Rather rest on its laurels, Ski-Doo released revolutionary E-TEC direct injection technology across its 2009 snowmobile lineup. The company also pulled the wraps off a new, three-cylinder four-stroke engine for performance and touring sleds. The lightweight REV-X chassis has been expanded to include several new platforms for the new four-stroke and provide more touring comfort and utility work ethic.
E-TEC
E-TEC has been part of BRP’s Evinrude outboard lineup since 2004. Ski-Doo claims E-TEC engines have 15 percent better fuel economy than its semi-direct injection engine and use half the oil, provide a smokeless start-up and near-zero smell.
The technology features the industry’s first automatic summerization. At the push of a button, the oil pump coats the cylinders with oil then shuts down the engine automatically. The 600 H.O E-TEC engine replaces the SDI powerplant in MX Z, Summit, GSX and GTX models.
New Four-Stroke
Ski-Doo has taken direct aim at the performance four-stroke market with the new Rotax 1200cc, high performance, three-cylinder, dual-overhead cam engine rated at 130 hp. The fuel-injected, four-valves-per-cylinder engine is fed by a single 52mm throttle body.
The 1200 4-TEC is available on MX Z, GSX and GTX models. We found the engine in the prototype MX Z 1200 X to have strong, smooth power. Mid-rpm acceleration through the tight trails we rode in Ontario in January was especially impressive and it seemed to have more pull than a 600cc two-stroke.
REV-eXPansion
With a new, larger engine, Ski-Doo needed a platform to house its 1200cc four-stroke. The new REV-XR is home to MX Z, GSX, Premium GTX SE and GTX LE models. It rides on the same front and rear suspension as the XP-based machines, but a new engine cradle and glossy body work provide more room for the powerplant.
On the utility side, the Expedition TUV is built on the new REV-XU platform. It has wide running boards and a bevelled tunnel for more seating comfort than a straight tunnel that houses the 20-inch track. The XU runs on same front suspension as the REV-XP, but it uses a special utility-bred rear suspension.
Full-Season MX Zs
The TNT package returns as the lightweight platform in Ski-Doo’s lineup. It also represents the top performance, full-season machines available with the liquid-cooled, 105 hp 500SS, 600 H.O. E-TEC and 1200cc 4-TEC.
The MX Z 1200 TNT is based on the XR platform and it weighs a claimed 499 pounds, according to Ski-Doo. TNT trim includes a low windshield and hand guards; a lighter, low-profile seat sculpted for easy cornering, HPG Take Apart shocks, an aluminum handlebar with hooks and mechanical reverse on the four-stroke. Two-strokes get electric reverse.
The Adrenaline package is unchanged, except for the new E-TEC engine option. The 800R is available, too. HPG shocks are standard. The MX Z Trail and MX Z 550 X come with the 500SS and 550 Fan engine, respectively.
Hybrid Renegade models have the 1200 4-TEC, 800R or 600 H.O. E-TEC. Suspension packages are identical to Adrenaline models, but track lugs are 1.25 inches tall.
Luxury Performance
The GSX Limited runs with the 600 H.O. E-TEC in the XP body or the 1200 4-TEC engine in the XR platform. The four-stroke gets push-button reverse, but it uses a stepper motor to engage the shift fork. The fully loaded Limited package includes HPG shocks front and rear, a 12-volt power outlet and tunnel bag that adds 5.5 gallons of storage behind the seat. The Sport package is standard with the 500SS engine.
2-Up Cruising
Touring riders get serious upgrades for 2009. The GTX moves to the glossy REV-XR package for more comfort, storage and style.
Each GTX model comes with traditional comfort features and more wind protection than solo models. Four-stroke machines have push-button mechanical reverse. The sleds are available with 1200 4-TEC or 600 E-TEC engines.
The SE package hauls one to three riders with the accessory third seat. SE features include new tilt steering, heated seat and shift-on-the fly Air Control rear suspension and Pilot 5.7 SL skis. The 1200 4-TEC is the only engine option.
SE and LE packages get the new Touring handling package that puts the passenger lower and the rear suspension higher in the tunnel for a lower ride height. The sway bar is stronger for flat cornering and the revised steering ratio requires less effort. The new SilenTrack has a molded rubber band that reduces the sound of track’s grauser bars against the idler wheels.
Mountain Sleds
The Everest package remains the gold standard in Ski-Doo’s Summit line, but liquid-cooled value has been added with the new Everest 500SS. It’s standard with a 16- by 146- by 2-inch track. Other Summit Everest engine options are the E-TEC (154-inch track only) or the 800R (154 or 163 inches). All Summits are standard with the PowderMax track.
X Models
The X package is available on MX Z and Summit models during Ski-Doo’s spring promotion.
MX Zs get hand guards, HPG Clicker Take Apart aluminum shocks, a steel-braided brake line and racing brake pads. A white, black and yellow color scheme is also available.
Summit X machines get aluminum HPG Take Apart shocks. Summit Everest models can get HPG shocks and electric start during the spring promotion.
For more information on the 2009 Ski-Doo lineup, including details about E-TEC technology, pick up the Spring 2008 issue of Snow Goer on newsstands later this month.
