Last February and March, the 4 manufacturers announced their 2016 models and we discovered many innovations. Here today, I will try to report the highlights of these announcements.
I analyzed the innovations and improvements brought by the manufacturers to their respective snowmobile lineup and I noticed some tendencies that seem interesting. For example, 3 out of 4 manufacturers present modifications to their 4-stroke engines while all of them introduce new suspensions or extend the use of their current suspensions. All this shows the noticeable effort made by each manufacturer to innovate in order to stand out in this market that is more diversified than ever.
Engines
In 2016, Arctic Cat introduces a new bicylinder engine of 700 cc. This 4-stroke engine (C-TEC4) develops 65 HP and is found in the 3000 category. Of course, it will equip the entry-level models like the Pantera 3000 and the Bearcat 3000 LT. The interesting point about this engine is that it is well known in the quad industry since the Wildcat Trail is equipped with it. This engine is also built for Arctic Cat by Kymco. During the next years, it would not be surprising to see this engine being more used than ever in the Arctic Cat lineup instead of the Suzuki 570 cc engine.
At Ski-Doo’s, the famous Rotax 1200 4-TEC engine will now be equipped with the iTC, intelligent Throttle Control. Just like the ACE engines, it will offer 3 operating modes (Sport, Standard and ECO), the finger throttle and the learning key. However, what is even more interesting is that the response time of the engine is reduced by 45 % compared with the models of past years. Also, the new calibration of the engine allows improved performances at start until medium engine speed. And trail models equipped with this engine are switched to the REV-XS platform.
For 2016, Yamaha surprised everyone by announcing an extensive remake of the famous 3-cylinder Genesis engine found on the RS Vector and RS Venture. Everything has been done to give a second life to this engine. New crankshaft, new pistons, new piston rods and new materials and moulding.
Furthermore, this engine now includes two new systems, the YCCT (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) and the D-Mode. These new systems offer to the pilot a 3-mode drive selection (Entry, Touring and Sport).
Suspension
Arctic Cat presents the articulating XTRA-Action rear suspension on Bearcat XT and Bearcat XT GS models. This new suspension has been completely redesigned and allows the rear part to be articulating or not. This particularity allows optimum use of flotability in deep snow and efficiency when going backwards in snow. Also, on articulating mode, it provides more comfort and suppleness on trail.
Concerning its mountain lineup, Arctic Cat has also improved the suspensions. At front, the caster angle of the spindles changes from 17 to 27 °, which allows the outer side of the ski to clear out more easily while countersteering. Then, the snowmobile remains more predictable. Also, the spindles present a new arch-shape that provides easier clearance in snow, which reduces drag. At rear, the Float-Action suspension has been improved for more flexibility on the adjustment and a better control for the pilot.
In 2015, Polaris has been very successful with the introduction of its new AXYS chassis. In 2016, the american manufacturer presents its new AXYS mountain platform. Its design makes it 1,36 kg (3 lb) lighter and 15 % more rigid. Of course, Polaris’ engineers used this opportunity to offer a totally redesigned suspension at front and at rear. At front, spindles have been extended, thus increasing the height of the front end. This reduces drag in snow and makes easier the lateral weight transfer. At rear, the anchor points of the suspension have been lowered in order to make it the lowest possible all while also reducing drag. An interesting fact is that Polaris announces that the dry weight (estimated) of the 2016 800 PRO-RMK 155 will be of only 185 kg (408 lb).
This year, Ski-Doo introduces the 129 in / 328 cm edition of the rMotion suspension. This length is a compromise between the rMotion of 120 and 137 in. / 305 and 348 cm. Effectively, it offers an increased comfort, a good traction all while keeping a great handling. In 2016, the rMotion suspension of 129 in / 328 cm will equip only the MXZ X-RS, MXZ X and MXZ Blizzard models.
Yamaha presents the brand new Lightweight SingleShot rear suspension. It has been designed by the japanese manufacturer and is available on the 2016 Apex and RS Vector lineups. This suspension is offered in 129 and 146 in / 328 and 371 cm editions. As its name says, Yamaha wanted to offer a lighter suspension without compromising in comfort. Effectively, the 129 in / 328 cm edition of the SingleShot is lighter by 10 lb (4,54 kg) compared to the Monoshock RA 2 of 128 in / 325 cm, while the SingleShot of 146 in / 371 cm is 9 lb (4,1 kg) lighter than the Monoshock RA 2 of 136 in / 345 cm.
On Yamaha mountain snowmobiles, the front suspension has received the same improvements than Arctic Cat machines, meaning the caster angle and the new spindle shape.
Great innovations
Once again, Ski-Doo has shaken the industry by presenting the Pilot TS ski. It allows the pilot to adjust the carbide runner height according to trail conditions. Effectively, with a knob that can be easily reached, the snowmobiler will adjust in a few seconds and without any tool, the runner height in order to get the required bite.
On the Bearcat 7000 XT and 7000 XT GS utility models, Arctic Cat introduces the new WR3 transmission. It offers 3 speeds, High, Low and Super Low. Also, we can engage in reverse from the same lever on the console.
Other changes
This is a glance at the main innovations brought to the 2016 lineup of each manufacturer. Effectively, they announced many other modifications. Most of them are meant to reinforce their respective snowmobile float. For example, Ski-Doo withdrawned the GSX lineup for 2016.
For more informations on 2016 snowmobile lineups, please read the complete file on our web magazine SledMagazine.com at this address:
www.motoneiges.ca/dossiers/motoneiges2016
If you are currently shopping for your next purchase, I hope these informations will help you make your choice.
Have a great 2016 snowmobiling season!
