Polaris Debuts Industry-Leading 2011 Snowmobile Lineup
MINNEAPOLIS--Continuing a tradition built on more than 55 years as the industry leader in snowmobile ride and handling, Polaris Industries Inc. today unveiled its 2011 model line-up. The company – known for developing leading snowmobile technology – introduced 11 brand-new snowmobiles during its dealer meeting at The Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas.
“As a company, we’ve always prided ourselves on developing exemplary products that set new industry standards, something we’ve continued in 2011. We fully expect the quality of these new products to further our growth and gains across all market categories.”
Building on the revolutionary PRO-RIDE™ Chassis introduced last year, Polaris has continued to develop products that deliver Terrain Domination Control with its 2011 line-up, offering consumers an unparalleled combination of durability, balance, power and suspension. This revolutionary chassis is used in three new RUSH models – the 800 RUSH PRO-R, 600 RUSH PRO-R and 600 RUSH LX – as well as a specially engineered deep snow adaption in the new 800 PRO-RMK 163 and 800 PRO-RMK 155. With new products spanning diverse segments – Performance, Deep Snow, Crossover and Trail Luxury – as well as updated versions of traditional favorites, Polaris’ 2011 offerings are the most well-rounded and versatile in the industry.
"Polaris continues to be an industry leader because our dedication to practical innovations makes our products more useful, more fun and more affordable for consumers," said Bennett Morgan, President and COO, Polaris Industries Inc. "As a company, we’ve always prided ourselves on developing exemplary products that set new industry standards, something we’ve continued in 2011. We fully expect the quality of these new products to further our growth and gains across all market categories."
2011 MODEL SEGMENTS
PERFORMANCE: THE PINNACLE OF THE RIDING EXPERIENCE
The
Performance segment features four new RUSH models built on the
ground-breaking PRO-RIDE Chassis, with each one delivering power,
durability and Terrain Dominating Control. Performance riders benefit
from outstanding shocks, the industry’s only true progressive rate
rear
suspension, and the 600 or 800 Cleanfire® engine. With technology
that
isolates the rider from the impact of bumps, Polaris sleds with the
PRO-RIDE Chassis offer a ride unmatched by any competitor.
DEEP SNOW: EXCEPTIONAL RIDE FOR EXTRAORDINARY
ADVENTURES
The
Deep Snow line-up carrying the legendary RMK name includes four new
models. The 800 PRO-RMK 163/155 models deliver the RMK basics of
light
weight – 40lbs lighter, reliability and outstanding power. They also
feature the RMK Coil-Over rear suspension, stronger and stiffer
chassis
and Over-Engine Steering, which allows the engine to be mounted lower
for a better center of gravity, enhancing the machine’s balance. The
RMK
line also includes the 800 RMK Assault 155, the sport’s first sled
specifically designed for backcountry and freestyle riders, which
SnowGoer
magazine named “Off-Trail Sled of the Year.”
CROSSOVER: FLATLANDS OR MOUNTAIN - TECHNOLOGY TO RIDE ANY
TERRAIN
Designed
and built to accommodate all riding conditions from deep snow to
perfectly groomed trails, Polaris Crossover models blend the best
features from several segments. The new 800 Switchback Assault 144
borrows smooth-handling technology from the RUSH models and has the
powerful 800 Cleanfire engine to satisfy diverse riding needs. The
new
550 Shift 136 provides riders with the dependable 550 engine and an
extended footprint for a great ride, while and the 600 Switchback 136
and 600 Shift 136 both feature the 600 Cleanfire engine and deliver
outstanding Crossover performance.
TRAIL LUXURY: COMFORT MATCHED BY PERFORMANCE
Highlighted
by
the new 600 RUSH LX (built on the PRO-RIDE Chassis) and new 550 IQ
LXT
(IQ Chassis), the 2011 Trail Luxury sleds feature premium suspensions
that deliver easy handling and the industry’s smoothest ride for one
or
two riders. Several 2-up options let a passenger ride in comfort, and
the Rider Select steering system features adjustable handlebars.
Polaris
redefines Trail Luxury by combining comfort features with
class-leading
engines – such as the 600 Cleanfire and a 750cc 4-stroke – that
efficiently deliver unmatched acceleration and outstanding top-end
power.
UTILITY: WORK HARD, PLAY HARD
The 2011 Utility models are
versatile sleds designed to accommodate any work need while still
providing the power and terrain-dominating suspension to enjoy the
ride
when the job is done. All three models provide a wide ski stance, a
powerful engine and heavy duty cargo rack. The IQ models feature a
heated, in-dash glove box and smooth-riding IQ Front Suspension, and
all
three models have heated handgrips.
YOUTH: A REAL SLED THAT IS SAFE AND FUN FOR YOUNG
RIDERS
The
120 Assault, with its authentic orange Assault graphics and enhanced
safety features, provides the perfect introduction to snowmobiling.
This
sled is equipped with a safety tether that stops the engine
immediately
when removed from the sled, a 120 4-stroke engine, Independent Front
Suspension and underseat storage. Built for durability and
reliability,
the 120 Assault can be the first sled for multiple generations of
riders.
PURE POLARIS PRODUCTS & ACCESSORIES
New for 2011, Pure
Polaris® has partnered with industry giants such as FXR®, ToBe® and
Oakley® to enhance an already strong line of snow apparel.
Additionally,
Polaris continues to utilize eVent® Direct Venting™ Technology, the
state-of-the-art fabric providing riders with windproof, waterproof
and
breathable performance beyond any other fabric on the market today.
New
products this year include Polaris FXR Helix and Backshift jackets,
featuring FXR’s patented liner system, allowing for greater climate
control; ToBe Rise jacket highlighted by convenient pockets and
stylish
looks to compliment functional waterproofing and breathability; and
Polaris Oakley Proven Goggles, providing great comfort and anti-fog
technology from the most recognized name in performance eyewear. New
snow accessories include items for RUSH and RMK sleds such as two new
windshield options up to 24”, skid plates and exchanger guards, along
with a wide selection of storage options and performance parts. Pure
Polaris provides all the gear riders need for themselves and their
sleds
to stay warm, dry, protected and comfortable.
For more information and detailed specs for all 2010 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 2009 sales of $1.6 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER™, 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 Small-Cap 600 stock price index.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com.