2011 Polaris Ranger RZR XP 900 Unveiled

Polaris has been hinting at something big regarding its RZR lineup of performance side-by-sides, and with the New Year Polaris unveiled its newest RZR vehicle, the Ranger RZR XP 900.
 
This new 2011 RZR model is like nothing before it – it’s the widest RZR at 64 inches, has a new 875cc engine that produces a whopping 88 horsepower, and has new suspension that is unlike anything in the UTV and side-by-side market. It is not simply a basic upgrade over the RZR S 800, and the new engine is one of the key features that set this machine apart.

“When picking the powerplant for a new side-by-side some would have thought that the Sportsman 850 engine would have been a great choice, but we knew we wanted to go further … way further,” says Roger Hapka, director of product planning off-road vehicles division. “We made the decision to pursue an all-new engine design that would enable us to achieve our definition of extreme power without any compromises.”

That new powerplant is the ProStar 900 EFI Twin, which features dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. It also boasts a 750-watt charging system designed to power a wide assortment of accessories. The engine produces 88 horsepower – highest in class, by a good margin. Hapka explains that “You get acceleration that is 29 percent faster than the next closest side-by-side on the market.” Polaris says the top speed of the new RZR XP 900 is 73 mph.

To handle the extra power produced by the new engine, Polaris engineers designed an all-new transmission, which Polaris explains maximizes efficiency by eliminating all right angle drives to the rear axle to produce less friction and deliver more power directly to the rear wheels.

With a wider body and a new powerplant, Polaris had to produce new rear suspension to compliment the new side-by-side. Polaris did away with the traditional dual A-arm independent rear suspension and replaced with a new 3-Link Trailing ARM IRS. The 3-link design consists of two radius rods and a far forward-connecting trailing arm.

“The trailing arms connect forward in the chassis to provide an awesome 14 inches of terrain-absorbing rear travel,” says Hapka. “Radius rods extend deep into the wheel hubs and feature geometry that optimizes camber. Tires lean into the corner through the suspension travel and plant more tire surface on the ground for maximum control.”

To compliment the new rear suspension, Polaris employs a set of 2-inch Fox Podium X 2.0 piggyback reservoir shocks, which are also the same shocks found up front. The front A-arms on the XP 900 were extended to help provide13.5 inches of travel. Overall, the new suspension setup is designed to provide a whopping 13 inches of ground clearance.

“This combination of premium Fox shocks and 14 inches of trailing arm suspension travel provide handling and control in rough terrain like you’ve never experienced on a sport side-by-side,” says Hapka. “There is nothing in the recreational side-by-side market that even comes close to suspension capability of the Ranger RZR XP 900.”

Additional Features
As is the case with other RZR units, the XP features Polaris’ patented engine-behind-the-seat design and rear weight bias, which the company says delivers “extreme, razor-sharp agility and performance.”

The RZR XP also boasts the industry’s first factory LED headlights, which Polaris says are designed to provide much greater visibility compared to conventional halogens.

There are also some notable differences in the chassis compared to other RZR models. For instance, the 64-inch RZR XP is now the widest in the RZR family – 3.5 inches wider than the RZR S and RZR 4. The wheelbase is 81.4 inches, which is 4.4 inches longer than the RZR and RZR S. With the additional size of the RZR XP, it also tips the scales 190 pounds heavier than the RZR S at 1,190.
 
The new Ranger RZR XP 900 is offered in Indy Red and a White Lightening limited edition model, which includes black aluminum rims, cut-and-sew seats, a painted Indy Red suspension, and a Hot White paint job. The unit will be hitting showroom floors this month, and Polaris tells us there are more than 70 Pure Polaris accessories available to customize the vehicle, including cargo boxes, winches and protection items. The Ranger RZR XP 900 has an MSRP of $15,999 ($16,599 for the LE model).

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Specs:
2011 Polaris Ranger RZR XP Specs
Engine Type: 4-Stroke DOHC, Twin Cylinder
Displacement: 875cc
Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection
Cooling: Liquid
Transmission: AutomAtiC PVT P/R/N/L/H; Shaft
Drive System: On-Demand True AWD/2WD
Front Suspension: Dual A-Arm 13.5 in. Travel
Rear Suspension: Trailing Arm, Anti-Sway Bar 14.0 in. Travel
Front/Rear Brakes: 4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc with Dual-Bore Front Calipers
Front Tires: 27 x 9-12; ITP 900 xC
Rear Tires: 27 x 11-12; ITP 900 xC
Wheels: Cast Aluminum
Wheelbase: 81.4 in.
Dry Weight: 1,190 lbs
Overall Size (L/W/H): 108.4 in. x 64 in. x 73 in.
Ground Clearance: 13 in.
Fuel Capacity: 7.25 gal.
Bed Box Dimensions (L/W/H): 23 in. x 38 in. x 10 in. Box Capacity: 300 lbs
Payload Capacity: 740 lbs
Cargo System: Lock & Ride
Lighting: White LED, High/Low
Instrumentation: Digital Gauge, Speedometer, Odometer, Tachometer, Tripmeter, Hour Meter, CloCk, Gear Indicator, Fuel Gauge, Hi-Temp/ Low-Batt Lights, Coolant Temp, DC Outlet
Colors: Indy Red, white Lightning (LE)
MSRP: $15,999 ($16,599 LE)