More than 3 years ago, in January 2020, I wrote an article for sledmagazine.com web magazine about the launch of the all-new Summit 850 E-TEC Turbo as a mid-season model. While I thought this was a fantastic innovation for the mountain segment, the question I asked myself at the time was when would Ski-Doo introduce a 2-stroke turbocharged engine specifically designed for the trail.
With the technology in place and out in the open, what technical elements needed to be in place for this to be integrated into the trail line? What would be the response from the market and the competition? The introduction of the 850 E-TEC Turbo R last year, again for the assembly segment, has again raised questions about this. The launch of the Ski-Doo 2024 line has answered many of these questions, especially for the Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC Turbo R with Competition Package.
850 E-TEC Turbo R engine for the trails
Imagine being in the control of a lightweight, high-performance snowmobile with a 180-horsepower 2-stroke engine. Impressive? Absolutely! For 2024, Ski-Doo engineers have achieved a technological feat to ensure consistent power from the most powerful 2-stroke engine in the industry. In a typical turbocharged design, the engine package includes an intercooler that cools the air compressed by the turbine before it is sent to the engine intake. This adds extra components and weight to the snowmobile.
In order to cool the intake air, only, when necessary, Ski-Doo introduces a water injection system. This fine mist produced cools the air mixture to the right temperature for constant power production.
Rotax 850 E-TEC Turbo R engine
Introducing water into an engine may seem counterintuitive to performance and reliability, right? Not at all, because this mixture of water and methanol contains additives such as anti-foam and anti-corrosion agents. Specifically, the small amount of water introduced into the intake vaporizes instantly and what is not burned during combustion in the cylinder is expelled through the exhaust pipe. It is important to mention that this system cannot work with tap water, but with a mixture specially designed for the application, namely the XPS ICE (Intake Cooling Enhancer) mixture.
In addition, this water is injected precisely and only when necessary by a pump controlled by algorithms to ensure power and reliability. According to Ski-Doo’s tests, the average consumption is 1 litre for a trip of 700 to 1000 km. When riding with friends and family, the snowmobile may not consume a drop of fuel. This system is really designed to maintain a constant power output of 180 horsepower during prolonged use.
Water Injection System
As introduced on the Mach Z 2022 model, the MXZ 850 E-TEC Turbo R with Competition Package includes a launch mode. This system allows for optimal acceleration and breathtaking starts. Adrenaline rushes and thrills are guaranteed during racing events.
Turbo engine, without the extra weight
Another remarkable feature of this snowmobile is that the addition of the turbocharger does not add weight to the snowmobile. To achieve this, Ski-Doo engineers chose to remove the electric starter and replace it with a “SHOT” starting system. As with the mountain, the driver must make the first start with the recoil starter and then the “SHOT” system uses the drive generated by the magneto of the charging system to make the starts. This revolutionary system, which has been used for many years in the mountains, is very effective and impressively simple.
An MXZ with a 137-inch track
For 2024, Ski-Doo will further define the trail model segments by engine type, namely the MXZ for 2-stroke engines and the Renegade for 4-stroke. With this change, we find the 850 E-TEC Turbo R engine in the Gen5 chassis, but with a 137-inch track. However, this is not just any MXZ, but one equipped with the competition package. This model, truly inspired by racing, such as the first REVs driven by Blair Morgan 20 years ago or the Iron Dogs for endurance races, has everything to make you dominate the trails.
The first element is the most powerful production turbocharged 2-stroke engine in the industry, which is between 8 and 11 horsepower more than its closest competitor. Suspension features include KYB PRO 40 EA-R shocks with Kashima coating, rail reinforcements, reinforced front and rear suspension arms, a 4-wheel axle and a reinforced track tensioner. In addition, this model is equipped with a 4-piston brake calliper and an improved master cylinder. This provides more braking power and more precise operation. As for the track, this MXZ is equipped with a 2-ply 137 x 1.25-inch RIPSAW, ideal for durability and stud installation.
How will this MXZ position itself in the industry?
I, for one, am not at all surprised that Ski-Doo is introducing the 850 E-TEC Turbo R engine to the trail line. With the technology already in place in the mountain snowmobile segment and the many rumors about it, the question was when it would arrive. The biggest surprise is definitely the introduction of an MXZ model rather than a Renegade. The new segmentation makes sense since the MX name is inspired by motocross racing, capable of conquering the most demanding rough terrain.
Their 2-stroke engines also offer reduced weight, great handling, superior agility and high performance. With a track length of 137 being the new standard of preference for most snowmobilers, this also makes sense for the evolution of the MXZ. The 900 ACE Turbo R engine also makes 180 horsepower but offers a different riding experience than an E-TEC engine. Having these two options gives snowmobilers more choices to select the perfect snowmobile for their riding style. This is really great for the vitality of the industry.
The MXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC Turbo R, a true race-inspired snowmobile
With the introduction of the MXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC Turbo R with a competition package in 2024, Ski-Doo is sending a very clear message about its leadership position in the snowmobile industry. With such technological and performance innovations, there is no doubt that Ski-Doo is determined to remain the leader in all segments and especially on the groomed trails.
For more information on this model or the Ski-Doo 2024 line of snowmobiles, we invite you to visit the website www.ski-doo.com or your local BRP dealer. Also, visit sledmagazine.com to learn more about the new products.
