Those who have read our articles in the past few years are familiar with the famous question ourselves then: How can we improve such a winning solution? It seems that the team of engineers at BRP, headed by Mr. Steeve Langlais, has managed this accomplishement by recreating, from scratch, a brand new snowmobile platform. Compared to the current REV, the platform REV-XP creates an equally large gap to the test as the REV compared with a traditional snowmobile chassis.
A clear trend
But how did they come? The first sentence of this article gives us an excellent index. While REV was on the rise in 2003, the leadership of BRP already focused on his successor, giving the starting gun for an ambitious project: to significantly reduce the weight of the next generation of snowmobiles. All paradigms of industry have been called into question because we did not speak to reduce from 10 to 15 pounds, but much more, or 10% of the total weight of the machine. After 4 years of hard work internally to BRP from home as well as with their partners, Doo presents its new platform REV-XP who officially cut an average of 50 pounds at its current platform REV. But unofficially, we are talking about 60 to 65 pounds less! On a vehicle of 483 lbs, you will agree that the split is enormous. We understand much better strategy BRP which is moving clearly in the area of snowmobile ultra light. Although BRP was unwilling to give any comment on developments engine of the next few years, we understand that this commitment in the light really does step in the direction of a new four-stroke engine that would distort this new platform.
Where are the 50 pounds?
All those who follow the industry Motor Vehicles avoueront that level where we are in 2007, can not be cut almost 15% of the mass of a vehicle does not fundamentally change the approach and the materials used. In fact, it is important to understand that all the details have been looked at hundreds of times in order to achieve this level of lightness. Both teams BRP that all its suppliers have had to revise their thinking. Here is now the key elements that contribute to the lightness of REV-XP.
First, the chassis itself has lost more than 13 lbs and is 20% lighter than the REV without affecting its rigidity. The front suspension has been completely revised from more than 50 lbs to 43 lbs. These 7 lbs and less are characterized by new legs of lightweight aluminum suspension and the use of different plastics and lighter ones for various parts of the suspension. The new rear suspension SC – 5 accuses 8 lbs less than the SC – 4 through, among other things, media magnesium wheels, rollers ultra light guides caterpillar punctured and the use of aluminum arms instead the steel. The system of conduct also been greatly eased from 133 parts to 55 only, thereby reducing the weight of 13.6 lbs to 8.6 lbs. The caterpillar could not be spared from this slimming cure. The new RipSaw ultra slim record 4 lbs less weight than the one used currently for the Blizzard. The drive, however, is reduced by 8 lbs thanks to a new chain in the guise of magnesium and reducing weight in the pulley conducted and the system of sprockets. Finally, one last 8 lbs has been dropped on all parts of the machine as well as the seat of the snowmobile.
Features REV-XP
In addition to this huge weight loss, this new platform brings a number of advantages characterized by several innovations. In terms of the chassis, you will notice the new position of conduct REV-XP. People from Doo listened to the comments of customers calling for a little more room to lengthen their legs during long treks. Despite the fact that the masses are even more focused (engine aft and pilot forwards) that the REV, the pilot can now lengthen her legs forward (see photo). This is now possible because the pulley conducted was placed much higher in the passenger Powertrain freeing 8 inches (20cm) of space forward to the feet of the driver.
In addition to being dropped even more, the engine was placed 1 inch lower than in the REV lowering the center of gravity of the snowmobile. You will notice that the steps would fill feet over snow, even in a situation of snow, thanks to the running boards entirely holes that are used on this platform. And for those who would associate lightness and fragility, think again! Despite its weight by 20% lighter than the REV, chassis REV-XP is 37% more rigid than its predecessor, which greatly improves the behavior of the snowmobile. In terms of driving, note the significant improvement in the precision of it thanks to the decrease in rooms (133 vs. 55) in the system.
It should also be noted the new dashboard which provides for this platform. In addition to the two dials needle (Odometer and RPM) placed on each side, the central area of the dial is a digital information center that informs you, the biggest, on various indicators according to your choice: speed, RPM, altitude , reached peak speed, fuel level, intensity of the heating elements and more. We also find information much appreciated by snowmobilers two meters daily and a clock.
First impression on the snow
All these elements and characteristics are very interesting on paper … but we all know is on the snow that it happens really! And to do that, what’s better than a day on the trails of Grand Lake, Colorado where the whole team BRP waiting for us to test the new platform. Renderings on site, a fleet of nearly 40 snowmobiles we expected, and MX Z Summit. After this view paradise, the second shock was the first 5 minutes … unlike REV where the pilot needs a few hours to get used to the chassis, REV-XP could be labeled "intuitive" for many snowmobilers. We were amazed how we feel instinctively understand the reactions of the Mount and the ease with which we were driving.
The accuracy of the conduct is exemplary, greatly improved by a better center of mass and center of gravity lowered. To demonstrate this phenomenon, we made some turns 180 degrees on the flat, slow and rush without the accelerator. The radius needed to make these turns is shorter by at least 33% compared to current snowmobiles. Imagine moving in curves knife … a true precision!
Coté performance, it should be noted that 50 pounds less to carry combined with a caterpillar RipSaw directly improve clearly and vehicle acceleration. Add to it the Power T.E.K 800R to 151 horses and even at 9,000 feet above sea level, it’s obvious difference. Mention more qu’honorable the new dashboard which allows us finally, high-speed, read the directions in a split second in safety. Those few hours on horseback, which have passed too quickly, we have clearly helped greatly appreciate the handling and performance of these new mounts. In addition, the new driving position improves comfort after a few hours by reducing fatigue at the knees and legs.
In conclusion
Although some clues recent weeks we were preparing for a major revolution in terms of weight, we were very impressed to see the concrete results achieved during the 4 years of work. While there’s still a little work to do to find the perfect adjustments by next season, already we have seen, in fact, the enormous potential of this new platform. An equally important developments would not have been possible if BRP was not involved in the sustainability of our sport. It is clear that the Ski-Doo division is always very important for BRP, as they apparently did not sleep on their laurels following the success of the REV. It is understandable that Doo stands clearly for the future with a strategy based on snowmobiles ultra light, which is designed to keep the firm in Valcourt summit of world sales snowmobile.
