After many seasons without decent snowy conditions, the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 seasons brought optimism with their over-average snow falls. At least, this is what we can feel among the different partners, the manufacturers in particular, who are selling more machines than the average quantity of the last 5 or 6 years. What is incredible is that this goes on even during this economic crisis that lasts since summer 2008.
After meeting some dealers, this is also true for the second-hand snowmobiles. The late-models are almost back-order. If we compare the snowmobile sales with other types of off-road vehicles, it is obvious that our industry is healthier.
The snowmobilers have been blessed during the last two winters and they are particularly anxious with the very close upcoming season. Moreover, the snowmobile manufacturers, who have accustomed us with quick hi-tech evolution, will probably make many announcements during the next two years. Indeed, with the introduction of the EPA 2012 standards, many engines will be replaced by new ones that will meet the new emission standards.
Three years ago, Arctic Cat introduced its 4-stroke Z1 engine that already meets the EPA 2012 standards. With its turbo edition, this engine is widely used since we see it on more than a dozen models of the manufacturer 2010 sled line-up. However, among the 600 and 800 categories, we can await the announcement of new engines responding to these new standards. Inside the industry, rumours indicate that the Arctic Cat engineers would be working on a 2-stroke direct injection engine, using other technologies than Ski-Doo or others.
On its part, Polaris already meets the 4-stroke standards with all the 750cc editions. Since over a year, persistent rumours say that the Polaris engineers would also be developing a 2-stroke direct injection engine. What is new this year is that these same rumours tell us that they would be used on some Polaris models next year, the 2011 models.
Ski-Doo already offers 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines fully responding to the EPA 2012 requirements: the 600 E-TEC and the 1200 4-TEC. The true question is to know what are the Rotax engineers going to present for the 800R engine. Once again, rumours run along and many say that the 800 E-TEC is already being tested on snowmobile trails since some times now. Others pretend that soon this engine will be launched in very limited quantities. Other rumours also mention the coming back of the Mach Z equipped with a turbo 1200 4-TEC engine.
Finally, Yamaha already meets the EPA 2012 standards since some times with a snowmobile float all equipped with 4-stroke engine. However, with the new Genesis 130 engine offered on the Nytro models and with the new Genesis 120 on the Vector models, we could think that Yamaha is working on a successor of the Genesis 150. Indeed, these 2 new engines performances are close to the big one and many Apex fans are now awaiting a brand new engine with more power and with the same performances than the Arctic Cat Z1 Turbo has. This new engine could as well be on a new platform that would replace the Delta Box 2 chassis; this one is in its 5th season this year. This new chassis would offer a higher driver positioning along with a maximized mass centralization.
In conclusion, we can say that the next months could be very interesting with the presentation of the 2011 models and we will sure have nice surprises from the 4 manufacturers!!!
Have a great season!
