Press Release –
Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), the leader of Ride and Handling in the snowmobile industry for over 54 years, today announced its 2009 line-up of sleds featuring more models with the powerful Liberty 800 HO Cleanfire engine, an expanded selection of high-value Shift models and the first Utility model built on the Polaris-exclusive IQ Chassis at its annual dealer sales meeting in Reno, Nevada.
With Slednecks riders Randy Sherman and Paul Thacker on hand, Polaris continued its support of the Free Ride segment with the introduction of the back-country-dominating 800 RMK 146 Assault.
With its 2009 model line-up, Polaris has once again answered the call of snow enthusiasts with the latest innovation, technology and rugged reliability that separates its sleds from all the rest. Nearly every model is built on the Polaris IQ Chassis, an ideally balanced platform whose ride and handling are optimized by premium IQ suspensions and shock packages and complemented by high-performance engines.
Through its dominant snocross and cross-country racing program and the most demanding testing program in the industry, Polaris has developed efficient, durable, high-performance snowmobiles for every type of rider.
“The history and tradition of Polaris snowmobiles is built on the ride and handling experience and driven by a company with a passion for riding,” said Bennett Morgan, President and COO, Polaris Industries. “The new, innovative products demonstrate our Company’s commitment to providing the ultimate in quality, performance and value for every kind of snow enthusiast.”
Nine models in three distinctive model segments will feature the compact, efficient and extremely powerful liquid-cooled twin Liberty 800 HO Cleanfire4 engine in 2009.
The 800 engine will be used in two Performance models (800 IQ and the 800 Dragon SP™), two Crossover models (800 Switchback® and 800 Dragon Switchback) and five Deep Snow models (800 Assault™ RMK 146, 800 RMK Shift 144, 800 RMK 155 and the 800 Dragon RMK 155 and 163).
In addition, Polaris will offer six Shift models in three model segments (550 IQ Shift™ and 600 IQ Shift in Performance; 600 IQ Shift 136 in Crossover; 600 RMK Shift 144, 600 RMK Shift 155 and 800 RMK Shift 144 in Deep Snow) that deliver outstanding performance and the industry’s best ride and handling — all at an incredible value. Snow enthusiasts will continue to have the opportunity to personalize and customize the all-black Shift models to their taste, and enjoy the sleds’ powerful Polaris twin-cylinder engine and Polaris IQ Chassis across all segments.
Polaris also unveiled the new 2009 WideTrak IQ, the industry’s first Utility model built on the IQ Chassis. With its long-travel IQ IFS (Independent Front Suspension), it gives riders easy responsive handling on- and off-trail.
“Polaris riders have demanded and will get the ultimate riding experience in 2009,” said Scott Swenson, vice president and general manager, Snowmobile and Pure Polaris Divisions. “Our new snowmobile lineup delivers the industry-leading quality, ultimate performance and features and exceptional value that riders want.”
Polaris’ industry leading innovative products are available to riders now via the pre-season Snow Check order. Customers who order their 2009 800 model snowmobile through the Snow Check program between now and April 7, 2008 are guaranteed delivery by November 15, 2008.
In addition, buyers will have the choice of electric start on select on select models or $500 U.S. ($800 CDN) in Pure Polaris AND a 2-year engine warranty OR a 3-year Extended Service Contract.
“Polaris has delivered an impressive array of high-quality snowmobiles for model year 2009 and paired it with an equally compelling Snow Check offer that will excite customers and translate into sales” said Cassandra Murphy, Marketing Manager of Snowmobiles and Pure Polaris.
Visit PolarisIndustries.com to see the entire lineup.
