Polaris continues to update its side-by-side lineup with innovative models that for the outdoorsman mean new choices and enhanced capabilities. Besides the RZR 570 Trail Limited Edition, the biggest news includes two new models: the 800 Midsize and all-new flagship XP 900. With these next-generation units Polaris adds horsepower, new features and an elevated level of prowess that takes utility, functionality and performance in side-by-sides to a new level.
RZR 570 Trail Limited Edition
The 2013 RZR 570 Trail LE is equipped with electronic power steering (EPS), and for the first time the side-by-side also features Polaris’ Engine Braking System (EBS), and Versa-Trac Turf mode. Engine braking is achieved by auto-mechanical adjustments that instantaneously and transparently occur inside the Polaris Variable Transmission (PVT). Instead of the belts in the CVT-style transmission free-wheeling when the operator releases the throttle, torque from the rear wheel is channeled back to the engine where it takes advantage of engine compression. Versa-Trac is a turf-operating mode that lets the operator limit rear wheel torque to a single wheel to prevent damage to crops in food plots. In addition to a glove box, the 570 Trail features a new, removable, dry storage box under the hood to stow electronic hand-held devices, wallets and more. This is the first RZR 570 model to offer a premium exterior paint job as well.
Ranger XP 900, XP 900 w/EPS
Starting with a clean sheet of paper, Polaris designers and engineers (including those in-house who design the accessories for Polaris products) were granted the luxury of creating a state-of-the-art, heavy-duty (but eye-catching and very sporty) side-by-side that is new from the tire tread to the top of the roll-over protection system (ROPS). There is the base XP 900 model and the XP 900 w/EPS (electronic power steering). The other difference between the two is the exterior paint and graphics. The specs both models share include a four-stroke, twin-cylinder, fuel-injected, 875cc water-cooled engine married to an automatic PVT H/L/N/R/P transmission and On-Demand AWD or 2WD.
It’s the synergy of this combination that makes the XP 900 unstoppable. Its stamped steel chassis yields the torsional stiffness necessary to minimize vibrations, provide smooth passage across the most challenging trail conditions and permit it to track well over obstacles. Turf mode is standard. The wheelbase is 5 inches longer than that of the Ranger 800 but overall body length is only 2 inches longer. The XP 900’s track (width) is 65 inches. This new Polaris flagship can hold 1,500 pounds (three passengers plus 1,000 pounds of cargo in the bed), and it can tow 2,000 pounds. The headlamps are 25 percent brighter, which yields an added 30 percent (extra 100 feet) of nighttime visibility. Hydraulic four-wheel disc brakes are standard, as is digital instrumentation. Hugely important are integrated accessories that include optional windshields, rear panels and a rooftop that can in a matter of a couple minutes be set in place and latched, or just as easily removed.
As evidenced by the XP 900’s wet sump engine oil system that needs servicing only every 100 hours, ease of maintenance was at the top of the list during design of the unit. Beneath the tilt rear cargo box the oil check and fill points are immediately accessible. For extended range of service, the fuel tank holds 10 gallons, and the fill cap is located on the driver’s side for easy access.
Available in Sage Green, Solar Red and Pursuit Camo, the XP 900 can be had with or without EPS. The Limited Edition model features Sunset Red and Orange Madness paint schemes, and it can include EPS. Also available is a Browning LE model with EPS and a Bronze Mist LE with an audio system that includes two dash-mounted speakers.
Ranger 800 Midsize
The Ranger 800 Midsize marries the 50 hp, four-stroke, EFI, liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engine found in the Polaris Ranger 800 Full-Size with a mid-size chassis (smaller footprint) that can carry 1,000 pounds (two passengers plus 500 pounds of cargo in the bed). With a standard 2-inch-receiver hitch, the 800 Midsize is rated to tow 1,250 lbs. Its automatic transmission includes H/L/N/R/P. Two-wheel drive plus Polaris On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive yields mega amounts of functionality across a wide range of operating conditions. Eight-inch MacPherson struts, a dual A-arm independent rear suspension and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes are standard. A 9-gallon passenger-side-fill fuel tank provides a very respectable range of operation. Instrumentation is digital. The 800 Midsize is available in Sage Green, Pursuit Camo and in Nuclear Orange on the Sunset Limited Edition. A full complement of Polaris accessories means this side-by-side can be equipped as users see fit.
Polaris XP 900 Technical Specifications:
• Powertrain: 875cc, 4-stroke, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled, EFI engine; automatic PVT with P/R/N/L/H; shaft drive; On-Demand AWD/2WD
• Brakes: 4-wheel hydraulic disc w/dual-bore front calipers
• Suspension: front and rear dual A-arm, IRS, 10” travel
• Dimensions/Capacities: wheelbase 81"; length 116.5"; width 60"; height 76"; ground clearance 12"; fuel 10 gals.; payload 1,500 lbs.; tow cap. 2,000 lbs.; dry weight 1,360 lbs.
• Price: $12,999 (std.), $15,799 (Browning LE)
