Like every year, we heard different rumors about the innovations to be offered by the Québec manufacturer. It was about a second generation of the E-TEC engines, others talked about a new pulley for the mountain sleds and others referred to brand new models and chassis… In short, like every year, there were many rumors but to know the orientations taken by the manufacturers, the best thing to do is to wait for their own official announcement.
Once again, Ski-Doo people have been so discreet that many of the innovations for 2015 they have now announced, were not even part of the rumors among snowmobilers.
Improved front suspension
The first announcement is about the front suspension. Effectively, for 2015, the RAS 2 front suspension is introduced. According to the manufacturer, this Response Angle Suspension 2 offers three advantages compared with the previous edition :
- Increased steering precision in big bumps
- Less swaying in curves
- Lighter
Still according to the manufacturer, this new suspension combined with the rMotion rear suspension highly improves the riding experience. The concept was to raise the rotation centre of the snowmobile in order to get it closer to its gravity centre. Reducing this distance means reducing the swaying tendancy as well as the inner ski lifting when cornering.
The RAS 2 suspension provides a weight reduction of 1,72 lb (about 0,78 kg). Finally, this new suspension adds about 20 mm to the ground clearance.
For 2015, the RAS 2 front suspension will be available on all Renegade and MX Z models, except for the Sport editions. Also, this new suspension will be on the Summit X models equipped with the T3 package (see below).
All this is very exciting of course, but nothing’s worth a test on trail and we will have the chance to test the RAS 2 suspension on the first days of March.
T3 package for Summit X models
During the last years, Ski-Doo proceeded to many improvements on their mountain lineup, like the tMotion for example. Today, many snowmobilers choose Summit and Freeride models when they buy a new machine because they are famous for their off-trail good performance and manoeuvrability.
For 2015, the manufacturer from Valcourt wanted to offer more traction and floatation to a very specific group of snowmobilers. Effectively, snowmobiling conditions in Western Canada are very particular and the type of snow (dry and very light) does not allow the 154 or 163 in. machines to float adequately. This year, Ski-Doo introduces the T3 package that includes a track with 3 in. (7,63 cm) studs for a better traction, and the new Summit X with a 174 in. (442 cm) tunnel for more floatation.
Of course, this type of sled (Summit X 174) has not been designed for the Québec market, so it will not be seen a lot in Eastern Canada.
The T3 package available on the Summit X 163 and 174 models offers more than a track with 3 in. studs. Here are the features of the T3 package :
- PowderMax 3 track with FlexEdge technology
- Chaincase extended by 1,1 in. (2,7 cm)
- Heat exchanger (radiator) under the tunnel has been redesigned and is shorter without reducing its efficiency. It is now located in the front part of the tunnel for a maximum exposition to snow.
- Improved edition of the tMotion rear suspension
- Pilot DS 3 skis with deeper keel than the DS 2 version
- Lighter silencer
- RAS 2 front suspension
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The 16,1 lb (7,3 kg) weight reduction is impressive and allows to optimize the floatation of the Summit X with T3 package along with improving the traction.
New throttle (ACE models)
This is quite a surprise Ski-Doo had for us, the Finger Throttle system. In fact, it is a lever that we can rotate around the handlebar in order to position it in front of the handlebar or behind it. Therefore, we can operate the lever with the thumb or with the index and middle fingers as we wish. I must say that I am very curious to see how it feels to use the index and middle fingers instead of the thumb… One of the advantages I see right now would be that under cold weather, if my thumb is frozen, I could rotate the throttle and let my thumb warm up on the heated grip…
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To make such a system possible, of course, the throttle must be electrical, not mechanical (with cable). This is why Ski-Doo can offer this new system for all models equipped with ACE 600 or ACE 900 engine.
New DESS key
How many times have we seen Ski-Doo riders having problem with their key as they wanted to leave the parking lot of a club house or a gas station ? Well, this time seems to be over now as Ski-Doo introduces for 2015 a new edition of the key : the RF DESS key.
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The recognition of the key is now easier and remains very safe in order to avoid snowmobile thefts.
A new X-RS model ?
If the MX Z X-RS is one of my Ski-Doo favorites, I must say that I had never wished for a Renegade X-RS. It is like a nice gift we never asked for. At least, this is how I feel when I think about this package.
Personally, I prefer longer tracks for trail snowmobiles. Comfort is increased even if we may feel like losing some handiness. This new snowmobile includes :
- X-RS package
- RAS 2 front suspension
- 15 in. (38 cm) track
- New DESS system
- New hand guards
- New colors
I can hardly wait to test the Renegade X-RS during the coming days and to be able to see its performance on trails.
Refinement of Renegade models
All Renegade trail models are now equipped with a 15 in. width track. It provides a better control and a reduction of weight.
The Renegade Backcountry snowmobiles have been improved a little in order to increase their performance off-trail. Effectively, they are equipped with 16 in. width track with the FlexEdge technology, only two rear track wheels and running boards with large gaps (like the running boards of the Summit).
More ACE 900
As expected, following the successful introduction of the Rotax ACE 900 engine, more Ski-Doo models are equipped with it for 2015. It is now in the Expedition LE and SE models and in the Skandic WT and SWT models.
Expansion of the iTC system
The iTC system (Intelligent Throttle Control) is now offered in models equipped with the Rotax ACE 600 engine. These models now benefit from three driving modes, Eco, Standard and Sport, along with the Learning Key system.
Those are the main modifications at Ski-Doo’s for 2015. In the coming weeks, you will be able to read here the articles «2015 favorites» presented by our five columnists who will participate to the Snow Shoot next March 2-6 2014.
What to expect from Ski-Doo in the future ?
It is very hard to guess what the manufacturer from Valcourt will offer in the next years, but I expect a new 2-stroke motorization. Even if the E-TEC 600 engine offers performance, low fuel consumption and good reliability, it has been introduced seven years ago… So, it would be very surprising that the replacement of the E-TEC technology (E-TEC 2 according to rumors) would not be already on drawing boards and put to the test since a few years …
This is the same situation concerning the REV-XP (XS, XR, …) chassis. Even if it is still very actual (thanks to many improvements and variants), the chassis is many years old… Ski-Doo knows how to surprise us and is probably waiting for the most strategic moment to announce a new REVolution.
Until then, we remain seated on the edge of our seats !
