2022 marked the arrival of turbo compression at Polaris, mountain snowmobiles were offered the all new Patriot BOOST, developing 10% more power at sea level. It has proven to be effective in overcoming the approximately 3% power loss per 1000 feet of altitude throughout the season. The next logical step is that Polaris is pleased to offer this same engine in 2023, but also in its ultimate trail snowmobile, the 2023 Polaris Indy VR1 Patriot Boost!
During our test ride in West Yellowstone, we tried to get some numbers from one of the company’s representatives, and he explained to us that Polaris has decided not to divulge any numbers based on horsepower, simply because there are too many factors that can influence the reading. Dyno readings vary greatly depending on the type of dyno used, and to compare the figures of each brand, we would all have to use the same dyno… Which is quite logical, we must admit.
Patriot BOOST… On the trail!
The recipe was very simple for the engineers, use what is already being done, and which has passed all the reliability tests. Already present only in mountain snowmobiles at Polaris in 2022, the transition of this engine to a trail snowmobile was very simple. Just like in the mountain range, the VR1 BOOST develops 10% more power at sea level. If we make a few assumptions, positioning the naturally-aspirated version of the 850 Patriot at 165 horsepower, and multiplying by 10%, that would give it an additional 16.5 horsepower, which would position the Patriot BOOST at 181.5 horsepower.
We can easily say that it will be the most powerful two-stroke engine ever produced in a trail sled… But what is also very interesting is that it will keep this power even when riding at high altitude, for example in West Yellowstone, there are surfaced trails that throw us over 9000 feet in altitude. The VR1 BOOST will therefore retain this beautiful power, almost everywhere, since power starts to diminish from about 10,000 feet on a supercharged engine… Polaris mentions that at this elevation, the Patriot BOOST develops 50% more power than its 850 atmospheric sister.
Identical in design to the 2022 model, the turbocharger has a scalloped, counter-rotating turbine that is positioned directly at the outlet of the calibrated pipe, in a horizontal position. This configuration optimizes the speed of the turbo’s rotational rise, which reduces the ¨LAG¨ effect optimizing throttle response.
Polaris mentions a maximum thrust of 9 PSI at full throttle, which is controlled by the SmartBoost system, which adequately manages the pressure.
Suspensions…
Inspired by the IFS racing suspension, the MATRYX front suspension offers an effortless, precise ride, and features Walker Evens Velocity shocks with an easily adjustable external reservoir. It also features forged pivot arms for excellent strength. At the rear is the highly efficient Pro-CC, also featuring Walker Evans Velocity shocks.
Cockpit
Inspired by the Snowcross, the slimmed-down 3-inch knee-high cockpit combined with the 4.8-inch console allows for easy side-to-side movement. Engineers designed the cockpit by computer by analyzing dynamic fluids to maximize wind protection and promote a more comfortable ride. The side panels also contribute to rider mobility, allowing the rider to move around the cockpit with ease.
The VR1 also features the Ride Command 7S display technology. The touch screen is easily usable and configurable. You can choose the information to be displayed according to your preferences. This technology offers all the trail maps in North America, and allows you to see all the other Polaris vehicles equipped with the same technology without any cellular connection! Smart heated grips are standard, as is the thumb.
Notre essai…
No need to tell you that we quickly searched for a safe place to test the machine… And we can say without a doubt that this is the fastest 2-stroke snowmobile ever produced! This mill is doing impressive mileage! Although all odometers on the market have a margin of error between 8 and 10 percent, I saw with my own eyes the speedometer oscillating above 120 mph, or about 193 kmh on a model equipped with a one inch track… This is extremely fast for a production snowmobile. Without a doubt, this snowmobile will compete against other companies’ turbocharged 4-stroke engines.
The handling of the vehicle is surprising, you really have to push hard to see the skis stall, and by positioning yourself closer to the handlebars when driving aggressively, you add weight that makes it look like a GO Kart. The Pro-CC rear suspension does an excellent job in small bumps and offers a nice suppleness. However, when pushed a little more in the big bumps, it lacks a little progressiveness, the rear suspension should have been stiffened a little to get better results. The skis offer a good grip in turns and stay on the ground, you have to push a lot to get the lift of the skis.
The riding position is almost perfect, the slimmed down part between the legs facilitates the movements on the snowmobile, and gives us the impression to be one with the mount. And what about the touch screen which is extremely user-friendly and easy to use, only a few minutes are enough to tame it and use it to its full potential.
No doubt, Polaris with this engine in a trail snowmobile, will take it up a notch for the new season, only one question arises, will Polaris be able to supply the demand? Or will only a few units be available per dealer? To be continued, but one thing for sure, hurry up and reserve yours…
