In 2003, Ski-Doo has drastically changed the snowmobile industry by producing the revolutionary REV platform. A major design innovation that put emphasis on the pilot ergonomics and the mass centralization. During the following years, BRP has brought many improvements and has introduced many innovative technologies in order to offer today the most complete snowmobile lineup of the industry. So, what could the Valcourt manufacturer do to keep his first place in front of his tough competitors ? The answer was very simple : to set once again the industry standards in terms of innovation, design, power and riding experience. For 2017, Ski-Doo once again pushed the limits of performance by introducing the fourth-generation REV platform, jointly developed with an even more impressive motorization, the Rotax 850 E-TEC available in the MXZ, Renegade and Summit snowmobile models.
New fourth-generation REV platform
Right from the first time we looked at the new fourth-generation REV platform, we have been immediately seduced by its modern and yet classic style, inspired by the famous XS and XM chassis and by the legacy of Ski-Doo snowmobiles that made the brand renowned over the years. The designers of this chassis also wanted a very authentic style, using lines and shapes that are very design-trendy, in order to offer a visual theme that will never go out of style.
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New fourth-generation REV platform – Very authentic design inspired by Ski-Doo legacy
Over the visual aspect, the new REV platform offers numerous performance advantages. Combined with the new Rotax 850 E-TEC engine, narrower than the previous one, this chassis allows a radically superior mass centralization that facilitates steering in turns or inclination in deep snow. This mass distribution also helps to reduce importantly the required effort and fatigue of the pilot. The reduced total width of the engine block gives a narrower snowmobile by about 4 in./10 cm, which is quite an advantage in matters of ergonomics and riding position.
Fourth-generation REV chassis, narrower and more ergonomic
Due to the ergonomics of the new REV platform, the pilot can push the actual performance limits. The narrower design allows the snowmobiler to move instinctively and more comfortably in order to negotiate turns even more easily. The new Ergo-Step lateral panels allow the pilot to have a much further forward position and to take curves aggressively like never before. In the Summit edition, the Ergo-Step panels have been designed for powder snow and also offer more stability in slope.
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The Ergo-Step panels provide an even more sporty type of riding
When a pilot rides in a very inclined position, it is normal that his foot tends to turn. To improve the riding experience, the grip sides have been eliminated, all while keeping the upper part to grab. This allows the pilot to have an even more natural riding position. Pilots who use the side of their foot as anchor can choose the lateral hook offered as an option. The seat of MXZ and Renegade models has also been redesigned. It is now narrower at front to facilitate the rider motion in aggressive type of riding. It is also larger at rear for a comfortable ride. Concerning the Summit, its lightweight mountain seat is narrower to facilitate maneuvers. The MXZ X and Renegade X units also have an adjustable handlebar with 4 settings for optimal rider positioning, from front to rear, as wished. The design of the running boards and tapered tunnel also facilitates a sporty riding.
The MXZ X and Renegade X models are equipped with a standard adjustable handlebar with 4 settings
The fourth-generation REV platform offers as many accessories as its predecessors. More than 70 new accessories especially designed to be used on the new platform, such as the LinQ system, protection plates and DEL lights, will be available right on the first year to customize the snowmobile and to improve the riding experience.
Second-generation Rotax 850 E-TEC new engine
To offer an incredible experience to the pilot, BRP engineers have developed in combination with the new REV chassis, a brand new high performance second-generation E-TEC engine.
Second-generation Rotax 850 E-TEC new engine
The Rotax 850 E-TEC is extremely powerful. It develops 10 HP more than its predecessor, for a total of 165 HP that makes it the most powerful engine of its category. It has a bore of 82 mm and a stroke of 80 mm, for a total displacement of 849 cc. The full power of the engine is felt instantly, that is 30 % faster, thanks to a distance of 35 % shorter between the throttle body and the inlet valves. The second-generation E-TEC injectors are also more efficient, more precise and provide to the engine a throttle response much more energetic. This engine is also equipped with boost injectors for optimal time of response. The eRAVE exhaust valves offer an opening and closing speed that is 3 times faster than the 800R E-TEC. The electronic control module (ECM) is also much faster, up to 12 millions of calculations per second, which is twice as fast as the previous one.
The second-generation Rotax 850 E-TEC engine has been designed to offer more power and liveliness
The improvements brought to the fuel supply system allow to keep an impressive fuel consumption of 12,3 L/100 km, despite an important increase of the power and motorization. Also, the second-generation 850 E-TEC new engine is very efficient and consumes very little oil. In fact, its consumption is the same than the very efficient 600 E-TEC, which lets you ride up to 40 % more kilometers with the same oil reservoir than the 800R E-TEC.
Drawing their inspiration from the best available technologies of the 4-stroke and diesel engines, Ski-Doo engineers have brought significant improvements to the Rotax 850 E-TEC that will revolutionize the future of 2-stroke engines in terms of durability. The cylinder walls are now covered with a Plasma coating, a slightly porous and very durable material, that reduces friction by continuously holding an oil film. The use of a steel spider and a cast iron retaining ring, along with the cylinder Plasma coating, reduces importantly the effects between the different expansion rates of the engine components. The engine oil injection has also been significantly improved. It is now injected on the crankshaft bearings, right where and when it is necessary. This way, engine lubrication is optimal, using minimal injection oil. The new Rotax 850 E-TEC engine has also a forged 2-piece crankshaft that reduces inertia of rotating masses. The engine starter gear is now integrated to the magneto, reducing the total weight and width of the engine.
Direct oil injection on the crankshaft bearings of the Rotax 850 E-TEC
RAS 3 front suspension
The new RAS 3 suspension is very similar to the RAS 2 edition, but it has been improved to offer an optimal performance in combination with the new fourth-generation REV chassis. For the MXZ and Renegade models, the RAS 3 offers additional 1 in./2,5 cm of travel, while the Summit models have a longer travel by 0.8 in./2 cm. The RAS 3 edition is also lighter by 0.7 lb/317,5 g than the previous edition.
The new RAS 3 suspension optimizes the performance of the fourth-generation REV platform
pDrive drive clutch
The new pDrive drive clutch has been especially designed to be used with the Rotax 850 E-TEC engine. It is 15 % lighter with 30 % less rotating inertia than the TRA. Using the friction-free rollers instead of traditional sliders, allows to transmit the engine torque much more efficiently. Along with the improved efficiency of the pDrive, its design makes it much more durable by reducing the heat produced by its functioning. In fact, the new pDrive requires no particular maintenance. The edition for Summit snowmobiles also has pawls for quick adjustment of the maximal engine speed in regards of changes in altitude.
The pDrive drive clutch has been designed to transmit to the track the full power of the Rotax 850 E-TEC engine
Improvements of the fourth-generation REV
Many significant improvements have been brought to the design of the new REV platform for the XS and XM models. The first element is the chain case. Its drain plug now allows to change oil much more easily without having to open the top. For the tension of the chain, you just have to open the lateral panel, to remove the pin and to use a simple screwdriver to adjust it. The heat exchangers are now part of the tunnel instead of an extruded aluminum part with blades. This new configuration provides better cooling and heat transfer capability. The new REV platform has a fuel tank capacity of 36 liters. The probe and the siphon have also been improved for a more precise fuel indication. The glove box now offers 4 liters of storage, with a sealing ring to reduce moisture effects. The battery has also been moved under the rear seat to reduce the vehicle width. For more precision, the MXZ X and Renegade X models are now equipped with a rack-and-pinion steering, by eliminating problems of alignment and contrecoups in steering.
Available models with the new REV platform and 850 E-TEC engine
In order to allow a large of number of snowmobilers to benefit from all the performance, power and agility of the new models equipped with the fourth-generation REV chassis, and from the 850 E-TEC engine, Ski-Doo offers for 2017 six different models, Spring Exclusive and during the season, in the three main segments of snowmobile market in North America.
In the MXZ lineup, the new combination REV chassis and 850 E-TEC engine is offered on the MXZ X and TNT models. Offered only in spring, the MXZ X has the advantage of race-proven high performance KYB Pro 36 shocks, and the 4-setting adjustable riser block. The MXZ X and the TNT are both equipped with a track of 129 in./328 cm. The MXZ X is offered in Sunburst Yellow or Black while the TNT is offered in White/Black or Black.
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2017 MXZ X – Fourth-generation REV chassis and 850 E-TEC engine
The same combination is also offered in the hybrid segment of the Renegade lineup, the X and Adrenaline models. The X edition is available in Orange Crush or Black. The Adrenaline edition is offered in White/Black or Black. The adjustment package that includes the rMotion Quick Adjust system and Pilot TS skis is offered as an option for the X editions of MXZ and Renegade models.
2017 Renegade X – Fourth-generation REV chassis and 850 E-TEC engine
Concerning the Mountain snowmobiles, the new REV chassis and the 850 E-TEC engine are available for Summit X and SP models, in the editions of 154 and 165 in./391 and 419 cm. These new models are much lighter than the models in XM edition, thanks to the brand new PowderMax Light track with pitch of 3.5 in./8,9 cm. Along with being lighter, this track offers a better traction and floatation since it keeps more snow between its studs. It is available with profile height of 2.5 and 3 in./6,4 and 7,6 cm.
2017 Summit X – Fourth-generation REV platform and 850 E-TEC engine
Other models of the 2017 lineup
All other models of the 2016 Ski-Doo lineup are back for 2017 with very energetic colors and very interesting improvements on some models, in order to make the snowmobilers experience even more incredible. The different motorizations available in 2016, the 600 H.O. E-TEC, 800R E-TEC, 600 carb, 500F, 600 ACE, 900 ACE and 1200 4-TEC, are also back for 2017. Editions of the MXZ X, MXZ TNT, Renegade X and Renegade Adrenaline are available with these motorizations on the REV-XS chassis, along with the new editions with the fourth-generation REV chassis and the 850 E-TEC engine.
Renegade X-RS 800R E-TEC 2017
The very popular 2016 MXZ Blizzard is also back for 2017 to the greatest joy of Ski-Doo fans. We remember that in 2007, the previous version of the MXZ Blizzard has been produced only one year. This trail snowmobile is very sporty and offers numerous impressive standard features such as the Pilot TS skis, the Ice Ripper XT track of 129 in./328 cm, the HPG Plus suspension and the iTC system on the 1200 4-TEC edition. For 2017, the MXZ TNT is even more sporty than ever since it is now equipped with a track of 129 in./328 cm with rMotion suspension.
The very popular MXZ Blizzard is back for 2017
Fans of the very popular Renegade Enduro will also be happy to learn that this model is now equipped for 2017 with a heated seat. This addition will please especially the traditional clientele of the former GSX SE models who wished to see this feature, very useful during long rides, added to standard equipments of the Renegade Enduro.
The 2017 Renegade Enduro is now equipped with a heated seat
In the Grand Touring lineup, two improvements will refine what is already considered as the best 2-up snowmobile. The Grand Touring SE is now available in 900 ACE edition, along with the very popular 1200 4-TEC. The 900 ACE edition will surely please fans of long smooth rides on trails with fuel economy. The traction of the Grand Touring SE and LE models is also improved by the addition of a standard track with lug of 1.25 in./3,2 cm
Ski-Doo Grand Touring SE 900 ACE 2017
Except for some color differences, the Freeride, Expedition, Skandic and Tundra models remain mostly the same for 2017.
2017 Ski-Doo : exceptional snowmobile lineup
As you can see, the new 2017 Ski-Doo snowmobile lineup is the result of many years of development and innovation. Each Ski-Doo snowmobile has been developed for one and only purpose, to offer an incredible riding experience to each snowmobiler. The new models with fourth-generation REV platform and 850 E-TEC engine have been designed to offer to snowmobilers the most powerful, the most manageable and the most agile vehicles of the industry. Also, many improvements have been brought to existing models in order to improve their overall performance and to fulfill some particular needs. The 2017 Ski-Doo snowmobile lineup is even more diversified and efficient than ever and it will definitely satisfy the most demanding snowmobilers.
Many short videos have been produced by columnists of SledMagazine.com web magazine, in collaboration with Ski-Doo Marketing and Engineering team members, during the unveiling of the 2017 models held earlier this season. We invite you to watch these videos (French) in the 2017 Ski-Doo playlist on the YouTube page of SledMagazine.com by clicking on the following link :
For more information on the 2017 Ski-Doo lineup, please visit Ski-Doo web site at www.ski-doo.com or visit a BRP dealer near you.
