skidoo releases info on 2009 snowmobiles

Some '09 sleds revealed, two new engines, including a 4-stroke
This week AmSnow was in Ontario to see the newest Ski-Doo innovations first hand. On this, the 50th year of Ski-Doo snowmobile production, BRP unveiled not one, but two new engines for 2009.

E-TEC early rides
We've already announced the E-TEC and much of the claims Ski-Doo is making for this engine on our site. If you're an outdoors person you have probably heard of E-TEC before, as Evinrude has been using this 2-stroke technology in its outboard motors for more than 4 years now, but never before has it been used in a snowmobile. The fact that this technology showed up in the Rotax 600 H.O. is also no big surprise as Evinrude is a subsidiary of BRP and many in the snowmobile world have been expecting it for some time now. The new 600 E-TEC will be available in the MXZ TNT for 2009.

The good news is that we've now actually spent some time on the E-TEC 600, and we are just as impressed as when we received the press release. Engagement is smooth, throttle pull is easy, and there is absolutely no old 2-stroke smoke. We stood next to a "smoke test" as it was performed between the Cat F6, Polaris Dragon 600, Yamaha Nytro and the Ski-Doo E-TEC 600, and were astounded to see the difference. In comparison, there was so little exhaust from the E-TEC that it almost looked as though it wasn't even running! It's quiet too!

We then tested the snowmobiles for 50+ miles on the trails. Even at the back of a group of more than 8 sleds you couldn't smell nearly any exhaust. We were floored at how clean this engine appears to run.

Rotax 4-TEC, XR and XU bodies
But there was more. Ski-Doo also is releasing a Rotax developed 4-TEC 1200 engine, a 4-stroke. This new Electronic-Fuel-Injected in-line triple is said to crank out 130 hp at 7,000 rpm. It's aimed right at the heart of the 4-stroke buyer.

The 4-stroke will come in the new REV-XP based REV-XR platform for the MXZ package. The XR comes with a newly designed hood and glossy finish on the panels and a few other changes which Ski-Doo claims gives it a "more refined" look. Fuel economy is rated at 18.3 mpg (22 kpg for our Canadian friends). The 4-TEC will also come in the 2009 GSX and GTX models.

After riding the MXZ with the 4-TEC, we found there is certainly less transfer and less unnerving throttle response and steadier drive-ability at low speeds, but final clutching, exhaust note, suspension calibration and more had not been completed. Simply having a 4-stroke option in the REV-XP line that can compete with other 4-strokes on power will help Ski-Doo convert more buyers to Team Yellow. Here's the kicker: the new 1200 MXZ weighs only 499 lbs.! That makes it the lightest 4-stroke in its power class!

The snowmobile has a new mechanical reverse system that has an easy pull lever on the right-hand side of the cowling and it worked easily every time we used it. Clutched with the TRA IV system and plenty of torque, this machine has long legs. Handlebar hooks and a larger windshield come standard, making this a rock-and-roll snowmobile with an air of sophistication.

Although we can't tell you yet, everything that Ski-Doo will have for 2009, the 1200 4-stroke engine and the new E-TEC are notable changes for the whole industry. Also, an almost entirely new GTX SE and an Expedition in the new utility or XU platform (also based on the XP) are other highlights. The GTX SE will have the 4-TEC as an engine option, tilt steering, shift on-the-fly Motion Control-VR Air Spring rear suspension, new skis that are wide/square/single keel and less aggressive than the performance snowmobiles. The Expedition TUV 600 H.O. SDI comes in the new REV-XU platform. The XU comes with new styling, more leg room, better handling and great deep snow flotation.

More info:
AmSnow will have more breaking info on these and more 2009 snowmobiles throughout the next month. You can always check out www.ski-doo.com for more info as well.