AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
Ski-Doo is launching a new ACE 900 engine in a variety of its 2014 models, and
AmSnow was lucky to get an early ride on several models featuring the peppy new powerplant.
First, this is NOT for racers and performance fanatics, this new 90-horse engine is aimed directly at families and newbies and riders wanting a sled with a lot of versatility to accommodate various riders in a family or group.
The ACE 900 features an iTC (intelligent Throttle Control) system to allow a rider to choose one of three driving modes, ECO, Standard or Sport. This is what we really wanted to test, as we already know the MXZ TNT and Grand Touring LE models that our prototypes were installed in are fine, easy handling sleds.
Here’s the low-down
In ECO mode the 900 aims to get fantastic gas mileage (Ski-Doo estimates 22-23 mpg), but we were not allowed to test for exact numbers on our day-long Quebec trail ride. We were simply judging how the engine performed. In ECO it is low-revving at ignition and you see a green light on the gauge pod. Throttle response is mild and you top out about 45 mph as the electronics only allow the butterfly valve to open partially. For a beginner, this will be fine. Acceleration won’t scare anyone and the sled’s throttle by wire, an industry first, is extremely light to pull.
Standard mode is where you get some performance. There was a slight lag in response, but power comes on quickly after that lag. If you mash the throttle the sled gets up to good trail speeds in a hurry. There was some initial coast, like a lag in the backshift, after you let off the throttle and we encouraged Ski-Doo to change that so you can actually feel some deceleration after the throttle is released.
Sport mode gives you instant throttle response. Anyone wanting the maximum performance will use this mode the most. It too provides some coast after releasing the throttle, but again, this is only momentary. Both Sport and Standard provide the same top speed, although we won’t get into that until we get more time on the ACE 900 on better, snowier, trails. We tested in pretty poor icy trail conditions.
Currently both the Standard and Sport mode are shown on the gauges with a white light. We encouraged Ski-Doo to make one of those yellow so that it’s easier at a glance to tell which of those two modes you are in.
Verdict: Our early thought is this system will be a great feature for families to allow several riders to enjoy a sled and dial it in to their experience and comfort level. We enjoyed the new Silent Drive system on the GT LE model. It is a LOT quieter than the previous system, making a long trail ride more enjoyable. More in the fall after we’ve had more seat time!