2023 Model Lineup

Looking a Sled Ahead

2023 Model Lineup

by Joel Kunz

With the 2022 sledding season in the books, snowmobile manufacturers are looking forward to 2023 with updated lineups and features. With outdoor activities leading the way in family fun, all aspects of the sport of snowmobiling from comfort to extreme use are in play when manufacturers sit down and map out their lineups. With new manufacturing technologies and materials like no other previous era at hand, snowmobiles are being transformed to fit a variety of riding styles and comforts. From horsepower to lightweight chassis improvements, there is plenty new for 2023.

All the manufacturers have been dealing with supply chain issues that have led to delays in even the announcing of what is new. Horsepower and agility are on the forefront of what is on the horizon. That may be because research shows an average age of snowmobiler that is getting younger. Just a few years ago the average age of a snowmobiler was between 44 and 46 years of age, with an average family income of around $75,000. That age number has dropped to 39 years with nearly 40% of those earning around $85,000 per year. That makes it pretty easy to see what better horsepower and agility combined with improvements in comfort and function for trail and utility sleds are what’s on the minds of manufacturers.

Built for speed and agility, Arctic Cat’s lineup of trail sleds sets the standard. Fan favorites such as the ZR 9000 Thundercat, the ZR 6000, the ZR 8000 and the BLAST ZR 4000 are back, along with new additions for riders at every level. The ZR 6000 R-XC is the latest version to tame the trails, with its proven race record and agile design. If you need a sled to work as hard as you do, the Norseman 8000 X and the BLAST LT 4000 sport utility models offer dependable power and can handle the toughest jobs.

Crossover sleds give riders the best of everything. The RIOT 8000 is agile and powerful enough for any snow condition, and the new RIOT 9000 packs an extra punch. The RIOT X 8000 boasts more mountain-oriented features, with the ALPHA ONE Single-Beam Rear Suspension and 2.6-inch lugs, but can still tame the trail with ease. The BLAST XR 4000 is the perfect mid-sized crossover, and for a ride with friends, the BLAST XR 4000 Touring is equipped with comfortable 2-up seating.

Their mountain lineup is designed for the challenges of the back country. The M 8000 Hardcore, the BLAST M 4000 and the M 8000 Mountain Cat are equipped with the groundbreaking ALPHA ONE Single-Beam Rear Suspension, reinforced running boards, lockable rear track shocks and more features, with deep snow specifically in mind. The brand-new Blast M 4000 LTD with narrower front end and lightweight mountain seat makes it easier than ever to conquer the back country.

The next generation of snowmobilers starts here. With a lineup that emphasizes safety and can adapt and “grow” with your new rider, these youth-size sleds make it easy for young snowmobilers to gain confidence and skill. The ZR 120 offers

ZR 6000 R-XC

a safe, fun experience for even the newest rider, and the ZR 200 brings more power, as well as a full trail certification so they can ride along with mom and dad.

From the very first sketch, the 850 Patriot was designed to be boosted! Its proven architecture has earned it a reputation for rock-solid durability. Patriot Boost will build on that success. The Patriot Boost engine delivers superior consistency and control, unrivaled in 2-stroke turbo engines. The patentpending SmartBoost system represents a breakthrough in turbocharged 2-stroke technology. The turbocharger features a vertical design with a scalloped, reverse rotating turbine. This results in a lightweight turbo that is seamlessly integrated into the Matryx Slash platform. The direct airflow path and lightweight turbocharger result in immediate response and power.—up to 9 psi of boost. Electronic boost control paired with the patent-pending SmartBoost system allows the Patriot Boost to constantly adjusts and fine-tune itself, producing consistent, hassle free, dominating performance every single ride.

The SmartBoost system enables the Patriot Boost to be the most powerful production turbo 2-stroke engine ever, creating 10% more power than the Patriot 850 at sea level, and 50% more power than the 850 Patriot at 10,000 feet of elevation with up to 9 PSI of boost. SmartBoost also reduces turbo lag, delivering the industry-leading power with unrivaled response.

Patriot Boost Smartboost system will be available in a number of models in 2023 including Polaris mountain sleds Pro RMK Slash and RMK Khaos Slash. It will also be available in the trail-proven Indy VR1 and unrivaled on and off trail performance of the Switchback Assault.

Getting less publicity but new for 2023 is the new Polaris 4-stroke S4 motor. The 1000cc twin cylinder engine is based on the proven architecture that powers Polaris offroad vehicles, with purpose-built snowmobile-focused improvements to deliver reliability and efficiency. It is available in numerous models including the INDY XC, INDY Adventure and INDY Adventure X2. It is also available in the Voyageur 146 and TITAN Adventure 155.

The new Gen5 platform and growth in youth-oriented sleds—a reflection on the younger average age of owners and growing number of families enjoying the sport.

Ready for anything the trail can throw at you with unrivaled performance, unparalleled agility and handling, enjoy a superior riding experience with the all-new REV Gen5 platform and enhanced connectivity with the new 10.25-inch color touchscreen display.

The new REV Gen5 platform and Rotax 850 E-TEC Turbo R engine combine to give the 2023 Ski-Doo Deep Snow lineup the industry’s best power-to-weight ratio for a truly legendary ride.

Ski-Doo also has made steps to provide the perfect ride for every rider with lighter more agile chassis throughout the lineup. The 2023 Ski-Doo lineup features the all-new, easy-toride and easy-to-own Neo models at the perfect price. Plus, one of the biggest things is the MXZ 120 and 200 which add more winter excitement for the youngsters. These stock factory sleds have significance in youth racing, a growing sport that puts the mentorship of a coach and a family friendly environment around the sport of snowmobiling. Sleds designed for an enhance youth experience are an important part of the lineup and a part of what Ski-Doo plans are for the future.

Yamaha has made improvements in their EPS system. The Yamaha Variable Electric Power System (EPS) was introduced for snowmobiles in 2011, pioneering the innovative technology that both reduces steering effort and increases steering precision. The newest generation has reduced weight by over three pounds and incorporates a ‘brushless’ DC motor. No brushes to

INDY ADVENTURE X2

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MXZ NEO

wear out means greater reliability and much better thermal performance or ability to maintain full output power for longer periods of time. Variable assist EPS utilizes a magnetic torque sensor to measure steering input based on torsion or ‘twist’ of the steering post resulting from handlebar input combined with ski resistance. The contactless, magnetic torque sensor supplies this data to an integrated control module which in turn, signals the brushless servo-motor to assist the steering through its powered, worm-gear drive assembly. The system also provides engine RPM and vehicle speed data to the control module which calibrates for increased assistance at lower speeds, then tapers off as the vehicle accelerates, giving a more balanced, natural feel or ‘connection’ to the terrain. When the skis encounter an abrupt force that works against the steering input, the torque sensor alerts the control module to apply additional assistance to counteract or ‘resist’ the negative input. This effectively reduces the steering effort required while enhancing predictability for greater rider confidence and less fatigue. Yamaha has taken improvements in this system and paired in with their Fox iQS suspension system and added it to a number of sleds for 2023 within the lineup from trail to mountain, crossover to 2-up or utility. The new for 2023 EPS system looks to be one of the main additions. With proven technology and performance to build on from chassis to power plants, adding

features to improve rider experience and ability seems on track. Choosing a new snowmobile for 2023 might be a difficult task, but as always, I suggest talking with your local dealer and making a choice based on many factors that include your goals, expectations and proximity to a dealer that will fit and take care of your needs. Supply chain issues will continue to affect the industry, so again, working closely with your local dealer will get you the answers you need. SIDEWINDER L-TX SE