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:

It’s 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 isn’t about how fast I can run up a hill. It’s 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 didn’t 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 car’s 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:

Predator Motor Company

Temecula, CA

Phone: 951 699-4370

Website: www.predator-offroad.com

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