BRP’s 2012 version of the Ski-Doo MX Zx 600 RS will see big improvements in engine and chassis performance with the goal of propelling Ski-Doo X-Team racers to even more wins this year. The engine, front and rear suspensions and drivetrain were all changed with snocross and cross country racers in mind.

Headlining the list of changes will be the new engine, which delivers an additional six horsepower and better throttle response across the entire operating range. The list of new components is lengthy but starts with a new crank case, a new patent pending crank shaft design and new cylinders – all directed to provide better flow and higher horsepower. The engine is designed to be very efficient from 8300 to 8800 rpm with a broad powerband. A new fuel pump and hose routing improves fuel, while new ECM calibrations will complete the power pack.

BRP says the front suspension was analyzed for ways to improve chassis performance and balance to better match up with the new skid frame introduced last year. The change to new, taller spindles is designed to improve ski pressure and cornering while the new powder coating should reduce any snow or ice buildup. According to BRP, a redesigned steering post and bushing further reduce any bump steer to non-existent. Finally a new upper A-arm is designed to create a new steeper caster angle rounds out the geometry package. The end result, says BRP, is that racers will notice much straighter tracking through the bumps and better chassis balance front to rear.

The rear suspension was introduced last year as “PCX” but that was only intended to disguise the rMotion name until the consumer version was introduced. For 2012 the rear suspension is named rMotion Racing. Both skid frames share the same basic geometry featuring a rising rate rear shock and long front arm, but each are optimized for their intended uses. The rMotion Racing has a new reinforced rear arm, improved coupling system, and new reinforced powder coated rails for reduced ice buildup.

Polaris has taken the cover off of the 2012 600 IQ Race Sled and the Minnesota-based manufacturer believes it will give Polaris snowmobile racers a leg up on the competition as it features race-ready suspension calibration.

Polaris Snowmobile Racing Manager Tom Rager, Sr., says the race sled’s suspension setup was fine-tuned throughout last season and delivered outstanding performance, so racers will take delivery of 2012 race sleds that are ready to hit the track.

“We have Ben Hayes, who previously worked with Fox Racing Shox and Walker Evans Racing, as our in-house suspension specialist, and he worked really hard on setups last season,” says Rager. “Working closely with our racers, he came up with an incredible setup that two teams used in last season’s final four or five races.

“We continued testing and development with our racers after the season and made further calibration changes so the front and rear suspensions are better than ever, and we’re going to continue to move forward.”

The current setup features revised shock valving and stiffer rear torsion springs than racers started with on the 2011 Race Sled.

“It delivers improved performance because the suspension is compliant through high speed bumps, and when the sled comes off doubles or table tops, the sled absolutely goes straight,” says Rager. “We gain speed through the rough sections because the sled stays so straight.”

Polaris has found the Independent Front Suspension (IFS) to be durable while delivering easy, responsible handling so it is now featured on several 2012 production snowmobiles, including Rush, Switchback and Switchback Assault models.

According to Polaris, this IFS design requires less steering effort, and provides flatter cornering. Polaris says racers will stay fresher throughout a race and be able to run at maximum speed from start to finish, while consumers will also stay fresher and be able to ride hander longer.

The official start to winter kicked off today at the largest snowmobile event in the world – Haydays. Thousands of loyal Team Arctic race fans were treated to the first unveiling of the all-new 2012 Arctic Cat Sno Pro 600 race sled.

Performance Product Team Manager Troy Halvorson says the all-new Sno Pro 600 will build upon last season’s winning success and the success of the recently introduced ProCross chassis.

“Racing has been a strong cornerstone of Arctic Cat’s heritage and brand. An arena we have consistently used for testing and development,” says Brad Darling, GM Snow Divison. “It’s our commitment to race the ProCross chassis and show the world that our consumers can buy the same snowmobile to conquer the world’s toughest terrain.”

Defending his ISOC Pro Points Championship Title, Tucker Hibbert will race the full season aboard the all-new 2012 Sno Pro 600 as well as compete for his sixth-consecutive ESPN Winter X Games gold medal. If he wins, Hibbert will become the only athlete in the history of Winter X to six-peat. Hibbert has competed every year since 2000 and currently holds 10 medals, six of which are gold.

“Our talented engineers have built our best Sno Pro race sled to date, and that says a lot considering we won every major race or championship title last season,” says Claude Jordan, Arctic Cat CEO. “It’s going to be a tough year for our competition, but an even better year for our Team Arctic race fans.”

As the upcoming snowmobile season draws nearer, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) continues to expand its family of snowmobile gear and parts. The most recent additions to the BRP family are an expanded Carbon Light hemlet line and a QRS quick change secondary clutch kit.

BRP XP-R Carbon Light Helmet

BRP boasts that its XP-R Carbon Light helmet is 25% lighter than all other helmets in its category. New this year will be two more colors, Blaze and Bronze, to compliment the popular Black.

The XP-R features Multi Directional Carbon Fiber (MDCF) construction using carbon and aramid fibers to form a super lightweight shell with the weight of a size large at about 1275g (44.9 oz.). A tool less multi adjustable wide front peak incorporates an anti reflection sticker on the underside to reduce glare. A large flexible nose deflector is included with each helmet for great wind protection and the integrated rear fin helps with stability at speed. The surround comfort sanitized liner features Coolmax moisture wicking action which is removable for easy washing, and the Morpho System Plus ergonomic 3D cheek pads are removable, washable and available in different sizes to customize your fit. Additionally, ten ventilation points allow air to flow through the helmet to keep you cool. The XP-R Carbon Light retails for US$449.99/C$499.99.

KLIM has unveiled some new snowmobile gear for the upcoming season, including the Kinetic Parka, Kinetic Pant, Tomahawk Parka and Extreme Bib.

Kinetic Parka

The all new KLIM Kinetic Parka features a GORE-TEX two layer performance shell technology and 100-gram Thinsulate. A high-strength outer shell and Cordura overlays protect maximum abrasion zones. With the addition of the all new KLIM Scheuring Speed Sports Race Theme replica jacket, featuring embroidered sponsor logos; more riders can join in with the team look in the pits and on the trail.

Materials, Fabrics and Features
- GORE-TEX Two-Layer Performance Shell Technology
- 100 Gram Thinsulate insulation throughout
- 500D Cordura Overlays and Underlays in high-wear areas
- Quilted comfort liner
- Max visibility 3M Scotchlite reflective trim
- YKK Zippers throughout and water resistant zippers in exposed areas
- Cargo: 4 External pockets (2 chest, 2 hand), 2 Internal pockets
- Ventilation: Two-port Max-Flow ventilation (2 outer chest vertical intakes)
- Reflective: 3M Scotchlite reflective trim
- More: Headphone/communication port and securing loops

Sizes, Colors and MSRP
- Scheuring S-2XL: $399.99, Schuering 3XL-5XL: $439.99
- Colors S-2XL: $299.99, Colors 3XL-5XL: $339.99
- S, 4XL, 5XL available in Black or Scheuring Race Theme only
- M-3XL available in Scheuring Race Theme, Black, Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow