Kartek and McKenzies.
Company Information:
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