For 2019 Ski-Doo comes with two new engines and more Gen4 models.
With Ski-Doo selling twice as many sleds as any other manufacturer, they show no sign of letting off the throttle for 2019. This momentum follows the release of their newest platform, the Gen4 REV, for 2017 which propelled them to a huge increase in overall market share, especially in the mountain segment. Their 850 Summit models set new highmarks in that segment, so bringing the Gen 4REV platform to the rest of their models was a priority for 2019.
But wait – wasn’t the Gen4 REV platform designed to be as narrow as possible, too narrow to fit their 4-stroke engines into? True, that’s why we now find two new engines for 2019; the 600R E-TEC, offered across the line as the heir apparent to the 600 E-TEC that has been the foundation for Ski-Doo trail sleds since its introduction for 2009; and an all-new 900 ACE Turbo, replacing the 1200 4-TEC with a 20 HP power increase, now up to 150 HP. To accommodate the 4-stroke engines we now find a new variation of the Gen4 platform, a version with wider body panels that is being called the Gen4 Wide, with the current Gen4 platform now being called Gen4 Narrow.
REV Gen4 with Rotax 4-Stroke Engines
BRP understands 4-stroke riders demand the same unmatched riding experience as a 2-stroke rider in many ways. The REV Gen4 pillars of powerful engine performance with precise and responsive handling were not compromised when adapting this platform to 4-stroke powerplants.
To that end, select Renegade, Grand Touring and Expedition models have been upgrade to the REV Gen4 platform bringing the industry’s most responsive and precise chassis to 4-stroke sleds. The same open cockpit and centralized mass concepts that Ski-Doo 2-stroke riders have raved about are now available to 4-stroke customers. The platform provides precise handling, premium performance and comfort with new riding positions, optimized ergos, superior fit and finish, and the incorporation of new engine options.
Rotax 600R E-TEC
Fans of the 600cc displacement engine class got what they were waiting for with the early release of the smaller sibling to the Rotax 850 E-TEC. The new 125-horsepower Rotax 600R E-TEC engine incorporates technology from its big brother twin 2-stroke to offer 30% more dynamic response and 5 more HP than its predecessor – all while keeping the same best-in-class reliability and efficiencies the 600cc consumer expects. The 600R E-TEC will be available in cross-country, crossover, mountain and touring segments.
Rotax 900 ACE Turbo
Built to bring more power to the stout reputation of the 900 ACE normally aspirated engine, the Rotax 900 ACE Turbo offers industry leading efficiency and reliability in the 900cc class with 150 horsepower. This is 20 HP more than the 1200 4-TEC it replaces. The in-house designed and built specifically for snowmobiles Rotax turbocharger is tightly integrated for optimal dynamic response that delivers efficiency, power and reliability with virtually zero lag. Upgraded components ensure optimum cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery and seamless integration with the new REV Gen4 platform.
More info on the Rotax 900 ACE Turbo
Backcountry Stands Alone
The term “Backcountry” has become a unique identity for snowmobilers, and for the first time, Ski-Doo’s Backcountry snowmobiles will have a unique identity all their own as stand-alone models. No longer will they be identified as a “Renegade Backcountry”, now they stand alone as “Backcountry”. As a separate model with a unique suspension, the cMotion, Ski-Doo now offers even more ride packages in the Backcountry segment to meet specific needs of this unique, true on- and off-trail market segment, such as the all-new Backcountry X-RS.
Read SnowTech’s New Model Preview on the 2019 Backcountry X-RS 850
2019 Ski-Doo 850 Backcountry X-RS
2019 Ski-Doo Backcountry X 850
Grand Touring Reinvented
The new Grand Touring Limited combines the best of SE and LE packages from previous years, and transforms into the ultimate two-up trail sled as it moves to the REV Gen4 platform. The new Grand Touring Limited offers touring riders the best in luxury, handling and power. Comfort comes to the forefront with optimized seating positions for passenger and driver with improved wind and snow protection. Sleek, LinQ-based roomy storage with the ability to add more thanks to the stackable LinQ feature, and heavy duty rear bumper add even more functionality to the Grand Touring Limited, which sports an industry-best fit and finish. Available in three engine packages – 900 ACE, 900 ACE Turbo, and 600R E-TEC. The Grand Touring Sport when equipped with 900 ACE will also move to REV Gen4 platform.
More Customization for 2019
Ski-Doo riders want to choose key attributes of their sleds to match their specific riding needs, and their personality. For 2019 Ski-Doo gives consumers more customization options than ever with choices of track lengths, lug heights, additional color options, steering components, starters, shock packages and more to make their statement. Buyers have a total of 376 snowmobile configurations to choose from – the most Ski-Doo has ever offered.
2019 Ski-Doo Freeride 850
Higher Powered 900 ACE (Non-Turbo)
When the 900 ACE 4-stroke was originally released, we fell in love with the package and identified it as a near-perfect powerplant for the majority of trail riders, but we would have loved it even more if it would have given us just a wee-bit more power. Now for 2019 with many of the 4-stroke models moving to the REV Gen4 platform the 900 ACE picks up an additional 5 horsepower, now up to 95 HP. This is accomplished due to the new packaging and components developed in the process of fitting the 4-stroke engine into the Gen 4 platform – namely the new Air Intake and new Exhaust. These models are also fitted with a new pDrive primary clutch with new calibrations. Our early testing of the 900 ACE models on the Gen 4 Wide platform was most impressive, as our test riders were pleasantly surprised at the performance increase and overall driveability these models provided. For trail riders looking for the very best handling and riding 4-stroke snowmobile, you must seriously consider any and all of these new for 2019 machines fitted with the 900 ACE.
2019 Ski-Doo – Gen4 for Everyone
For 2019 Ski-Doo leaves little on the table. They now offer REV Gen4 models in a variety of engine sizes, 2-stroke and 4-stroke, instead of only being available with the 850 E-TEC as it has been the past two seasons. They now offer a second-generation 600R E-TEC, bringing even more power and performance to the smaller displacement 2-stroke class. They now offer a turbocharged 4-stroke in the heart of the market, designed for extended durability and reliability. They now offer an even more powerful mid-sized 4-stroke in the 900 ACE, up 5 HP to 95 HP when found in gen 4 sleds. They have gained market share in the competitive mountain sled segment with their agile and powerful 850 Summit models. Their rMotion and now cMotion rear suspensions continue to set their own high marks in terms of ride quality and comfort. They are the market leader, and they clearly plan on keeping it that way.
2019 Ski-Doo Backcountry 600R
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