Oh look, is that a late-90's Intense M1?? Besides the modern construction and materials, and that sweet shock, doesn't look much different than every other 4-bar, Horst-link bike ever made.
I wonder if the reason for this redesign is so they can product a carbon rear-end. Its a pity, the triple seat/chain stay gave the demo a look that was quite unique and different to any other bike out there.
Status?Big Hit? with Ohlins rear shock and Fox 40 float up front, should be really light,especially if a full carbon version gets built.And it does look super fast and super stable.All in all a sik bike, I hope it sees 2015 production, that'll give me time to save my pocket money.
I think its more to do with the new Ohlins/Specialized partnership, than any new radical frame design.Because lets face it this frame isn't that far away from a Status design wise.It may just be a 2015 Status prototype, because the Status has potential as a dh bike in its own right, but with Ohlins shocks it could be a regular podium bike, especially if they make a carbon version rather than the aluminium version shown here. To be honest with Gwin on board this could be the 2014 World Champs winning frame. Just saying.
I think it's a new Demo. Looking at the front triangel/ frame thing, looks pretty simular to the demo. Also looks like the upper chainstay has a link halfway in it.