MINNEAPOLIS  – Nearly 60 years of exploring new ideas established Polaris Industries as a respected leader in the snowmobiling industry. That tradition of innovation leadership continues with the 2012 Polaris snowmobile lineup. The company is introducing nine all-new models and diversifying its sled offerings with Polaris’ exclusive PRO-RIDE Chassis, the first true progressive-rate rear suspension in the snowmobiling space. These sleds were introduced during Polaris’ dealer meeting at Paris Las Vegas Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev.

“Polaris continues to deliver on our promise to develop products with industry leading performance, quality, functionality, style and value,” said Bennett Morgan, president and COO, Polaris Industries Inc. “We expect our new lineup of snowmobiles to build on our recent, strong performances across all market segments and continue to grow our company as a global powersports leader.” In addition to a versatile 2012 snowmobile line covering six market segments, Polaris also is presenting the opportunity to customize their snowmobiles through Polaris Snow Check Select. The program welcomes riders to specify the performance, comfort, convenience and graphics of their new sled, individualizing the ride for each customer. These options are only available through Snow Check, which ends on April 19, 2011.

“With a strong focus on new technology, top engineering and quality, we have some of the most outstanding products available today and season to date the top four selling snowmobiles in the market are all Polaris,” said Scott Swenson, vice president of snowmobile and PG&A, Polaris Industries Inc.  “Our reputation is built on continuing to explore opportunities for innovation and that’s something we continued in model year 2012, with nine new models and a brand new snowmobile category.”

2012 MODEL SEGMENTS

CROSSOVER: the pinnacle of versatility

The 2012 Crossover lineup features more than twice as many models as last year. Designed to handle any conditions, five new models provide a smoother ride and more predictable handling. A new independent front suspension (IFS) comes standard on many models. The all-new 600 Switchback Adventure™ introduces the world to the “adventure snowmobile.” Incredibly versatile, it delivers performance through a 600 Cleanfire engine, the PRO-RIDE platform and IFS, as well as convenience features, including the new Adventure Cargo System, a rear cargo rack with saddle bags that can be installed in seconds – without tools – using Polaris Lock & Ride® technology. All 600 models are powered by the ultra-efficient 600 Cleanfire engine, while all 800 Switchback models offer the proven 800 Cleanfire, including the legendary 800 Switchback Assault, the preferred sled among riders demanding impeccable deep snow and trail performance.

TRAIL PERFORMANCE: the smoothest trail riding experience

The 2012 collection of RUSH and IQ® sleds provide options that blend performance and value. The five 2012 RUSH models all ride on the revolutionary PRO-RIDE Chassis, the industry’s finest platform, which this year is complemented by IFS. Available exclusively through Snow Check, the new 800 RUSH Pro-R LE combines unparalleled performance with limited-edition special features. Four other RUSH models blend the PRO-RIDE platform with class-leading 600 and 800 Cleanfire engines. The turbo-charged, 750cc TURBO IQ, and great value models like the 550 IQ and 600 IQ, provides riders with choices in engines, shocks, and suspension to cater to specific riding needs.

DEEP SNOW: taming the wildest rides with unmatched performance

As the season-to-date number one leader, Polaris understands deep snow riders require sleds that are powerful and lightweight, a challenge met again in 2012 with a robust offering of RMK sleds. Three new 600 RMK models, developed to minimize weight and maximize performance, boast the reliable 600 Cleanfire engine and the durable, lightweight PRO-RIDE RMK Chassis, the premier deep snow chassis. At just 431 pounds, the 600 Pro-RMK 155 is an overachiever and embodies a lineup of sleds that are lighter and stronger. Complementing the 600 RMKs, four 800 RMK models sit on the same PRO-RIDE RMK Chassis, powered by the 800 Cleanfire engine. The 800 RMK Assault 155 headlines a collection of 800s that will dominate the deep powder.

Trail luxury: a perfect blend of comfort and performance

For an exceptionally comfortable riding experience, Polaris offers outstanding comfort and convenience features, including electric start, protective tall windshields, mirrors and reverse, which come standard on all Trail Luxury models. Blending these with a 4-stroke, turbo-charged engine or the 600 Cleanfire, which deliver exhilarating acceleration and power, riders get the unique combination of comfort and performance. Additional features on the 600 LXT and TURBO LXT provide unmatched passenger comfort for 2-up riders, including plush passenger seats equipped with adjustable backrest, footrest and hand warmers. Both models, along with the Turbo LX, utilize long-travel IQ 136” Comfort Rear Suspension, delivering a smooth ride on the roughest terrain.

UTILITY: making it easier to work harder

Polaris’ 2012 Utility models take the hardest working sleds available and transform them into ideal machines for both work and play. These sleds – the FS IQ WideTrak, 600 IQ WideTrak and WideTrak LX (available in international markets) – thrive on tackling the toughest jobs. Reliable, powerful engines, large-capacity fuel tanks and heavy duty cargo racks make all three models invaluable assets. Equipped with wide ski stance, responsive handling from IQ Front Suspension and utility-tipped rear suspension, each sled is sure-footed in any terrain. With protective 20”-high windshields, adjustable passenger backrests and heated handgrips, these snowmobiles also deliver more comfort for riders, whether on the job or on a break.

YOUTH: true sleds for young riders

The next generation of snowmobilers is ready to ride, but these young people need a sled accommodating their unique requirements. Polaris designed the 120 Pro-R with the needs of young riders, and concerns of parents, in mind. Highlighting the machine’s specialized safety equipment is a safety tether that attaches to a rider’s jacket and stops the engine immediately when unplugged. Equipped with a dependable, 120 four-stroke engine and true Independent Front Suspension for a smoother ride, the 120 Pro-R provides an authentic snowmobile ride. Its durable construction and reliable engine make it the ideal first sled, capable withstanding the challenges of many riders and riding seasons.

PURE POLARIS PRODUCTS & ACCESSORIES

Pure Polaris apparel seamlessly combines style and function. The all-new PURE-DRY™ riding gear uses Cocona® Xcelerator fabric technology, providing premium waterproofing while facilitating rapid evaporation of moisture from body heat. That combination makes the PURE-DRY Polaris Jacket, Bibs and Gloves extraordinarily waterproof and breathable for riders to keep dry and keep riding. Ongoing partnerships with FXR®, ToBe® and Oakley® strengthen the technology and look of Polaris jackets, bibs, pants and eyewear as well.  For more comfortable rides, Polaris offers Wind Deflectors, Wide-Clyde Windshields and Side Deflectors, all geared toward redirecting wind and snow. The Wide-Clyde Windshield is nearly 50% wider than a standard windshield, providing the fullest wind protection available. For additional storage, all components of the new Lock & Ride® Adventure Cargo System are available, providing riders with a cargo-carrying solution for any sled. New products for better sled protection, from skid plates to canvas covers, round out Polaris’ 2012 offerings, all geared at creating a more fulfilling riding experience.

For more information and detailed specs for all 2012 products, go to www.polarisindustries.com.