New Model Year 2009 Sleds Deliver on Polaris’ Tradition of Superior Ride and Handling
Polaris Industries Inc., the leader of Ride and Handling in the snowmobile industry for over 54 years, today announced its 2009 line-up of sleds featuring more models with the powerful Liberty® 800 HO Cleanfire4™ engine, an expanded selection of high-value Shift models and the first Utility model built on the Polaris-exclusive IQ® Chassis at its annual dealer sales meeting in Reno, Nevada. With Slednecks riders Randy Sherman and Paul Thacker on hand, Polaris continued its support of the Free Ride segment with the introduction of the back-country-dominating 800 RMK 146 Assault.
With its 2009 model line-up, Polaris has once again answered the call of snow enthusiasts with the latest innovation, technology and rugged reliability that separates its sleds from all the rest. Nearly every model is built on the Polaris IQ Chassis, an ideally balanced platform whose ride and handling are optimized by premium IQ suspensions and shock packages and complemented by high-performance engines. Through its dominant snocross and cross-country racing program and the most demanding testing program in the industry, Polaris has developed efficient, durable, high-performance snowmobiles for every type of rider.
"The history and tradition of Polaris snowmobiles is built on the ride and handling experience and driven by a company with a passion for riding,” said Bennett Morgan, President and COO, Polaris Industries. "The new, innovative products demonstrate our Company’s commitment to providing the ultimate in quality, performance and value for every kind of snow enthusiast."
Nine models in three distinctive model segments will feature the compact, efficient and extremely powerful liquid-cooled twin Liberty 800 HO Cleanfire4 engine in 2009. The 800 engine will be used in two Performance models (800 IQ and the 800 Dragon SP™), two Crossover models (800 Switchback and 800 Dragon Switchback) and five Deep Snow models (800 Assault™ RMK 146, 800 RMK Shift 144, 800 RMK 155 and the 800 Dragon RMK 155 and 163). In addition, Polaris will offer six Shift models in three model segments (550 IQ Shift™ and 600 IQ Shift in Performance; 600 IQ Shift 136 in Crossover; 600 RMK Shift 144, 600 RMK Shift 155 and 800 RMK Shift 144 in Deep Snow) that deliver outstanding performance and the industry’s best ride and handling — all at an incredible value. Snow enthusiasts will continue to have the opportunity to personalize and customize the all-black Shift models to their taste, and enjoy the sleds’ powerful Polaris twin-cylinder engine and Polaris IQ Chassis across all segments.
Polaris also unveiled the new 2009 WideTrak IQ, the industry’s first Utility model built on the IQ Chassis. With its long-travel IQ IFS (Independent Front Suspension), it gives riders easy responsive handling on- and off-trail.
"Polaris riders have demanded and will get the ultimate riding experience in 2009," said Scott Swenson, vice president and general manager, Snowmobile and Pure Polaris Divisions. "Our new snowmobile lineup delivers the industry-leading quality, ultimate performance and features and exceptional value that riders want."
Polaris’ industry leading innovative products are available to riders now via the pre-season Snow Check order. Customers who order their 2009 800 model snowmobile through the Snow Check program between now and April 7, 2008 are guaranteed delivery by November 15, 2008. In addition, buyers will have the choice of electric start on select on select models or $500 U.S. ($800 CDN) in Pure Polaris AND a 2-year engine warranty OR a 3-year Extended Service Contract. "Polaris has delivered an impressive array of high-quality snowmobiles for model year 2009 and paired it with an equally compelloing Snow Check offer that will excite customers and translate into sales” said Cassandra Murphy, Marketing Manager of Snowmobiles and Pure Polaris.
New Models for 2009
Deep Snow
Polaris has once again delivered exactly what deep snow, high-altitude riders are looking for — powerful, lightweight sleds that ride smooth and handle easily in the steep and deep. The 2009 Deep Snow lineup offers premium lightweight performance components, a new extreme Free Ride model and three new Shift models that represent the best value in the high country.
Every Deep Snow model has new rails and the new RAW lightweight front bumper system to minimize the sled’s weight. The 2009 RAW chassis touts a lightweight, narrowed front end and a new aluminum front bumper that is durable, functional and narrower. Premium Deep Snow models — the 800 Dragon RMK 155/163 — are powered by the Liberty by the 154-Hp Liberty 800 HO Cleanfire4 engine and feature new spindles and A-Arms that are lighter yet stronger, minimizing unsprung weight while still delivering peak performance.
The new 800 Assault RMK 146 is the sport’s first purpose-built for backcountry riding. Also powered by the Liberty 800 HO Cleanfire4 engine, the Assault RMK features an aggressive new Competition track, a Freestyle seat to accommodate stand-up riding and a full complement of all-new Walker Evans® Adjustable Air shocks, ProTaper handlebars, extreme duty suspension components and rail beams; lightweight components; and a race derived Cyclone brake master cylinder.
Three new Deep Snow Shift models bring the no-frill’s, no extra equipment approach to sleds that riders want and MSRPs that make these sleds the best values in the segment. The 600 RMK Shift 144/155 are powered by the dual fuel injectors of the new120-Hp Liberty 600 Cleanfire²™ engine which delivers great acceleration and power and offers Cleanfire efficiency at a tremendous value. Deep snow riders get the power, acceleration and handling they demand from the 154-Hp Liberty 800 Cleanfire engine and the stripped down RAW RMK chassis in the 800 RMK Shift 144.
Crossover
Polaris continues to accelerate the evolution of Crossover models with a lineup of six sleds, including the new 600 IQ Shift 136, 800 Switchback and 800 Dragon Switchback, designed to provide riders with a new level of on-trail comfort and off-trail performance. All of the 2009 Switchback® models are built on the premium IQ 136" rear suspension, which offers the sport’s best performance on and off the-trail. In addition, this class-leading rear suspension is complemented by the easy handling, responsive IQ IFS. For 2009, every Switchback model features a new lightweight freestyle seat, narrower fuel tank and lightweight cooling system. An electric start option for added rider convenience is standard on all Switchbacks except the 600 IQ Shift, and the Liberty 800 HO Cleanfire4 engine is available for the first time in the all-new 800 Switchback and 800 Dragon Switchback Crossover models.
Performance
In 2009, Polaris delivers Performance riders a balanced, smooth-riding, easy-handling platform that inspires confidence and pegs the adrenaline meter. The new 2009 lineup is led by the introduction of the 800 Dragon SP with the mighty 800 Liberty engine and the 600 Dragon SP with the class-leading 600 HO Cleanfire4 engine. Engineered to be lightweight yet deliver an aggressive ride and great handling, the 800/600 Dragon SP models feature a special lightweight rear suspension that minimizes weight while delivering optimal traction, Walker Evans® Piggyback adjustable shocks which let riders dial in the handling to suit their wants or the conditions at hand and a new lower control arm with a new torsion bar to enhance stability for aggressive cornering. Additional lightweight performance components for the new Dragon SP models include a "wave" brake disc that delivers outstanding braking without additional weight, and a new RAW lightweight bumper system that is part of a lightweight, narrowed front end.
The terms "value" and "premium suspension" rarely go together, but they do with the new 550 IQ Shift. By combining the Polaris-exclusive IQ chassis, a 550 fan twin and customizable Shift concept, the 550 IQ Shift delivers easy, responsive handling and one of the sport’s best rides and value.
All Performance models (except IQ Turbo Dragon) have the redesigned Freestyle seat that integrates with the restyled fuel tank which allows for easy transition between sitting and standing and allows for more aggressive riding, especially in the corners.
Touring
Polaris’ 2009 luxury touring models (Trail Touring; FS Touring; 600 IQ Touring; FST Touring) present riders with the ultimate in comfort, convenience, adjustability, power and performance. All 2009 touring sleds are loaded with a fully-coupled 136 inch comfort suspension that delivers excellent solo rider comfort and significantly improved passenger comfort for 2-up riding. The chassis delivers a consistently smooth, comfortable ride for a wider range of loads with minimal adjustments required. In addition, the IQ Cruiser Conversion allows riders to tour in plush two-up comfort, or move the backrest forward, keep the touring cover on for sealed storage and cruise one-up.
All IQ Touring models also feature the exclusive Rider Select™ which provides adjustable steering for outstanding comfort and convenience no matter how you ride. All four models are available in 60, 80, 125 or 140 horsepower, and electric start is standard equipment making every ride more enjoyable.
Utility
The new WideTrak IQ and 550 Transport join the WideTrak LX in carrying on the Utility tradition of a durable sled with a strong work ethic. The WideTrak IQ, powered by a reliable and stout 750cc four-stroke twin, combines the power and capability needed to haul cargo off-trail with unprecedented ride quality and easy handling delivered by the Polaris IQ Chassis and its long-travel suspension. Loaded with hard-working features such as underseat storage, storage rack and an all-new, work-enhancing cockpit that includes improved handlebar ergonomics for easier steering, easy-access hi/low controls, grab bar and a heated glove box, the WideTrak IQ is like no other Utility sled on the snow.
Another new addition to the Utility lineup is the new 550 Transport which combines a reliable Polaris 550 fan engine with the proven EDGE chassis that can handle any task at hand.
Youth
The 2009 Polaris lineup includes the popular 120 Dragon, a youth-sized model that introduces the sport of snowmobiling to the next generation of riders in a safe yet exciting fashion. The 120 Dragon looks like adult Performance models with its White hood and Dragon graphics and is powered by a 120cc engine.
PURE Polaris
In 2009, Polaris continues to meet riders’ demands for comfortable, high-performance apparel that keeps them warm and dry with a growing line of apparel featuring eVent® Direct Venting Technology. eVent fabric offers a new standard in waterproof-breathable performance that keeps riders dry "inside and outside" by moving sweat directly to the outside of the fabric, ensuring rider comfort and provides superior protection against wind and exterior moisture. For 2009, Polaris is expanding its eVent fabric apparel offering a woman’s eVT jacket and bib, men’s eVT pants and a new line of eVT gloves. PURE Polaris also unveiled the new AF-1.5 Helmet, the industry’s finest high-performance, anti-fog helmet featuring PureSeal technology. The helmet features larger sizing to accommodate even more snowmobile riders along with an improved quick-release rachet system for ease of use.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com.
