The Globe and Mail reports in its Monday edition that Sea-Doo and Ski-Doo maker BRP has launched its most expensive off-road vehicle ever: a 240-horsepower four-wheeler that will reignite the battle at the high end of the motorsports market. The Globe's Nicolas Van Praet writes that at its annual dealers' meeting last week, the Valcourt, Que., company showed its retailers a new side-by-side vehicle called the Can-Am Maverick R, which will sell in Canada starting at $43,999 and top out at $54,799 for full bells and whistles. The vehicle, which has a dual-clutch transmission gearbox and one-litre engine, is an all-new design that builds on the company's Maverick X3 model. This is among BRP's biggest bets in years, and the company is counting on the Maverick R to deliver sales growth and help juice profits. Although BRP has manufactured boats retailing at higher price-points, it has never built an off-road vehicle this expensive. As the company's new flagship model, the Maverick R lands squarely in the same price territory as luxury automobiles such as Toyota's Lexus and BMW's iconic 3-Series sedan. Powersports vehicles largely remain a discretionary purchase, and BRP's falling share price indicates investor concern over an economic slowdown.