The world of motorized winter sports now has a new player on the Québec scene, the Widescape.
Presented this morning during a virtual press conference, the new vehicle looks a lot like a jet ski that is sometimes seen on several bodies of water. The pilot is standing up, has complete control of his machine and manages to circulate very comfortably and have a good time. The new Widescape can give you exactly the same experience, but on snow.
Created and manufactured in Saguenay, this new vehicle was invented by a winter sports enthusiast, Mr. Alain Aubut, mechanic and inventor in his spare time. It all started in 1998 in Saguenay when his nine-year-old son, Frédérik, who was leafing through motorsports magazines, decided that one day he could ride some kind of winter BMX. That’s when the series of prototypes began and after much trial and error they arrived at the final version which they presented this morning, the new Widescape.
Courtesy picture
Here’s the look of this extraordinary new winter vehicle, which will hit the market next fall.
During the years of creation, they met Mr. Félix Gauthier, a well-known name in the world of cycling, with his number one brand, the Devinci bike. As soon as he tries out the future machine, he falls in love with the product. He quickly realizes that there is potential. Today, he is an integral part of the adventure and wants their creation to become a small revolution in the world of motorized winter sports.
As they like to say, their creation is inspired by snowmobiles, enduro motorcycles and mountain bikes. Although it operates with a track and a front ski, their vehicle is not a snowmobile. It is an extraordinary vehicle, which will allow lovers of powder and wilderness to explore new territories.
Here are some of the technical characteristics of this new machine. It weighs 200 lbs and has a 242cc four-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection. It consumes three liters per hour of fuel. Its noise level is 80 decibels. Its dimensions are 2.2 x 0.8 x 1.3 m. The heels of the 12″ wide caterpillar are 1.5″. The track bears on the ground for approximately 40 in. when the device is in motion.
The first models should be on sale in the fall of 2022, in web order at the beginning. Its selling price will be $8149. If you fancy a whole new winter adventure, the Widescape can deliver it. For more information: www.widescape.ca.
►Tomorrow, in the edition of Quebec newspaper, a chronicle will be devoted to this very special novelty.