MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nearly 60 years of exploring new ideas established Polaris Industries as a respected leader in the snowmobiling industry. That tradition of innovation leadership continues with the 2012 Polaris snowmobile lineup. The company is introducing nine all-new models and diversifying its sled offerings with Polaris’ exclusive PRO-RIDE Chassis, the first true progressive-rate rear suspension in the snowmobiling space. These sleds were introduced during Polaris’ dealer meeting at Paris Las Vegas Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev.
“Polaris continues to deliver on our promise to develop products with industry leading performance, quality, functionality, style and value,” said Bennett Morgan, president and COO, Polaris Industries Inc. “We expect our new lineup of snowmobiles to build on our recent, strong performances across all market segments and continue to grow our company as a global powersports leader.”
In addition to a versatile 2012 snowmobile line covering six market segments, Polaris also is presenting the opportunity to customize their snowmobiles through Polaris Snow Check Select. The program welcomes riders to specify the performance, comfort, convenience and graphics of their new sled, individualizing the ride for each customer. These options are only available through Snow Check, which ends on April 19, 2011.
“With a strong focus on new technology, top engineering and quality, we have some of the most outstanding products available today and season-to-date the top four selling snowmobiles in the market are all Polaris,” said Scott Swenson, vice president of snowmobile and PG&A, Polaris Industries Inc. “Our reputation is built on continuing to explore opportunities for innovation and that’s something we continued in model year 2012, with nine new models and a brand new snowmobile category.”
2012 MODEL SEGMENTS
CROSSOVER: THE PINNACLE OF VERSATILITY
The 2012 Crossover
lineup features more than twice as many models as last year. Designed to
handle any conditions, five new models provide a smoother ride and more
predictable handling. A new independent front suspension (IFS) comes
standard on many models. The all-new 600 Switchback Adventure™
introduces the world to the “adventure snowmobile.” Incredibly
versatile, it delivers performance through a 600 Cleanfire engine, the
PRO-RIDE platform and IFS, as well as convenience features, including
the new Adventure Cargo System, a rear cargo rack with saddle bags that
can be installed in seconds – without tools – using Polaris Lock & Ride®
technology. All 600 models are powered by the ultra-efficient 600
Cleanfire engine, while all 800 Switchback models offer the proven 800
Cleanfire, including the legendary 800 Switchback Assault, the preferred
sled among riders demanding impeccable deep snow and trail performance.
TRAIL PERFORMANCE: THE SMOOTHEST TRAIL RIDING EXPERIENCE
The
2012 collection of RUSH and IQ® sleds provide options that blend
performance and value. The five 2012 RUSH models all ride on the
revolutionary PRO-RIDE Chassis, the industry’s finest platform, which
this year is complemented by IFS. Available exclusively through Snow
Check, the new 800 RUSH Pro-R LE combines unparalleled performance with
limited-edition special features. Four other RUSH models blend the
PRO-RIDE platform with class-leading 600 and 800 Cleanfire engines. The
turbo-charged, 750cc TURBO IQ, and great value models like the 550 IQ
and 600 IQ, provides riders with choices in engines, shocks, and
suspension to cater to specific riding needs.
DEEP SNOW: TAMING THE WILDEST RIDES WITH UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE
As
the season-to-date number one leader, Polaris understands deep snow
riders require sleds that are powerful and lightweight, a challenge met
again in 2012 with a robust offering of RMK sleds. Three new 600 RMK
models, developed to minimize weight and maximize performance, boast the
reliable 600 Cleanfire engine and the durable, lightweight PRO-RIDE RMK
Chassis, the premier deep snow chassis. At just 431 pounds, the 600
Pro-RMK 155 is an overachiever and embodies a lineup of sleds that are
lighter and stronger. Complementing the 600 RMKs, four 800 RMK models
sit on the same PRO-RIDE RMK Chassis, powered by the 800 Cleanfire
engine. The 800 RMK Assault 155 headlines a collection of 800s that will
dominate the deep powder.
TRAIL LUXURY: A PERFECT BLEND OF COMFORT AND PERFORMANCE
For
an exceptionally comfortable riding experience, Polaris offers
outstanding comfort and convenience features, including electric start,
protective tall windshields, mirrors and reverse, which come standard on
all Trail Luxury models. Blending these with a 4-stroke, turbo-charged
engine or the 600 Cleanfire, which deliver exhilarating acceleration and
power, riders get the unique combination of comfort and performance.
Additional features on the 600 LXT and TURBO LXT provide unmatched
passenger comfort for 2-up riders, including plush passenger seats
equipped with adjustable backrest, footrest and hand warmers. Both
models, along with the Turbo LX, utilize long-travel IQ 136” Comfort
Rear Suspension, delivering a smooth ride on the roughest terrain.
UTILITY: MAKING IT EASIER TO WORK HARDER
Polaris’ 2012
Utility models take the hardest working sleds available and transform
them into ideal machines for both work and play. These sleds – the FS IQ
WideTrak, 600 IQ WideTrak and WideTrak LX (available in international
markets) – thrive on tackling the toughest jobs. Reliable, powerful
engines, large-capacity fuel tanks and heavy duty cargo racks make all
three models invaluable assets. Equipped with wide ski stance,
responsive handling from IQ Front Suspension and utility-tipped rear
suspension, each sled is sure-footed in any terrain. With protective
20”-high windshields, adjustable passenger backrests and heated
handgrips, these snowmobiles also deliver more comfort for riders,
whether on the job or on a break.
YOUTH: TRUE SLEDS FOR YOUNG RIDERS
The next generation of
snowmobilers is ready to ride, but these young people need a sled
accommodating their unique requirements. Polaris designed the 120 Pro-R
with the needs of young riders, and concerns of parents, in mind.
Highlighting the machine’s specialized safety equipment is a safety
tether that attaches to a rider’s jacket and stops the engine
immediately when unplugged. Equipped with a dependable, 120 four-stroke
engine and true Independent Front Suspension for a smoother ride, the
120 Pro-R provides an authentic snowmobile ride. Its durable
construction and reliable engine make it the ideal first sled, capable
withstanding the challenges of many riders and riding seasons.
PURE POLARIS PRODUCTS & ACCESSORIES
Pure Polaris apparel
seamlessly combines style and function. The all-new PURE-DRY™ riding
gear uses Cocona® Xcelerator fabric technology, providing premium
waterproofing while facilitating rapid evaporation of moisture from body
heat. That combination makes the PURE-DRY Polaris Jacket, Bibs and
Gloves extraordinarily waterproof and breathable for riders to keep dry
and keep riding. Ongoing partnerships with FXR®, ToBe® and Oakley®
strengthen the technology and look of Polaris jackets, bibs, pants and
eyewear as well. For more comfortable rides, Polaris offers Wind
Deflectors, Wide-Clyde Windshields and Side Deflectors, all geared
toward redirecting wind and snow. The Wide-Clyde Windshield is nearly
50% wider than a standard windshield, providing the fullest wind
protection available. For additional storage, all components of the new
Lock & Ride® Adventure Cargo System are available, providing riders with
a cargo-carrying solution for any sled. New products for better sled
protection, from skid plates to canvas covers, round out Polaris’ 2012
offerings, all geared at creating a more fulfilling riding experience.
For more information and detailed specs for all 2012 products, go to www.polarisindustries.com.
Editor Note: For photos and interview requests, contact Ben Maurer at bmaurer@webershandwick.com and 952.346.6323
About Polaris
With annual 2010
sales of $1.99 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and
markets off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs),
the Polaris RANGER® Side x Sides, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles
for recreational and utility use and has recently introduced a new
on-road electric powered neighborhood vehicle.
Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry; and one of the largest manufacturers of ORVs in the world. Victory motorcycles established in 1998 and representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, are rapidly making impressive in-roads into the cruiser and touring motorcycle marketplace. Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.
Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII,” and the Company is included in the S&P MidCap 400 stock price index.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com.