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BRP Announces a New Snowmobile Platform That Brings Massive Updates

BRP makes a bold move announcing a new snowmobile platform AND a new engine that will power the new machines. It is for the first time in 20 years when Bombardier Recreational Products reveals two such updates simultaneously, and the fans of winter sports will surely appreciate this.
2016 Ski-Doo Renegade X-RS 1 photo
Photo: ski-doo.com
The Canadian manufacturer says that the new platform and engine will be available later this year in the 2017 model year range, with three sled families confirmed at the time of writing. BRP says that, so far, the 2017 Summit mountain, MXZ trail performance and Renegade crossover models will be part of the update.

BRP's "revolution" begins with a new engine, the Rotax 850 E-TEC 2-stroke lump. It will produce 165 horsepower, ten more than the previous version currently used in certain sleds, and promises better oil and fuel consumption, a faster response, and is lighter and more durable.

The cool thing is that BRP has not tried to adapt the new power plant to the existing series, but decided to re-think the snowmobiles from scratch, in fact, building the sleds around the engine and the rider

According to BRP, the new generation of sleds is codenamed Project ICE, but the lettering has nothing to do with winter. ICE stands for Incredible Customer Experience, and BRP president and CEO José Boisjoli says that this is exactly what the company is after, namely providing the customers with the time of their life aboard the new machines.

BRP also claims that the Rotax 850 E-TEC is also the most sophisticated 2-stroke snowmobile engine in the world, with enhanced responsiveness being one of the major improvements. The offer will be complemented by around 90 accessories dedicated to the Ski-Doo snowmobiles.

"By specifically designing the engine and platform together, BRP can provide snowmobile riders with a host of benefits that redefine agility in deep snow and precision on the trails. The vehicle is extremely narrow and bodywork is minimized, giving the rider more room to maneuver. The additional room combined with new ergonomic improvements such as a bevelled tunnel, Ergo-Step side panels, open toe holds and a unique forward-adjustable riser allow riders to customize their riding position to their style. The vehicle’s weight is also centralized from side-to-side, giving snowmobilers even more control over the sled.

"Under the hood is the next generation of BRP’s E-TEC direct-injection technology in the form of the Rotax 850 E-TEC 2-stroke engine. It unleashes 165 horsepower, 10 more than its predecessor. Riders will also appreciate its 30% quicker response, which instantly delivers the extra power. This new powerplant provides Ski-Doo sleds with the best power-to-weight ratio in the industry for both mountain and trail segments. Even with these improvements in performance, snowmobiles with this engine cover 40% more distance per litre of oil and maintain the same impressive fuel economy when compared to the Rotax 800R E-TEC engine
," BRP informs.

It looks like 2016 and 2017 are two years of crucial importance for some manufacturers, as we're only two months into 2016, and major upgrades and updates are already announced or at least rumored. Speaking about rumors, we just have to remind you about the new Honda Gold Wing and the revamped Super Cub, alongside the electric EV-CUB recently confirmed by the house of Tokyo.
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