Ski-Doo has a two-tiered launch of 2008 products, starting with its smokin' new REV-XP platform that replaces the trend-setting REV that moved the rider way forward to increase control.
The new XP chassis is lighter, faster and stronger than the original REV, with the key benefit being a major weight loss. It'll be used in the MXZ-800R Adrenaline and the Summit 800R Everest, which features either a 154-inch or 146-inch track.
Ski-Doo's aim for the REV XP chassis was to make it 10% lighter than last year's REV, and amazingly, the engineers managed to produce a new chassis that's also more rigid in torsion and flexion.
Made with a low-pressure permanent mold process, many of the cast aluminum parts on the new REV XP are engineered to be the lightest diameter/thickness possible, and still meet strength goals. Different alloys also are used, and experiments with different tubing were constantly worked with to bring a sled to market that's Snocross strong.
In fact, Ski-Doo employed several of its professional Snocrossers to test the chassis' strength throughout development by intentionally trying to break the sled with hard landings and by pushing the sled past limits that REV could not always handle.
The new seating position on the REV XP opens the angle of your knees too, so you sit more upright, while still being forward enough to easily control the sled. Your feet are moved farther forward and you sit higher as well, so longer legged riders feel more at ease.
Ski-Doo engineers also moved the secondary clutch above the tunnel to create extra foot room. Look for new front and rear suspensions too. Plus, there's a new gauge pod with a variety of readouts in addition to the usual speedo, tach and odometer.
More power? You bet. Ski-Doo unleashes the 800R it unveiled in its Summit last season by dropping it into the MXZ Adrenaline. The 800R, according to
AmSnow's dyno testers at Dynoport, pulls 155.7 horsepower. That'll get your Adrenaline pumping!
Both the MXZ Adrenaline and Summit Everest will come with the 800R PowerTEK motor. The Adrenaline comes in yellow and black, while the Everest will be black and gray.
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NOTE: Look for more Ski-Doo product line news in March. Premium
AmSnow.com members will be able to see the most complete up-to-date stories on our Web site after the new products are announced. We will send email newsletters with basic info about the new sleds, for all the manufacturers, as soon as that info is released.