Scott Steinberger, otherwise known as The Weatherman, set out to build a custom UTV that could compete in off-road rallies. To say he went all out would be an understatement.
What he designed from a standard 2019 Can-AM X3 Rally UTV has been dubbed El Tigre, and that name is fully deserved because of what lies beneath.
Who Is Scott Steinberger?
Scott is a veteran of the NORRA Rally and Sonora Rally. He is also the PCI Race Radios owner and CEO.
To compete in the Dakar Rally, he knew he needed something special.
To get started on this project, he began with a Can-Am platform. Then, he reached out to Magnum Off-Road to help with the build.
The hope was that his wildly capable UTV would end up being as maneuverable as a race car. Just as critical, Scott wanted the UTV to be safe. What came from the build is quite exceptional, as you can see for yourself.
Let’s get a closer look at all those screens and all the tech inside El Tigre.
El Tigre: Specifications
This Magnum build sits on Cognito front and back arms and is equipped with Method Race Wheels, BFGoodrich Tires plus King Shocks. Inside the UTV, you will find it outfitted with Sparco seats and Mastercraft harnesses.
One of the unique safety elements is how the team put the fuel cell outside of the cab. Then, they added numerous fire extinguishers and pinned the doors to meet racing regulations. Being that Steinberger is the owner of PCI Race Radios, we also expect that all of the navigation and communication inside the UTV are top of the line.
This UTV was completed on April 12, 2019. It features a 102-inch wheelbase with a 72-inch track width. It’s also equipped with a Rotax 900cc turbocharged engine and a Can-Am transmission.
Magnum Components
The body features Magnum Off-Road custom body panels and CVT intake with a toolbox. Furthermore, SignArt and PCI’s John Goodhue Graphics handled the exterior styling.
Some other Magnum components on the UTV include a front race bumper, front shock tower gusset, rear upper shock mount gussets and aluminum drive belt scatter shield. There are also Magnum Off-Road folding race mirrors included.
Further equipment includes:
Glazzkraft carbon fiber dash
LM front sway bar links
LM ball joints
3/8” UHMW skid plates
PCI RaceAir Boost fresh air system
UMP Maverick X3 air filter system
AGM electric jack
Maglock RaceAir Kit
This Build Is Breathtaking
Just looking at this build can inspire one to pick up some tools and make something extraordinary.
Passing these photos around our office, we were in awe of the level of engineering that goes into a build such as this. To make something as nimble as a racecar handle some of the toughest terrain on Planet Earth, you basically need to combine two polar opposite disciplines into one vehicle.
Such work is the realm of mad scientists and titans of industry. Hats off to Scott and the team at Magnum for building such an impressive and inspiring machine.
You can keep up with Scott Steinberger’s company on their website. They also maintain an active Instagram account so you can see what the team is doing. The company also maintains a YouTube channel that isn’t very active but does feature a few videos.
What do you think of the 2019 Can-AM X3 Rally UTV “El Tigre”?
What are your thoughts on the build? Do you dream of racing something like this? Let us know in the comments below.
About the Author
Brian Jones is an ASE Certified Master Tech that lives outside of Dallas, TX with his wife and children. He has a passion for old muscle cars, big pickup trucks and anything motorsport related. In his spare time, he does a lot of traveling and writing for dealerships across the country through CarBlogWriters.com.