2018 Lynx Snowmobiles: Short Tunnel & Snow Deflector Could Cue The Future?

2018 Lynx BoonDocker DS 850 E-TEC
2018 Lynx BoonDocker DS 850 E-TEC

Folks in North America have been talking about the much-hoped-for fifth major snowmobile manufacturer for awhile now — FAST Blade, SRP Scorpion, Redline, Honda rumors, etc. — but there actually is a fifth major sled brand. You just can’t easily get one on this side of the big pond.

Finland-based Lynx is in fact unveiling its 50th model lineup and, considering it is owned by BRP, it not surprisingly includes a lot of technology that will be familiar to North American snowmobilers.

That includes the Radien platform, which is called a REV Gen4 over here when unveiled by Ski-Doo for model year 2017, and the Rotax 850 E-TEC twin. The Lynx models also get the SHOT engine starting technology that Ski-Doo unveiled for 2018.

Typically, the Lynx and Ski-Doo snowmobiles have been quite similar over the years, though there have been differences, particularly in front suspension design and shock mounting locations at times. They also have different names — an MX Z in Ski-Doo is a Rave model for Lynx, for instance, while their deep snow machines aren’t Summits, they are Boondockers. Other names in the interesting Lynx lineup into 69 and 49 Ranger models, Xtrim, Adventure, Commander and Yeti. You’ll see more cargo racks and cargo boxes on the European-based Lynx machines, but there are other unique features as well.

One key difference between Ski-Doo and Lynx picked up by looking at the 2018 Lynx at brplynx.com, though, is a new, short tunnel on its long track BoonDocker DS 850 E-TEC that is combined with a snowguard that wraps around the trac instead of having a snow flap. It looks odd at first, with the track extending well past the tunnel and a short little plastic shroud ending from the rear suspension around the tip of the track, but it might be very effective. Could this technology be found on future Ski-Doos? Only time will tell.

Lynx snowmobile
This new snow guard is combined with a short tunnel to create cooling a different way on select 2018 Lynx machines.

 

 

 

Below is the press release on the 2018 models from BRP.

 

 

BRP CELEBRATES THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF LYNX SNOWMOBILES AND UNVEILS ITS 2018 LYNX LINEUP FEATURING MAJOR INNOVATIONS

Rovaniemi, Finland, March 16, 2017 – BRP (TSX:DOO) unveiled its 2018 Lynx lineup today in front of hundreds of its dealers and invited guests. The 2018 Lynx snowmobile lineup is the 50th model year created by Lynx and is introducing the new Radien platform, the next generation of Rotax 850 E-TEC engine and the ultra-lightweight E-TEC engine starting system, SHOT.

The new Lynx Radien platform will be introduced on the 2018 Lynx BoonDocker, Xtrim RE and Rave RE models. The new models are lighter, more agile and include new innovations, such as the short Radien DS tunnel system on the Lynx BoonDocker DS model. “The new design is most prominent in the completely redesigned Lynx BoonDocker DS model. It looks radical, but most importantly it greatly combines power, stability and agility”, says Valto Ristimella, Commercial Director, BRP Scandinavia.

The models offered with the new Radien platform are powered by the Rotax 850 E-TEC 2-stroke engine. It unleashes 165 horsepower and riders will also appreciate its 30% quicker response, which instantly delivers the power. This new powerplant provides one of the best power-to-weight ratio in the industry. Still, snowmobiles maintain impressive fuel and oil economy equal to the Rotax 800R E-TEC engine.

“Once again, we challenged ourselves to re-think a snowmobile from a blank sheet of paper by designing it around the riders to give them the best experience on snow,” said Steve Pelletier, Vice-President and Regional General Manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “The new Rotax 850 E-TEC engine is one of the most sophisticated 2-stroke in the world, delivering an impressive combination of power, responsiveness, fuel and oil economy, and this, with a lightweight, unique and durable package. With the handling characteristics, ergonomics and Lynx’s trademark robustness, I am confident that these new vehicles will provide a remarkable consumer experience.”

SHOT is an ultra-lightweight E-TEC engine starting system which introduces ultracapacitor technology to the industry. This system provides an electrical charge with no battery, starter motor or ring gear to start the engine. The system will be most appreciated by deep snow riders who want to conserve energy by no longer pull-starting their sleds. It also saves weight, as SHOT adds only 900 grams. “With SHOT, we are once again bringing to the market an industry-first invention created by our engineering teams. I’m convinced it will become a benchmark in the snowmobiling industry,” said Pelletier.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary, a special model, the Lynx Commander 5900 snowmobile, and a clothing collection have been specifically designed. “We are thankful to the many generations of loyal Lynx customers and invite them to celebrate this great milestone with us using the tag #lynx50. We will also tell the Lynx story in a special video series that will be revealed this year”, concludes Valto Ristimella.

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