Yamaha charges headlong into the side-by-side vehicle market in 2004 with the all-new Rhino 660 4x4. As a result, gone forever are the days of being restricted to tame terrain in a two-person vehicle. The Rhino 660 is the first side-by-side machine with serious off-road capability. Packing all the power and punch of the popular Yamaha Grizzly 660 4x4, the Rhino 660 does something an ATV can't - accommodate two full-size adults and cargo!

Aggressive styling and a tilting cargo bed further add to the Rhino 660's appeal. The first of its kind, Yamaha has clearly created a new category of off-road vehicle with the most comfortable and capable side-by-side machine available - the Rhino 660 4x4.

For those who dare try, however, following the class-defining Rhino 660 will be difficult. That's because no other side-by-side machine can boast a five-valve, 660cc liquid-cooled engine, much less a fully independent front and rear suspension.

Add a dash-mounted three-way On Command® 2WD/4WD system with differential lock - the same one found on Yamaha's top-of-the-line utility ATVs - and the Rhino 660 gets power to all four wheels at the push of a button.

Automotive-style controls mean the Rhino 660's superior handling and quick throttle response are handled through a steering wheel and gas pedal, respectively.

A tap of the brake pedal finds four-piston hydraulic discs front and rear being pressed into action. And with the Grizzly's engine as its heart, the Rhino 660 is capable of gathering up plenty of steam, as well as tackling all types of terrain. Traversing the trails, whether on a hunt or on the job, has never been so easy, or so much fun. The fact that you can bring someone else along just adds to the excitement.

A 42mm Mikuni carburetor helps bring the Rhino 660 powerplant to life and assists in providing consistent engine response throughout the powerband. High- and low-range gears afford the driver the exact level of performance needed for any condition by shifting the lever conveniently located on the center console, and a reverse gear is an added bonus for when even a charging Rhino 660 is forced to change directions.

With plenty of power down low, the Rhino 660 and its standard two-inch receiver hitch love to pull heavy loads.

Likewise, a hefty bottom end is a bonus while navigating a trail with a cargo bed full of goods. And when you and a buddy decide to call it a day, simply lower the tailgate, lift a handle on the driver's side of the steel-reinforced bed and use its tilting feature to remove the contents. Simply lock it back in place and you are ready to go again.

Regardless of the task you and a companion tackle with the Rhino 660, both driver and passenger will be wowed by the exclusive Yamaha Ultramatic® automatic transmission. In addition to being incredibly durable, the Ultramatic® system is the driving force behind Yamaha's renowned all-wheel engine braking. Especially handy during towing situations or when hauling heavy loads, perhaps the most important aspect of the engine braking feature is the added confidence it provides Rhino 660 riders on the trail.

Helping to elevate not only the confidence but also the comfort level of Rhino 660 riders is a steel roll cage, automotive-style three-point safety belts, and plush, padded seats. A sizeable storage compartment can be found under the driver's seating area and two grab handles have been incorporated into the roll cage - one between driver and passenger and the other on the right downtube.

Good luck finding terrain that calls for grab handles, however, given how effectively the Rhino 660 suspension soaks up the bumps. An advanced independent double wishbone configuration up front is joined by a fully Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) out back.

Up to 7.3" of travel can be had front and rear, helping to provide light, easy steering and the smoothest of rides under the most strenuous of conditions. An industry leading 12.1" of ground clearance further establishes the Rhino 660 as the leader in a new class of terrainable side-by-side vehicles.

A high-capacity 8.5 gallon gas tank beckons for those all-day rides, regardless of whether they are work- or leisure-related. A waterproof automotive-style DC outlet is also available in all situations for powering up everything from a mobile phone to a GPS device.

The Rhino 660 even has an automotive-inspired parking brake to make sure the machine won't wander or stray from the attention of its thrill-seeking handlers. But the chances of the Rhino 660 escaping anyone's attention are slim - the machine's attractive styling definitely stands out, to say the least. The hood of the Rhino 660 sports aggressive lines outlining headlights that appear to be staring down anything that dares stand in its way. You can hardly blame obstacles for wilting under the gaze, and the power, of the Rhino 660.

For the machine's occupants, however, riding in the Rhino 660 as it tames the most hostile of terrain is a lesson in luxury.

A key-activated electric starter is joined by a convenient dash-mounted choke to get the unit up and running. From there, the proven 660cc powerplant, trail-tested suspension, and Yamaha's reputation for quality, durable product takeover, providing driver and passenger with the 4x4 experience of a lifetime.

The Rhino 660 4x4 will be available in Hunter Green at Yamaha dealerships nationwide starting September 2003. A Realtree High-Definition Hardwoods camouflage model will follow in February 2004.

YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, U.S.A.

ATV Division