Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2013 sales of $3.8 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris Ranger and RZR side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, as well as motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles. Of course our interest in them stays focused on just their off-road offerings, which are so innovative and exciting, they have the power make this industry thrive once again. The thing we love most about Polaris is that every year brings new innovations forward in this field and many times, even totally new vehicles, that further expand possibilities and bringing more people into this wonderful family oriented activity.
We will soon be graced with the opportunity to test all of the new stuff from Polaris very soon as we’ve been invited to a big press event in Utah. We could have waited only after that event to talk about the 2015 Polaris line of off-road products but why not offer you a sneak peek since they’ve already sent us the press kit and wonderful images to share with you. Model Year 2015 is another big year of new products and further refinement of the current product lines, so this should be interesting.
Performance upgrades and restyling changes are plentiful across all different platforms offered. Lets start with the now very popular RZR line, which has become the broadest line of recreational focused Side x Side vehicles including trail, high performance and four seat offerings. The most spectacular additions to this extensive line of products are two, new, purpose-built vehicles, the RZR XP 1000 High Lifter Edition for those with a lot of mud to conquer and the RZR XP 1000 Desert Edition to provide the ultimate RZR experience while exploring a desert.
Both are equally visually stunning and extremely powerful machines. Purpose built for the true mud conqueror, with engine air and clutch intakes placed high behind the seats, the RZR XP 1000 High Lifter Edition also features, high-clearance A-Arms, redesigned front axles and stiffer suspension springs for superior ground clearance and handling over, or deep into, extra challenging obstacles. Without a doubt the 29.5 in/74.93 cm High Lifter Outlaw II tires, give this particular RZR heightened capacity in the toughest conditions but the transformation goes beyond that and mud-specific Walker Evans shocks were also added and they sealed switches, the fuse box and the battery. This beauty is also wrapped with a superb-looking High Lifter graphics kit, half doors, bolted on a Polaris PRO HD 4,500 lb./2041.17 kg winch with synthetic rope and integrated switches and a brushguard.
The RZR XP 1000 Desert Edition features high-clearance A-arms, 18 in/45.7 cm rear and 16 in/40.6 cm front suspension travel, a 13.5 in/34.3 ground clearance, beadlocks with Mongrel tires, six-point seatbelts, body protection, spare tire, roof, upgraded lighting and an interactive digital display. All RZR XP 1000 models with their true 999cc Twin EFI engines get a small power increase to 110 hp and new intake covers, new belt, new helix and a new clutch cover with more ducting providing more airflow and cooler belt temperature, depending on conditions, for improved belt life.
The entire RZR line is made better with power increases across the board. The more basic and affordable choices are actually getting a more significant power increase with the Prostar 900 engine replacing the 800. In other words the RZR and RZR-S models are now 900s. The new 50 in/127 cm RZR 900 and 60 in/152.4 cm RZR S 900 vehicles feature unequalled power from their 75 horsepower engine offering improved power-to-weight ratio and even faster acceleration. Accessory integration remains excellent on these vehicles and they can truly be customized to satisfy every off-roading need possible.
The RZR lifestyle is gaining popularity and the entire 2015 line actually encourages its continued growth with the revolutionary ergonomics and styling of the popular RZR XP 1000, along with a long list of that vehicles details and innovations, now improving every model. All RZR vehicles now feature factory-installed quarter doors for extra protection from debris, and easier ingress and egress. For improved adjustability, the units feature the innovative, flow-through tongue seat belt design that is easier to adjust and retract. The sealed belt retractor housing ensures the belts will endure through the nastiest conditions. To stay on the trail longer, the vehicles sport a larger 9.5 gal/36 L fuel tank. The newly-designed seats offer improved bolstering and 100 percent more hip cushioning for a more secure feel, and feature a new thin-film technology under the cover for a drier ride in wet conditions. Other improvements include a new, stiffer steering wheel designed for comfort and a more responsive feel, LED floor lighting and a slick blue back-lighted instrument cluster, readable both in direct sunlight and at night, a large center storage area and a bigger glove box with new latch, deeper rear box for ample cargo space, sealed floor seams and equipment pass-throughs to keep the occupants cleaner, as well as dual removable floor drains that make cleaning the cabin simpler.
At 55 inch wide (139.7 cm), the RZR 900 XC Edition further accommodates the specific needs of many trail explorers with premium upgrades such as Turf Mode, Electronic Power Steering (EPS) an Engine Braking System (EBS), high performance All-Wheel Drive (AWD), 27 in/68.58 GBC Dirt Commanders on 14 in/35.56 cm Vader Rims, FOX Podium X 2.0 shocks and Polaris’ new interactive digital display.
This new Interactive Digital Display is said to be the most advanced instrumentation in Off-Road
Vehicles (ORV) and will be available on the RZR 900 XC Edition, RZR XP 1000 Desert Edition and the Ranger XP 900 EPS Vogue Silver Deluxe. The full-color, 4.3-in/10.92 cm, LCD display provides riders with vehicle performance, operating conditions, riding conditions and Bluetooth capabilities. The vehicle diagnostics displays fault codes and descriptions with some corrective actions to keep the vehicle running in top condition. For an enhanced riding experience, the GPS connectivity offers exact location information including elevation, latitude and longitude, compass, and the ability to record the driver’s route and save waypoints so the trails can be found anytime. The trail and mapping information also can be updated through RiderX.com to ensure the most up-to-date information. To stay connected, the display offers Smartphone connectivity through Bluetooth to view incoming texts, missed calls, phone battery life and cell signal strength. The new Interactive Digital Display will also be available as an accessory for other models.
To round out the RZR line, Polaris will continue to offer the RZR 570 in White Lightning, RZR 570 Trail Edition with EPS in Sunset Red, RZR 4 800 in Super Steel Gray and RZR 900 EPS with rear 3-link trailing arm in Stealth Black. The best news is that by the time this magazine gets to print, the 2015 RZR vehicles will already be in dealerships.
On the Ranger side, 75 percent of the line up receives performance upgrades and restyling based on the line’s flagship vehicle, the Ranger XP 900 and three new deluxe package Ranger XP 900 EPS models have been added: the Vogue Silver Deluxe Edition for the trail, Ranger XP 900 EPS Hunter Deluxe Edition for hunting, and NorthStar Deluxe Edition for cold weather, with heater with defrost, and heated seats and more to tackle the coldest weather.
Sportsman ATVs add six new members, and redefines its premium and value offerings; and the Sportsman ACE line will expand with the addition of the Sportsman ACE 570. New to the Premium Line of Sportsman ATVs for 2015, and leading the Big Bore category in power, are the Sportsman XP 1000 and Sportsman Touring XP 1000. Their 88 horsepower ProStar single overhead cam 1000 twin engine is based upon the proven 850 twin and features a 270-degree offset crankshaft and dual balance shafts for responsive power that remains very smooth and vibration free. For a smoother ride on the Sportsman Touring XP 1000, the unit features an improved driver and passenger seat with more contour and bolstering for increased passenger comfort and security. To work harder, the units feature the highest pulling and towing power at 1,500 lbs./680.4 kg and biggest rack capacity at 120 lbs./54.4 kg front and 240 lbs./108.9 kg rear with a total of 100 built-in, tie-down points to ensure plenty of room to carry extra cargo. The units also feature Polaris HD 2500 lb./1133 kg winch and new plow accessory integration to get the job done quicker and easier, and a new headlight pod with improved visibility to instrumentation for easier operation.
The Sportsman XP 1000 will join Polaris’ Premium ATV line, and will be available in Black Pearl Metallic Paint and Polaris Pursuit Camo. The Sportsman Touring XP 1000 will be available in Bronze Mist Paint.
Polaris also expands the 500 class by adding two premium models, the Sportsman 570 SP and Sportsman Touring 570 SP. The Sportsman 570 SP and Sportsman Touring 570 SP feature several upgraded refinements found on premium model ATVs. They feature durable, automotive paint and cast aluminum 14 in/35.6 cm rims with 26 in/66.04 cm Maxxis tires. The vehicles’ Double A-Arm Front Suspension has optimized geometry for the vehicles’ standard EPS and feature 8.25 in/20.96 cm of travel. Their close-ratio, On-Demand, True AWD System provides improved traction by engaging faster than before when power to all four wheels is needed. For better work capability, the vehicles have 660W of electrical output to run more accessories, and a new headlight pod with improved visibility to instrumentation, plus unmatched winch and plow integration to make adding accessories even easier.
The Sportsman 570 SP and Sportsman Touring 570 SP will be part of Polaris’ Premium and Premium 2-Up ATV offering. The Sportsman 570 SP will be available in Sunset Red, Titanium Matte Metallic and a fully loaded Hunter Edition, and the Sportsman Touring 570 SP in Sunset Red and Blue Fire. Rounding out the Premium ATV line will be the Sportsman 850 SP featuring EPS, Close-Ratio, On-Demand, True AWD System and the new headlight pod, in Sunset Red or Titanium Matte Metallic, and Scrambler XP 1000 with EPS in White Lightning. Joining the Value 2-Up 500 class is the new Sportsman X2 570 which features the same chassis as the Sportsman Touring 570 EPS only with a versatile 400 lb./180 kg dump box that seconds as a passenger seat and flips up in seconds.
Also new to the Value Line for 2015 is the Sportsman ETX that uses the Sportsman 570 chassis but with a smaller and lower profile with improved ergonomics. At its heart is a 30 horsepower, Electronic Fuel Injected (EFI) ProStar engine featuring an internal counter-balance shaft for smooth, vibration-free power. The dual overhead camshafts and a 4-valve cylinder head work with the advanced engine management system to precisely deliver the fuel charge for impressive power and instant, predictable throttle response; while the lightweight efficient transmission captures every ounce of power to deliver it to the ground. Like all ProStar engines, the design reduces internal friction which dramatically reduces noise and significantly increases efficiency. The addition of EFI on this entry-level model ensures easy starting, improved run quality and elevation compensation to ensure reliability normally found on more premium models. The unit also features integrated winch and plow mounts, making it easier to add these accessories when needed. The Sportsman ETX will be available in Sage Green and Blue Fire and will be part of the Sportsman Value Line that also features the Sportsman 570 and 570 EPS offered in Sage Green, Indy Red and Polaris Pursuit Camo, with EPS models available in Bright White, Sage Green and Polaris Pursuit Camo. Also part of the Value Line is the Sportsman 850, featuring the new headlight pod, which will be available in Sage Green, White Lightning and Polaris Pursuit Camo, and the Scrambler 850 in Indy Red.
Available in White Lightning and Voodoo Blue, the new Sportsman ACE 570 is yet another exciting addition to the industry’s most complete line of off-road products. Due to great feedback from consumers and dealers, the company is adding this new Sportsman ACE model with more power provided by a 45 horsepower, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder Pro-Star 570 engine.
Polaris’ Youth line up will include two 2015 ATV youth models, the Phoenix 200 and Outlaw 50, and two 2014 Youth ATV models, the Outlaw 90 and Sportsman 90, based upon the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America’s (SVIA) Youth ATV categories. Polaris also will offer the RZR 170 as a 2014 model, which is compliant to the SVIA standard.
So there you have it, more Polaris models than ever before to choose from and our upcoming 2-day press event, we hope will be enough to try them all out. Be sure to stay tuned for a full report on our first impressions in coming issues.
For more information on the above mentioned models, please visit the Polaris Website
More from Polaris on ATV Trail Rider :
Polaris ATV Models – Polaris UTV Models – Polaris ATV Reviews – Polaris UTV Reviews
