The new 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo EPS
Polaris has announced their model year 2016 line-up including a new turbocharged RZR, the RZR XP Turbo EPS. The RZR XP Turbo EPS is powered by a turbocharged Prostar engine that produces 144 hp. Additional key features of the vehicle include:
- Fox Podium Internal Bypass Shocks
- Lighter-weight progressive rate upper spring and stiffer main spring
- New front swaybar and re-tuned rear swaybar
- Bolstered seats
- Tilt steering
- Factory installed quarter doors
- MSRP $24,999
The new 2016 Polaris RZR S 1000 EPS
An additional new model is the 60 inch wide RZR S 1000 EPS featuring a 100 hp Prostar engine, Dual A-Arm rear suspension, Fox 2.0 Podium X shocks, True All-Wheel Drive, bolstered seats and factory installed quarter doors. The MSRP is $17,999. The 2016 RZR line also includes some comfort and ergonomic improvements including:
- New seat angle that brings the driver’s elbows closer to the body providing less arm fatigue and a more natural driving position for the RZR 1000 EPS, RZR 900 EPS, RZR S 900 EPS, RZR XC 900 EPS, RZR 4 900 EPS, RZR XP 1000 EPS, RZR XP Turbo EPS, RZR XP 4 1000 EPS and non-EPS vehicles.
- Adjustable seatbelt sliders for the RZR XP 1000
The value priced 2016 Polaris Ranger 570 Full-Size
The new 2016 Polaris Ranger XP 900 EPS High Lifter Stealth Black for mud riding.
In the Ranger lineup Polaris is adding the Ranger 570 Full-Size with a 60 inch three seat chassis, tubular ROPS, 44 hp Prostar 570 engine, 1,500 lb. towing capacity, 800 lb. cargo bed capacity and value targeted MSRP of $9,999. They are also adding a three-seat mud riding model, the Ranger XP 900 EPS High Lifter Edition Stealth Black. This model features reduced gearing for more mud-specific torque with an added a heavy-duty reverse chain, high engine air and clutch intakes and outlet, arched lower A-Arms, 28 in/71.12 cm High Lifter Outlaw II tires and an improved drainage skid plate. The vehicle also features a Pro-Lock™ On-Demand All-Wheel Drive for quicker four-wheel drive engagement in the mud, electronic power stering, 4,500 lb. winch with integrated in-dash switches, specially designed front bumper to allow winch access, rear bumper, half doors and special graphics kit.
Another Ranger addition for 2016 is the pure electric Ranger EV Li-Ion Polaris Pursuit Camo. This model includes:
- 48-volt Ac-induction motor
- Battery management controller to more accurately represent battery life
- Vehicle Control Module with new digital gauge and better accessory integration
- On-vehicle diagnostics
- MSRP $22,999
A Ranger 570 EPS Hunter Edition Polaris Pursuit Camo is new for model year 2016. This model includes Active Descent Control for more control in mountainous terrain, Pro-Lock On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, 3,500 lb. winch, and dual Lock & Ride Scabbards.
Other Ranger models will get a power boost in 2016 with the addition of high output Prostar engines for the Ranger Crew 900-5 and Ranger Crew 900-6 (68 hp) as well as the Ranger XP 570 and Ranger Crew 570-6 (46 hp). Other Enhancements to the Ranger line include an updated hood design with an aggressive new look for the Ranger XP 900 and Ranger XP 570 and Crew vehicles. For maximum power delivery to the ground, the Ranger XP 900 EPS and Crew 900 painted models are now equipped with Pro-Lock On-Demand All-Wheel Drive.
The 2016 Polaris Ace 900 SP adds power and high performance features.
There is also a new Polaris ACE model for 2016, the ACE 900 SP, which features a 60 hp Prostar 900 engine with electronic fuel injection and electronic throttle control. Notable features include:
- Front stabilizer bar
- New dual rate springs in the independent rear suspension
- 25 inch tires
- Polaris’ High Performance Close Ratio On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- MSRP $11,499
Comment: Polaris continues to add to their armada of vehicles. The turbocharged model is a response to Can Ams turbocharged offering. Their other new models demonstrate how they pursue market niches with very specific models such as those for hunting or mud riding. They also make a number of tweaks to the rest of their lineup, many of which focus on comfort or ergonomics. Combined, the niche marketing and tweaking, I believe demonstrate the level of customer research that they put into their product development. Many of these changes are quite specific which I don’t believe they would be making without customer research to justify them.
The new value priced Ranger is most likely a response to the increased competition in this segment of the market where promotions from established brands and offerings from companies like Kymco and CFMoto may be impacting sales. The new electric Ranger injects some of the Brammo acquired expertise in lithium ion technology into their side-by-side product line. It will be interesting to see how the vehicle sells with an MSRP that’s over $10,000 more than their lead-acid battery based EV Rangers. The pricing makes it a niche vehicle and its wise that it is essentially a high-end, electric hunting vehicle where the extra battery range can make a difference and possibly open up new markets, where electric hunting vehicles previously may have struggled to gain traction because of range issues. The new ACE model indicates a demand for and expansion into higher performance riding for the one-seater market.
