Minneapolis, MN (7/23/2007) - After an exciting year of introducing the fastest accelerating ATV, the Outlaw 525, and a side-by-side that changes the game, the 2008 RANGER RZR, Polaris continues to re-invent its ATV and RANGER product lines by creating vehicles that expand the company’s current offerings and meets the needs of power sports enthusiasts.
“Polaris is more than an ATV manufacturer; our employees love the outdoors as much as the consumers that ride our products. We are able to continually enhance our ATV product line because we understand the riding experience first hand,” said Mike Dougherty, general manager for the ATV Division at Polaris. “For 2008, you’ll see a simplified and more compelling Polaris ATV product offering that caters to a wider variety of customers.”
Recreational and utility riders will continue to enjoy the Sportsman line with its legendary ride and handling. For Polaris’ one-up Rec./Ut. offering, the legendary Sportsman line has been improved and simplified. All fuel injected Sportsman models come standard with engine breaking (EBS), Active Descent Control (ADC), and some are painted in a variety of new and appealing colors. The Sportsman 800 EFI returns with 10 percent more power, standard dual exhaust, improved throttle and clutching response, and are painted. The Sportsman 500 H.O. is back for 2008 as the best-value 500 on the market at $5,999, $500 less than its 1996 introductory MSRP.
For the customer that wants the Sportsman legendary ride and handling in a mid-size package, Polaris is introducing the Sportsman 400 H.O. and the Sportsman 300 (formerly Hawkeye). Polaris also will offer the Sportsman 500 6x6 and Trail Boss 330.
With the 2-Up market continuing to grow, Polaris is introducing a touring line of ATVs with the Sportsman 800 EFI Touring and Sportsman 500 EFI Touring. The Sportsman Touring models offer more passenger room, better ergonomics and value than the competition, and are destined to be known as “The World’s Most Comfortable ATVs.” For the rider that has the occasional passenger but wants versatility, Polaris will continue to offer the Sportsman 500 X2 and the new Sportsman 700 X2, the best-value, big-bore 2-Up on the market.
In 2007, Polaris introduced the fastest accelerating stock sport ATV, the Outlaw 525. The quad was powered by a 510cc KTM engine which increased the power and made the machine lighter. For 2008, Polaris has focused on offering purpose-built, high performance sport quads, so whether you are a trail rider, sand enthusiast or MX fan, there will be an Outlaw to fit your riding style. Polaris will continue to offer the Outlaw 525 with independent rear suspension, now called the Outlaw 525 IRS, for trail and cross country riding; and has added a lighter and faster straight axle version, the Outlaw 525 S, that will scream in the dunes and on the track. Also added to the sport line-up is a limited-edition Outlaw 450 MXR for MX enthusiasts.
For the consumer that prefers a sportier ATV at a great value, Polaris will offer the Scrambler 500 4x4, Phoenix 200, and brought back by popular demand, the Trail Blazer, now available with a 330cc, 4-stroke engine.
Youth riders can choose from three different, 4-stroke models from Polaris’ best-selling line of youth ATVs, the Sportsman 90, Outlaw 90 and new Outlaw 50. Due to the incredible response to the limited edition pink youth models, Polaris will offer it as a standard color on the Outlaw 90 and 50. Also for 2008, all youth models come with a matching jersey and helmet to help promote safe riding.
Announced earlier this year, the RANGER RZR, with its razor-sharp, side-by-side performance, will be available in full production quantities.
Powered by Polaris 800 Twin EFI engine, RANGER RZR is the fastest accelerating side-by-side with the highest horsepower in its class; accelerating to 35 MPH in four seconds, and topping out at 55 MPH. At 50 inches wide, it also is the only trail capable side-by-side in its class. At 945 lbs, it is the lightest side-by-side with the lowest cage height, compared to its competitors. RANGER RZR’s design places the engine behind the seat giving it the lowest center of gravity of all the sport side-by-sides for unmatched off-road responsiveness. For comfort, RANGER RZR also sports the best ergonomics in its class, including tilt steering, and adjustable hand rails and seats.
Also new for 2008 is the six-passenger RANGER CREW, the hardest working, smoothest riding, multi-passenger utility vehicle in the industry. RANGER CREW is powered by a Polaris 700 Twin EFI engine and boasts a 44 MPH top speed. Along with providing massive, dual, under-seat storage, the RANGER CREW has all the features that made the RANGER line one of the best-selling lines of utility vehicles including Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and the Polaris true