Ranger shifts into recreation mode – February 12, 2007
Just four short years ago the sport recreation side-by-side segment was non-existent. Side-by-side machines were slated for farming, hunting, agriculture or commercial purposes.
But, coinciding with the 2003 Yamaha Rhino release, a new segment was born: recreation. The thrill of side-by-side riding gained popularity as families and friends could share their outdoor experiences with others while enjoying a performance product.
Since the Rhino release, Polaris engineers have been developing a machine to capitalize on the booming sector: enter the 2008 Polaris Ranger RZR.
“Ranger has historically made money in the utility segment, and it continues to grow strong at about 20 percent,” said Matt Homan, Ranger general manager. “The commercial and industrial is a really nice segment. It’s [experienced] flat or single-digit growth the past few years.”
But the real money to be had is in recreation.
“In 2002, [recreation] was basically zero and now it’s 30,000-40,000 units,” Homan said. “And it’s growing at a 45 percent clip.”
At that rate of growth, the RZR can’t reach dealers soon enough.
Why Is The RZR Unique?
Ranger representatives at the Phoenix press launch keyed on three points that make the RZR distinctive: trail accessibility, additional power and improved recreational handling.
The all-wheel-drive RZR is a class-leading 50 inches wide — 4.5 inches narrower than the closest side-by-side — that achieves the first objective: better trail accessibility.
Focus groups revealed side-by-side customers want to go anywhere an ATV can go. The 50-inch width is only about 2 inches wider than most utility ATVs. The different approach to the cage canted at a forward angle puts the RZR at 69 inches tall — about the same height as a rider sitting on an ATV. That’s about 7 inches lower than the nearest competitor. The height and width allows the RZR to navigate tighter trails than previously possible.
Polaris intends to sell the RZR not only to sport recreation enthusiasts, but also to hunters who want better “Back 40” accessibility while churning along with big-bore power.
To that end, the RZR is powered with a 760cc liquid-cooled four-stroke twin that’s also found in the Sportsman 800, sans engine braking. The engine is fed by EFI and cooled by a larger 4.25-quart radiator. With the largest big-bore engine bolted on a side-by-side, the power hits strong thanks to a dry weight of 945 pounds.
“The RZR has 30 percent more horsepower and is 10 percent lighter,” said Jan Rintamaki, Polaris Ranger marketing manager. “Horsepower-to-weight ratio is 44 percent higher than anything else coming from an OEM.”
For improved recreational handling, Polaris also redesigned its approach to suspension.
The double wishbone front end has five-way adjustable spring preload and a rearward cant of 6 degrees. This geometry helps direct impact energy rearward into the chassis and keeps the front end more upright in harsh bumps and whoops — Polaris was the first to employ anti-dive geometry in the ATV industry with the release of its 2003 Polaris Predator.
To complement the new front-end design, an industry-first anti-swaybar was installed. This keeps the machine flat while suspension cycles through its 9 inches of travel.
The independent rear suspension features recessional wheel travel, which means the wheel travels up and back through harsh terrain. A
4-degree rearward A-arm cant also results in more energy being forced rearward. In addition, rear suspension features five-way spring preload adjustment and 9.5 inches of travel.
“The RZR is the most responsive and agile side-by-side with the lowest center of gravity,” Rintamaki said. “It’s absolutely the fastest in acceleration and top speed [and comes with] all the utility you will need.”
RZR Innovation
Polaris is no stranger to innovation. In 1985, it debuted the first-ever automatic ATV. And just more than a decade ago, the company released the Sportsman, which completely changed the ATV landscape.
Thanks to an engine location Polaris terms mid-chassis — behind the two bucket seats but in front of the rear axles — that ground breaking innovation returns. This patented location actually results in a lower center of gravity. Weight is distributed at 40 percent front and 60 percent rear. With two passengers, Polaris says the RZR achieves a near-equilibrium.
Also unique to the RZR are its three patented engine mounts, which reduce vibration sent through the chassis to the rider and passenger. Due to available space, the transmission is bolted directly to the engine, which is placed on a perpendicular plane in relation to vehicle travel.
In turn, the CVT belt turns behind an access panel and removable bucket seats. A direct result from the engine placement is increased leg room, which was a top concern for consumer groups.
“Riders desire more comfort and less fatigue,” Homan said. “They want to enjoy the ride a long time and drive fairly aggressively without getting tired out.”
Other innovations include an industry-first tilt steering wheel, adjustable bucket seats with 4 inches of travel (tools required) and an adjustable passenger handrail. A 7.3-gallon fuel tank, which Polaris says offers 110 miles in deep sand driving and more than 200 miles over ideal terrain, is mounted under the passenger seat. Below the driver seat, Polaris left room for owners to swap out the stock battery for a larger cell that can power all the aftermarket goodies.
Two Niches, One Machine
The RZR has a 1,500-pound towing capacity in addition to Plug and Play PURE Polaris accessories — windshields, gun scabbards, gas cans, winch, lights, bumpers and enclosed cab, among others — to deck the ride out in hunting garb.
“For recreational riders the RZR has more performance stock than most of the competing side-by-sides after you dump $5,000, $7,000
or even $10,000 into them to trick them out,” Rintamaki said.
Polaris plans to initially offer recreational accessories that include aftermarket tires and wheels, PURE nerf bars, spare tire rack, rearview mirror, headache net and bumpers.
The RZR will be available in late spring with a $9,999 U.S. and $13,999 Canada sticker price. Initially, the RZR will be sent to dealers on a limited basis and only available in red. Polaris plans on offering a green model in early fall. psb