MEDINA, Minnesota (September 9, 2016) – As Polaris snowmobile racers dominate this winter with the all-new 2017 Polaris 600R racing snowmobile, recreational riders will experience Polaris’ race-ready technology on the trails, lakes and in the ditches on the new 600 and 800 RUSH® XCR models that mark the return of the legendary XCR name and performance.
The new Polaris 600R race sled and the new RUSH XCR represent the Polaris tradition of using racing as a testing ground for advanced technology that improves the performance of production models ridden by enthusiasts in the snow belt.
The new Polaris 600R race snowmobile is the latest evolution of a proven racing platform that has won on snocross tracks, ice ovals and cross-country courses. This new snowmobile was developed by integrating the latest technology with the race-proven features of the previous platform. Some of this same superior technology is also found on production models such as the 600 and 800 RUSH XCR that master the terrain.
“For more than 60 years, Polaris has been pushing the boundaries of snowmobile and racing technology to win championships and develop suspension, engine and chassis technology for production snowmobiles,” said Chris Wolf, Vice President, Snowmobiles. “Our newest RUSH models offer so much race-proven technology that they have been given one of the most legendary names in racing history – XCR.”
Polaris and riders are celebrating the return of XCR throughout the winter, starting with the Hay Days event and continuing with major snowmobile shows and races. Full details are available at www.TerrainDomination.com and on the Polaris Snowmobile Facebook page, where the #ReturnoftheXCR (#ReturnoftheXCR) keyword will be present throughout the winter.
NEW 600R racing snowmobile from Polaris
Polaris’ new 600R race snowmobile is the latest evolution of a championship- and race-winning racing platform. For 2017, the AXYS chassis-inspired design creates a more tapered, 10-inch snowmobile body to improve rider mobility and tight cornering capabilities. In addition to the new chassis, the snowmobile has a new intake and plenum system, windshield and headlight. The new instrument cluster includes the 600R’s digital message center indicator, and the footpeg area has been redesigned to reduce resistance in turns and improve under-hood ventilation.
The improved steering system offers a steering column that is 13.5 degrees flatter than the previous race sled, for improved rider mobility, cornering and sled handling. Steering effort is reduced due to an improved steering ratio.
The new exhaust system is designed to conform to the snowmobile’s new, slimmer frame and has been engineered to provide improved performance. In addition, the performance of the snowmobile is enhanced by:
a new clutch weight design for improved propulsion;
A new drive belt that improves performance and provides greater durability.
The 2017 Polaris 600R race sled also offers proven components such as the carbureted, fast-accelerating 600 Liberty® engine, a lightweight suspension transfer frame, industry-leading IFS (independent front suspension) and a rear suspension with improved shock calibration to optimize ride and balance.
“This is cutting-edge technology that wins races and helps develop our terrain-mastering snowmobiles for consumers,” Wolf said.
NEW RUSH XCR from Polaris
Polaris has long been the industry leader when it comes to mastering the terrain, both on and off the race track. Many of the models that excelled on the snowmobile trail and in races bore one of the legendary snowmobile names in Polaris history: XCR. The XCR name was introduced in the early 1990s to designate a snowmobile that closely resembled the model that mastered cross-country racing and was ridden by Polaris Hall of Fame racer Jack Struthers in his back-to-back wins in the grueling I-500 (in 1991 and 1992).
Just like this first XCR, les nouvelles 600 et 800 RUSH XCR are ready for racing. Polaris engineers achieved their goals of lightness, strength and durability with race-proven suspension components, such as the Chromoly rear pivot, reinforced slide holders and massive support wheels. The RUSH XCR is the snowmobile with the most remarkable handling and liveliest acceleration on the trails. Features include:
AXYS® chassis that provides active rider control (Rider-Balanced™) to achieve flatter turns, more precise handling at all times, and better control over small and large bumps.
PRO-XC™ suspension with Active Pitch Control™ geometry to optimize weight transfer. The progressive-action rear suspension is optimized for best performance and Rider-Balanced™ control; it offers a Walker Evans® 2.0-inch body front track damper that Polaris helped develop to withstand higher speeds and, with its larger oil volume, remains capable at higher operating temperatures.
The independent front suspension features Walker Evans® needle-shock absorbers with fixed external reservoir and adjustable up/down compression with XCR valves, giving the rider the best tuning option to accommodate personal driving styles and day-to-day conditions.
The Polaris Racing Technology (PRT) braking system has superior components and improved cooling to provide optimized braking in all conditions.
The new 800 RUSH XCR is powered by the proven 800 Cleanfire HO engine that delivers unmatched acceleration. It has electronically controlled three-phase exhaust valves, an electronic oil pump that eliminates power reduction caused by gearing, high-efficiency intake and exhaust, VForce® throttle blades for unparalleled engine response, a lightweight crankshaft and grooved pistons for improved durability and engine life.
“With the new Polaris 600R race snowmobile and the return of the XCR, it’s going to be a great winter for Polaris riders – on the racetrack and on the snowmobile trail,” said Wolf.
About Polaris
Polaris Industries Inc (NYSE: PII) is a global leader in powersports with 2015 annual sales of $4.7 billion. Polaris fuels the passion of drivers, employees and outdoor enthusiasts with its Polaris RANGER®, RZR® and GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; Polaris SPORTSMAN® and ACE® off-road vehicles; VICTORY® and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE® mid- and large-displacement motorcycles; SLINGSHOT® roadsters; and RMK®, INDY®, SWITCHBACK® and RUSH® snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the driving experience with parts, apparel and accessories sold under several recognizable brands and has a growing presence in adjacent markets around the world with products that include military and commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles, quadricycles and electric vehicles. www.polaris.com
