polaris takes snocrosser to the edge

Polaris took its 1998 440 XCR racer, changed everything about it, then eliminated 375 parts to create the 1999 EDGE 440 XCR SP. The result? A race sled that tips the scales at 455 factory pounds- 20 fewer than last year's scooter. This, of course, is without any fluids.

In a press release, Polaris Snowmobile General Manager Bob Nygaard stated, "While we were developing our '99 model lineup… we also decided to invest in a separate engineering team who, working with our manufacturing group, key suppliers and racing experts, were to explore new chassis and suspensions. The challenge to the EDGE team was to stretch their thinking, rather than just refine existing designs."

We had a chance to fly up to Roseau to get an early peek at the hot red sled before it ever went onto the production line. Here's a quick rundown of what we saw...

New Motor-The domestic engine design group created a new 438cc Polaris mill with a new case, new cylinders, new heads, new crank and new variable exhaust valves. Fuel/Air mixture enters the system via "hot dog" slide TMX 34 Mikuni carbs.

From there, it passes through a stepped case reed and past a unique stuffer molded into the case. The crank case itself has been redesigned to provide more strength and works with the stuffed, integral pin crank shaft to optimize fuel flow and improve compression.

The top half of the engine has also undergone massive remodeling. The piston uses a new profile, the Nicasil cylinders have a new port timing design and the variable exhaust valves have entered their second generation. Assisting the new variable exhaust valves is a new resonance chamber at the cylinder end of the manifold. This new design works to essentially create a longer pipe when the engine is operating in low and mid rpms. The whole package is said to generate 15% more horsepower at the top end, and substantially more in the midrange.

New Front Suspension- The Indy EDGE front suspension is loosely based on the open sled design created by Jack Struthers. The Struthers concept utilized a single-pin radius rod, but Polaris engineers determined that this was not efficient in loose snow conditions, where it acted as a snow plow. Instead, the EDGE team married the old radius rod design with the Struthers design to create new geometry. The radius rods angle forward from the die cast aluminum bulkhead as they connect to the trailing arms. This, in effect, lengthens the wheelbase of the sled for a more stable ride at high speed. Polaris utilizes Fox shocks with a pair of coil-over springs on the front end. Instead of using a single piece, dual rate spring, the EDGE uses two springs with two resistance rates to give softer set-in and stiffer bottoming resistance. The two springs are separated by an adjuster ring which determines the amount of travel each will allow. The whole package offers 10.4 inches of vertical travel. The shock/spring assembly is mounted at a new position and angle to better direct the force of impact toward the sled's center of gravity. This is said to reduce pitching in the rough conditions of racing. Also, the torsion bar is mounted in a sliding channel to maintain the sled's balance throughout the skis' travel.

New Rear Suspension- The new EDGE rear suspension incorporates the best elements of existing XTRA designs and adds some elements of the Struthers design to create its 9.8 inches of travel. The front torque arm is mounted approximately 2 inches forward of previous versions, which is said to improve the sled's balance in conjunction with the new front suspension geometry. The new skidframe also incorporates a cantilevered mounting arm for the rear torque arm.The rear torque arm assembly features a mega-beefy coil over spring and an oversize Fox remote reservoir clicker shock. The clicker offers 8 positions for customizing the amount of damping. Polaris told us that there will be a number of springs available for racers to further customize their ride.EDGE engineers have developed a dual angle bend in the tunnel to help accommodate the increased travel. But unlike Cat's ETT, you cannot detect this design feature without looking up from the bottom of the sled.

Other Cool New Features- One of the things we are most impressed with is the new airbox design. This plastic marvel is not only airbox, but also oil tank and coolant overflow reservoir. Similar in design to a car battery, the unit has an internal wall which creates a 3.78 quart oil capacity, keeps the coolant as it expands and also holds the air induction horns which lead directly to the carburetors. Did we mention that the steering column goes right through it? The upper portion of the airbox is quickly removed to get to the carbs. Though it will take a bit of getting used to, Polaris engineers tell us that it will afford racers easier access to changing jets.Polaris put cheese grater boot grips on the outer roll of the running boards to help riders stay put. A new hood and bellypan sculpting design helps round out the new racer. It incorporates screened vent holed to optimize airflow to the engine, clutches and brake. Additionally, the dual beam headlamp shines with the power of 120 watts, when in high output.

Ergonomics on the sled will be similar to those of the Gen II consumer sleds. The handlebar control package was directly transplanted to the EDGE.

The whole sled is slated to sell at $7,299 retail. If you are not a Polaris qualified racer, you still have a chance to purchase this hot red hot rod. But you better start kissing up to somebody, as they are going to be in exceedingly short supply.

We'll have a full test report for our Online Riders Club Members as soon as we are able to find a unit to put through its paces.

Polaris EDGE 440 XCR SP
Engine: 438cc liquid-cooled, case reed Polaris twin with variable exhaust.
Bore x Stroke: 66mm x 64mm
Carburetion: Mikuni "hot dog" slide TMX 34
Exhaust: 2 into 1 tuned pipe, resonance chamber manifold
Alternator: 280 Watts
Clutch: (Primary/Secondary)P-85, S47-H weights, Almond/Black primary spring, 11.5 in. center dist.
Front Suspension: Indy EDGE, tipped in trailing arms, CRC, hollow torsion bar, Fox IFP shocks, dual springs, 10.4 in.
Rear Suspension: EDGE, Fox IFP remote clicker rear shock, Fox IFP front shock, threaded adjustable springs, cantilever mount, 13.9 in. axle travel, 9.8 in. vertical travel.
Track: 15 x 121 x .82-inch, (1.25 opt.) Lightning
Brake: Liquid-cooled High Performance Hydraulic Disc
Ski Material: Composite w/ carbide runners
Ski Stance: 41 in.
Fuel Capacity: 12.5 gal
Oil Capacity: 3.78 qts
Dimensions: Length, 111.5 in.; Height, 40.3 in.; Width, 46.5 in.
Dry Weight: 455 lbs