New 600 RUSH with PRO-RIDE Chassis, Suspension Introduced as Flagship Performance Model
With 55 years as the industry leader in snowmobile ride and handling, powersports frontrunner Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today unveiled its bold new product offerings for 2010. Polaris has set a new industry standard by delivering Terrain Dominating Control in all of its new 2010 models - featuring a no-compromise blend of durability, balance, power and suspension. The all-new 600 RUSH™ with the PRO-RIDE™ chassis is the 2010 flagship model, which offers the industry’s first and only true progressive-rate rear suspension. Other new products include the 600 LX and Turbo LX which provide several comfort and convenience features such as electric start, mirrors and higher windshields. A new versatile Utility model, the 600 WideTrak IQ, completes the new model line-up. Polaris introduced the 2010 snowmobiles during its dealer meeting at Turning Stone Resort in Syracuse, N.Y., with special guest appearances from Levi LaVallee, professional Sno-Cross racer and X-Games gold medalist as well as SledNecks™ terrain rider Dan Adams.
"New product innovation is always the driving force for Polaris. We continue to build game-changing products based on consumer need, even in a tough external environment," said Scott Wine, CEO, Polaris Industries Inc. "Polaris is thriving because of our innovative products, enabling us to be a powersports leader while delivering first-of-its-kind Terrain Dominating Control in our 2010 lineup, all of which will continue to fuel growth and gains in all market categories."
TERRAIN DOMINATING CONTROL
Every model in the 2010 Polaris lineup provides riders with Terrain Dominating Control, including the following:
- Polaris-exclusive IQ® front and rear suspensions provide a smooth, comfortable ride and easy, responsive handling.
- The lightweight RAW RMK Chassis was developed to meet the specialized needs of Deep Snow riders and delivers outstanding performance in the steep and deep.
- The 136 Coupled Rear Suspension on Crossover models provides a smooth ride on the trail and excellent off-trail flotation.
- The lineup also features several specially equipped Dragon® models with premium shock packages to give demanding riders the most consistently outstanding ride and handling in snowmobiling.
ALL-NEW 600 RUSH
The PRO-RIDE™ Chassis of the 600 RUSH™ looks like nothing snowmobilers have seen before - and it provides ride and handling superior to other products on the market. The PRO-RIDE progressive-rate rear suspension transfers the load generated by rough terrain to the extremely rigid PRO-RIDE chassis, while the rider remains isolated from the terrain’s harsh effects. Bottoming is virtually eliminated, and the stiff chassis and new swaybar setup keep the sled flat through turns for enhanced handling. The 600 RUSH rider experiences “Rider Active” control that feels intuitive and natural.
“The new Polaris 600 RUSH truly marks a turning point for the snowmobile industry,” said Scott Swenson, Vice President, Snowmobile Division, Polaris Industries Inc. “The progressive-rate rear suspension has been proven in Motocross; Polaris has now become the first company to bring it to snowmobiles. This innovative PRO-RIDE suspension combined with the new super-rigid PRO-RIDE chassis provides riders with an unprecedented level of rider-active control including improvements in acceleration and cornering.”
“Polaris has really nailed it with this sled,” said LaVallee. “Riding the 600 RUSH felt like nothing I have ever experienced. I was in the ideal riding position to transfer my weight for launch, and to set the front end for cornering. It has wicked control and a suspension that refuses to give up.”
2010 MODEL SEGMENTS
The following is an overview of all Polaris model segments for 2010:
PERFORMANCE: THE SPORT’S FINEST POWER, RIDE & HANDLING
Along with the new 600 RUSH, the Performance segment features six IQ models that deliver snowmobiling’s best ride and handling and incredible acceleration and power. Five of these models are powered by the smooth, efficient Liberty® 600 and 800 HO Cleanfire® engines. The segment includes two Dragon® IQ models that have premium Walker Evans® shock packages and special equipment that enhances a rider’s snowmobiling experience. Plus, the 550 IQ Shift is snowmobiling’s best value with its IQ Chassis, Polaris 550 fan-cooled twin and basic black bodywork that’s ripe for customizing.
CROSSOVER: THE BEST IN ON- & OFF-TRAIL PERFORMANCE
Riders who regard trails as avenues to their off-trail playgrounds view the Polaris Crossover models as the best of all worlds. The 136 Coupled rear suspension bridges bumps for a smooth ride on the trail, and it provides excellent off-trail flotation. The Liberty® 600 and 800 HO engines with Cleanfire Injection® provide tremendous corner-to-corner acceleration and great power for off-trail boondocking. The new 600 LX and Turbo LX complement their smooth ride and strong power with special features such as electric start, 12V Accessory outlet, a higher windshield, storage bags, mirrors and distinctive LX graphics.
DEEP SNOW: RAW, LIGHTWEIGHT & POWERFUL
With a performance heritage of hillclimb victories and powder domination, the 2010 Deep Snow models are again the must-have sleds for riders who thrive on the steep and deep. Lightweight yet extremely powerful, the IQ RMK® models provide outstanding flotation and smooth, responsive handling a rider will enjoy all day. Five models are powered by the mighty Liberty 800 HO Cleanfire engine, including the 800 Assault® RMK, the sport’s first sled created specifically for freestyle and backcountry riders.
TOURING & UTILITY: IDEAL FOR BIG TRIPS OR BIG JOBS
The 2010 Touring and Utility models are versatile long-track sleds with features that meet the needs of long-distance trail riders and those who use snowmobiles on the job. Two of the three Touring models are built on the IQ Chassis and have the smooth-riding IQ 136" Comfort rear suspension. Features like 2-up pillow seating, adjustable backrests, electric start and heated passenger handgrips make tour riding a pleasure on these models. The three-model Utility lineup includes the new 600 WideTrak IQ, which has the powerful and efficient Liberty 600 HO Cleanfire2 engine and numerous Utility features hard-working riders need.
YOUTH: ‘LITTLE DRAGON’ DELIVERS BIG FUN
For young riders, the 120 Dragon provides the fun and excitement of snowmobiling in a safe manner adults appreciate. This is a proven, premium-quality Youth model that delivers reliable starting and dependable performance every time out. The 120 Dragon has a key ignition and safeguard systems that stop the engine if the rider walks away from the sled or the hood is opened. It also looks just like a “grown-up” Dragon with its independent front suspension and sharp-looking Dragon graphics.
PURE POLARIS PRODUCTS & ACCESSORIES
New 2010 snow apparel includes Ripper and Diva jackets with an iPod Controller option; men’s and women’s eVent® jackets that are waterproof and breathable; and AF 1.5 and Cyclone helmets with PureSeal™ technology. New snow accessories include power items for RUSH and IQ such as e-start and a variety of windshield and storage options, covers, and color/graphic options for simple customization. Pure Polaris also offers deep snow safety equipment and all the apparel and gear a rider needs to stay warm, 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 Kelly Puspoki at kpuspoki@webershandwick.com and 952.346.6214
ABOUT POLARIS
With annual 2008 sales of $1.9 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. 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.
Contacts:
Polaris Industries
Marlys Knutson, 763-542-0533
Weber Shandwick
Kelly Puspoki, 952-346-6214