2016 Vehicle of the Year: Yamaha Wolverine R-SPEC

by
posted on May 9, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
vehicle_of_year_2016.jpg

“Best in class” just about says it all. It announces to the world that you stand head and shoulders above your peers. To those companies whose products are featured herein, we say, “Welcome to the ‘best’ class.”

Vehicle of the Year: Yamaha Wolverine R-SPEC
The Wolverine R-Spec is made, writes AH contributor Lazelle Jones, “to work in settings where the world is covered by rough terrain” (“Making Tracks,” October ’15).

Its 708cc engine is married to a Yamaha Ultramatic CVT transmission, which provides continuous belt tension and reduced belt wear. On-Command four-wheel drive includes 4WD full differential-lock. When equipped with electronic power steering ($13,199), even with 4WD diff-lock selected, rough terrain is transparent.

The Wolverine R-Spec is built for expedition-length adventures with a 9.7-gallon gas tank, a cargo bed that carries 300 pounds and a tow rating of 1,500 pounds. Navigation is no problem with a low hood to maximize visibility; a chassis tapered to minimize contact with objects; full underbody skid plates swept up 2-plus inches; and 11.4 inches of ground clearance.

“Independent suspension fore and aft provides the kind of front and rear wheel travel required to take on backcountry challenges,” writes Jones. “Two inches of ‘sag’ is designed into the suspension on each wheel to enhance driving performance when maneuvering in and out of terrain.”

Editor's Note: Winning products must be tested by the editors, meet or exceed expectations on innovation, and provide hunters and shooters with value for their money. NRA Publications will present the annual Golden Bullseye Awards at an invitation-only breakfast during the 2016 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Louisville, Ky., May 20-22.

Latest

Ruger Harrier LEDE
Ruger Harrier LEDE

#SundayGunday: Ruger Harrier

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a look at the latest modern sporting rifle from Ruger, the Harrier. Chambered in classic 5.56, this is a great rifle for any hog or predator hunter targeting large packs or sounders. Learn more in this exclusive video.

Early-Start Big-Game Hunts

With whitetail populations in some areas exceeding management goals, many states are offering special seasons, extra tags, and other incentives to entice hunters to get out there early and more often. States also offer early opportunities for many other big-game species; in fact, there are so many opportunities that it can be difficult to even keep up with your own state, whereas early seasons across state boundaries can easily be missed out on.

Shell Shock Technologies Announces .50 BMG NAS³ Case

Shell Shock Technologies has announced the completion of independent live-fire testing for its .50 BMG NAS3 case, with results confirming velocity and performance advantages over standard brass at standard operating pressures.

Member's Hunt: First Pheasant with the Old Gun

Meet Connor Dietrich. Connor is a 13-year-old honor student, football player and band member from Quincy, Ill. He is, for his age, a veteran hunter and angler. This year, he had his first pheasant hunt, and it was one to remember.

New for 2026: Bear & Son 537L Small Locking Farmhand

Bear & Son Cutlery has introduced the 537L Small Locking Farmhand, a compact EDC pocketknife designed for everyday performance.

Wilson Combat Unveils America 250th Limited Edition 1911 Series

Wilson Combat is proud to introduce the America 250th Limited Edition 1911 Series, a special commemorative lineup of custom 1911 pistols created to honor the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.