Category Archives: Technology

Polaris Adds Horsepower To The 2015 RZR XP 1000 and XP 4 1000

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The new RZR XP 1000 is the fastest-selling side-by-side in Polaris history.

The 2014 RZR XP 1000 shown here will feature additional horsepower in model year 2015.

Polaris recently introduced the 2015 RZR XP 1000 and XP 4 1000 which feature a 110 horsepower high output engine compared to 107 hp in the 2014 model. The 2015 models feature additional changes related to the boost in horsepower including:

  • New engine calibration with high-output cams, stiffer valve springs and a higher compression ratio of 11:1.
  • Revised exhaust system, incorporating closed loop control and catalyst technology improves emissions and efficiency.
  • New direct flow intake covers, new belt and a new clutch cover with more ducting providing two times more airflow directly to the clutches

The RZR XP 1000 will be available in Havasu Red Pearl, Voodoo Blue and White Lightning, and the RZR XP 4 1000 in Havasu Red Pearl and Voodoo Blue. All units feature standard Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and will be available in dealerships starting in July. Learn more:  Polaris.com

Comment:  The competition in the side by side market remains strong. In the high performance sport segment horsepower is one of the areas where competitors try to outdo each other. Suspension travel and handling are not far behind. I expect to see some new models or updates from Arctic Cat and/or Can Am in this segment.

Yamaha Announces 6-Passenger Viking Side-by-Side

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The new Yamaha Viking VI EPS side-by-side.

The new Yamaha Viking VI EPS side-by-side.

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., announced their new 2015 Viking VI EPS six-person side-by-side. Assembled in Newman, GA the Viking VI EPS features Yamaha’s Ultramatic™ fully automatic transmission, On-Command® four-wheel drive system, Electric Power Steering (EPS) and a 700cc-class engine. The new UTV can haul up to 600 lbs and tow up to 1,500 lbs.

All six passengers have bucket seats with headrests, dedicated handholds and foot rests and the middle seats are purposefully reclined five degrees providing more shoulder room for all occupants. The driver has an adjustable seat. Conveniences for all occupants include eight cup holders throughout the cab, a sealed storage container under the center front seat, additional storage under the remaining front seats, a large glove box on the front panel, and two DC power outlets – one in front and another in back. Other features include:

  • On-Command drive system with: 2WD, 4WD or 4WD with a fully locked front differential selections.
  • Specially designed Maxxis Big Horn tires.
  • 686cc 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder, 4-valve, fuel-injected engine
  • Pallet size cargo bed with one-touch tilt assist.
  • Steel skid plates across the entire undercarriage: front-to-back and side-to-side.
  • Row crop friendly track width.

The Viking VI comes in Hunter Green, Red, and Realtree AP® HD camo. MSRP for standard versions starts at $12,799 for non-EPS and $13,799 for EPS models. A Viking VI EPS Special Edition in Matte Silver with Soft Suntop comes with an MSRP of $14,999 and incorporates aluminum wheels, overfenders, mud flaps, a soft sun top, a sealed storage compartment under the left rear seat and Yamaha’s bed rail accessory mounts. Learn more:  Yamahamotorsports.com

Comment:  The competition in the UTV market continues to remain strong. First Honda and now Yamaha have followed up important new product launches with additional new models to keep their momentum going. Yamaha is breaking new ground with this six passenger vehicle. Marketing material points to a range of potential users from hunting groups to ranch crews. It will be interesting to see how much demand there is for a higher passenger capacity vehicle and if other manufacturers follow suit with their own versions.

Polaris Boosts 2015 Ranger XP 900 Power By 13%

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For 2014 the Polaris Ranger XP 900 receives a power boost.

For 2014 the Polaris Ranger XP 900 receives a power boost.

ThePolaris Ranger Crew 900 will be updated for 2015.

ThePolaris Ranger Crew 900 will be updated for 2015 as well.

Polaris announced updates for some 2015 side-by-side models including a 13% power increase for the 2015 Ranger XP 900. The 2015 model will feature a recalibrated, high output ProStar 900 engine with 68 horsepower. New intake openings, on the pillars behind the driver and passenger, allow for improved airflow for the engine and clutch air intake systems. The vehicles also feature edgier headrests, and new graphics packages and colors. Similarly the 2015 Ranger Crew 900 will feature improved air intake openings, edgier headrests and new graphics packages and colors. The Ranger XP 900 and Ranger Crew 900 will be available in Sage Green and Solar Red, with the Ranger XP 900 also available in Polaris Pursuit® Camo. The Ranger XP 900 EPS will be available in Sage Green, Solar Red, Sunset Red, Super Steel Gray, White Lightning, Black Pearl and Hunter Edition. The Ranger Crew 900 EPS will be available in Sunset Red, Super Steel Gray, White Lightning and Polaris Pursuit Camo. All vehicles will be in dealerships in June. Learn more:  Polaris.com

Honda Unveils New 2015 Pioneer 500 Side-by-Side

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15_Pioneer500_Red

The new 2015 Pioneer 500 from Honda.

Steering column mounted paddle shifters on honda's Pioneer 500

Steering column mounted paddle shifters on Honda’s Pioneer 500

This month Honda announced their new 2015 Pioneer 500 side-by-side. Marketed as a crossover vehicle good for work duties or trail riding, the Pioneer 500 is a two passenger vehicle featuring a 475cc four-stroke engine and a five-speed gearbox with an electric shift system and steering column mounted paddle shifters. The side-by-side is designed for trail access/use or working in tight confines with a width of only 50 inches, 73.1 inch wheelbase and 13 ft. turning radius. The side-by-side can fit in a full-size pick-up, has 450 lb. payload capacity and nearly 10 inches of ground clearance. With an MSRP of only $8,499 the Pioneer 500 is targeting entry level and price conscious buyers.  Learn more:  Honda.com

Comment:  After several years of not aggressively pursuing the UTV market, Honda now seems to be putting resources behind their efforts as they follow up last year’s introduction of the Pioneer line with a new addition. They are also continuing two trends we have seen in the overall UTV market. First the Pioneer 500 is being positioned as a crossover type vehicle, albeit at the lower price/performance levels. Second, this is a narrow width model designed to provide access to trails for which more traditional UTVs are too wide. We have seen this in higher performance, more recreational riding oriented models from a number of manufacturers but this vehicle is clearly targeting more of a casual trail rider than a high speed trail jockey. Nevertheless, the narrowness of the vehicle could be important for customers in the eastern part of the US where trails are more narrow and/or have narrow gates that restrict access.

Polaris To Offer Non-Pneumatic Tire For Consumer Side-by-Sides

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Polaris Non-Pneumatic Tire Technology

Polaris Non-Pneumatic Tire Technology

Polaris will be bringing their non-pneumatic tire technology from the battlefield to the recreational trails and work environments in the second half of 2014. While originally targeting military applications and available since December on a limited number of ATVs, the tires will now be an option on a wider range of vehicles including side-by-sides by the end of the year. The non-pneumatic tires (NPT) consist of a rubber tread similar to a pneumatic tire that surrounds a polymetric web with a honeycomb design. The technology produces a tire with lateral stiffness for less tire roll while cornering and better grip over rocky or rough terrain since the web part of the tire allows the tire to deform while traveling over an obstacle. The main characteristic is that the tire cannot go flat. In testing the tire has withstood 50 caliber bullets and railroad spikes and remained operable for thousands of miles.

While these characteristics obviously appeal to recreational users, Polaris is initially rolling out the technology for work applications since the company has been getting a lot of feedback from that market according to management. Another issue that hinders a quick and broad roll-out of the NPT is that matching a NPT tire to a given vehicle is complicated. The characteristics of the web design, web material, tread design and material and lug pattern must be adjusted for each vehicle and application. The company has received interest from mining, turf, agriculture, construction and even the aviation markets. Rail industries are also very interested.  Learn more:  Powersportsbusines.com

Comment: This could grow into a nice sized adjacent business for Polaris. It will be difficult for competitors to enter the market. Not only does Polaris own patents for this technology but they are also developing expertise in understanding the complexities of matching different tire characteristics to specific vehicles and end-use applications. Competitors will have a difficult time both acquiring or developing a similar technology as well as the related engineering expertise. Polaris also has the advantage of being the leading brand with a large installed base of potential customers. The tire technology could also provide a differentiator in the commercial UTV market which Polaris has been making a more determined push.

More Club Car Models To Use Subaru EFI Engine

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Club Car XRT850 utility vehicles will soon feature a new Subaru EFI engine.

Club Car XRT850 utility vehicles will soon feature a new Subaru EFI engine.

Club Car’s  XRT800 and XRT850 utility vehicles manufactured after April, 2014 will use the new Subaru 14-hp rated, 404-cc, single-cylinder overhead cam engines with electronic fuel injection (EFI). The new engine represents a 30 percent increase in horsepower and the EFI technology will allow for more reliable starting, better fuel efficiency and in general improved performance. The Subaru’s splash lubrication system requires no oil filter eliminating the need for buying, changing and disposing of filters.

Learn more:  Digitaljournal.com

Comment:  EFI technology is an example of automobile technology that has migrated into the STOV market. Technology migration such as this typically starts with higher-priced, specialty or higher performance models in the market. In the case of EFI technology, it first started appearing in the high-end recreational side-by-sides and in vehicles for work applications that had higher performance requirements. Now EFI is moving to smaller, less expensive vehicles like these Club Car  XRTs which are compact UTVs. Another example is Yamaha’s use of EFI engines in their golf car and utility vehicle product lines.

Polaris Adds Two Diesel Work UTVs To Lineup

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The new Polaris Ranger Diesel HST Deluxe with climate controlled cab.

The new Polaris Ranger Diesel HST Deluxe with climate controlled cab.

The new Polaris Ranger Diesel HST with a Yanmar diesel engine and hydrostatic transmission.

The new Polaris Ranger Diesel HST with a Yanmar diesel engine and hydrostatic transmission.

Polaris Industries recently introduced two new diesel powered Ranger work utility vehicles to their product lineup, the Ranger Diesel HST and the Ranger Diesel HST Deluxe. Both vehicles are powered by a 24hp Yanmar diesel engine with engine braking which is paired with a hydrostatic transmission featuring Polaris’ exclusive On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive. The vehicles also include a  treadle pedal and multi-link coil over De Dion rear suspension. The treadle pedal allows for travel in forward to reverse without shifting gears. The Deluxe model comes with a factory-installed cab with climate controls and an electric assist for the dump bed. Both models have a 1,250 lb cargo capacity and 2,000 lb towing capacity along with a 90 amp alternator for better cold weather starting and operating accessories. The models are targeted for the agricultural and rural customer. The vehicles will be available in April with the Ranger Diesel HST starting at $15,199 and the Ranger Diesel HST Deluxe at $20,999.  Learn more:  Polaris.com

 Comment:  Polaris continues to build out their work utility vehicle lineup, targeting different customer segments of the consumer work and commercial portions of the market. While these new Ranger models are primarily aimed at the agricultural and work customer, they could also be used in the construction market or other segments that might use diesel vehicles. The company has been making a particularly strong push into the commercial area over the last several years with their Brutus vehicle partnership with Bobcat, the GEM lineup which is primarily for commercial and institutional use and now these models provide a slightly different flavor. The question in the STOV market often returns to how well the distribution channel matches to the target customer. Since the agricultural segment has historically been served by the powersports dealer to a certain degree this should not be an issue with these models. For other more purely commercial segments where these vehicles could find traction, a more efficient distribution channel may be needed to fully exploit their potential.

John Deere Updates 2014 Gator Utility Vehicles

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The 2014 John Deere Gator XUV Line-Up

The 2014 John Deere Gator XUV Line-Up

John Deere has announced updates to their 2014 Gator Utility vehicles which include safety as well as work performance improvements to their XUV line. These updates include:

  • Operator Side Retention (OSR) is now standard on all Operator Protective Structure (OPS) equipped Gator utility vehicles. A net OSR is part of the base configuration for the HPX, XUV heavy-duty (625i, 825i, 855D), and mid-duty (550, 550 S4) models. Stylized poly doors can be ordered in lieu of nets for certain models. The nets allow for easy one-handed operation, provide great visibility and allow for accessible ingress and egress from the utility vehicle. The stylized poly doors feature automotive style handles, color-matched panels, and a 90 degree opening for easy entry and exit.
  • Warn® ProVantage 3,500 or 4,500 lb. winch
  • The heavy-duty line of XUVs features a new digital display with a glow plug indicator light (diesel), a flashing water temperature icon, and a power steering indicator (if equipped). New illuminated dash switches provide better nighttime visibility.
  • An ag management solutions system (AMS) integration kit is available for the heavy-duty models. This kit allows a customer to mount a StarFire receiver and GS display (both sold separately) to the Gator to assist with boundary mapping, flagging field obstacles, and soil sampling.
  • The mid-duty line of XUVs is an improved braking system that delivers 26 percent reduction in brake pedal effort and improved operator feedback.

Learn More:  JohnDeere.com

Comment:  While the high-end recreational vehicle segment gets a lot of attention with a seemingly continuous stream of vehicles with more horsepower and off-road capabilities, manufacturers such as John Deere, Kubota, Club Car, Toro and others are making the work vehicle segment highly competitive as well. A number of new vehicle introductions as well as product line updates have hit the market in the last year, improving vehicle performance and adding capabilities.

Update on EVDrive’s Terra-Torque-Technology

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A look at that the front wheel motors in a Kawasaki Teryx modfied by EVDrive with their Terra Torque Drive.

A look at that the front wheel motors in a Kawasaki Teryx modfied by EVDrive with their Terra Torque Drive.

A recent post discussed EVDrive’s Terra-Torque-Drive technology and it’s demonstration in a Kawasaki Teryx4. I thought the electric UTV technology, which among other capabilities enabled the demonstrator vehicle to perform zero-radius turns, could be an important development in the UTV market. I followed up with a call and fairly lengthy discussion with Steve Tice,COO, President, Co-Founder of EVDrive to talk more about their technology and plans for the UTV market. I put the information into an article in the Tech content section of this website. Learn more:  EVDrive Terra-Torque-Drive

EVDrive Demonstrates Electric Drive Technology For UTVs

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A look at that the front wheel motors in a Kawasaki Teryx modfied by EVDrive with their Terra Torque Drive.

A look at that the front wheel motors in a Kawasaki Teryx modfied by EVDrive with their Terra Torque Drive.

A programmable system with motors for each wheel, a UTV with the EVDrive system provides great handling characteristics, including a zero turn radius.

A programmable system with motors for each wheel, the EVDrive system can provide a UTV with great handling characteristics, including the ability to execute a zero radius turn.

EVDrive has demonstrated their Terra Torque Drive electric motor technology for use in off-road powersports vehicles. The electric 4-wheel, 4-motor torque vectoring technology was put into a stock 4-seat Kawasaki Teryx4. The UTV demonstrator uses four sealed liquid-cooled EVDrive EVD35 35kW/47hp peak drive sub-systems, de-tuned to ~30kW/hp each or delivering a total of ~160hp/120kW peak. At each motor shaft, ~66 ft-lbs (89 N·m) peak torque is delivered. As currently configured, 726 ft-lbs (984 N·m) peak torque is delivered which allows the vehicle to perform zero radius turns. This basically means the vehicle can spin in place. The demonstrator has a top speed of 45 mph which can be reached in 4 seconds with good traction. With software controlled motors on each wheel, the wheels can be programmed to independently turn at any speed or direction which allows for some great handling possibilities. Additional traction modes are planned including  auto dynamic terrain type posi-traction control, variable inclination angle offset descent control, zero radius turns on incline, emergency 4-wheel panic braking/stop and boulder climbing. The system also has regenerative braking.

To modify the vehicle EVDrive removed the gas engine and AWD mechanical drivetrain and put in their 160hp (119 kW) peak total version of the Terra-Torque-Drive. According to Co-Founder and COO, Steve Tice ” Off-road UTVs are ideally suited to our torque vectoring technology where only single fixed speed reduction is required per motor-wheel to attain 55-75 mph top-speeds with the type of high RPM brushless motor technology we employ.” The company also has a single-cylinder, 20 hp range extender engine which can be added to the system. According to EVDrive the system with range extender allows for:

  • Highest efficiency 4wd drivetrain on any UTV today (least mechanical losses);
  • Dynamic torque vectoring modes both for high and low speed operation, e.g. industry unique “Zero Radius Turning” and high speed active torque vectoring allows for better and safer handling off-road;
  • Torque and power from -100 to +100% can be dynamically sent to any wheel, in either direction, in any combination, at any time.
  • Series hybrid with optimized internal combustion engine powered REX to allow for longer range matching or exceeding gas powered UTVs sold today.
  • 120vac power from onboard battery pack, backed up with the REX for general utility use;
  • Lower cost to maintain and operate. Superior fuel economy, estimated average 50-100% better, and for short trips, no fuel may be needed at all. Plug-in to standard electric car chargers;
  • Superior straight-line and rough loose material, curvy trail acceleration;
  • Greater river depth traversal possible due to completely sealed liquid cooled e-motors/power electronics; and
  • Torque vectoring software platform allows new traction capabilities to be supported like “apps” without costly mechanical NRE expenses to the OEM; OEM can provide customers software updates for new capabilities.

Learn more:  GreenCarCongress (includes video of vehicle in action)