2009 Ski-Doo E-TEC

A serious alternative to 4strokes? Ski-Doo makes that claim as it announces an early limited release 2009 MX Z TNT with an all-new Rotax 600 HO E-TEC engine. This is not really a huge surprise as we referenced such technology in a our 2009 Snowmobile Preview, Part I.

But it’s now actual and Ski-Doo announced this powerplant to its dealers on Jan. 14.

What does this new E-Technology mean to us consumers? Check out these points enumerated by Ski-Doo to its dealers:

Fuel Economy: Ski-Doo claims up to 21-mpg US/25 mpg CDN with the 600 HO E-TEC.

The claim based on Ski-Doo tests is that the new E-TEC version uses:
• 15% less fuel than its current Rotax 600 HO semi-direct injection (SDI) engine;
• 78% less fuel than a Polaris 600 CFI;
• And 92% less than an Arctic Cat’s 600 EFI.

Oil Economy: Ski-Doo claims that based on its tests, some owners will have to add oil just once per season. This is due to the extremely precise nature of the system’s electronic oil pump and sophisticated computer mapping. Based on its own testing of competitive products, Ski-Doo claims that its 600 HO E-TEC uses half the oil of the SDI and Polaris 600 CFI, and just a third the oil (66% less) of the Arctic Cat 600 EFI.
 
Emissions/smoke and smell: Just as the Evinrude E-TEC outboards have seen reduced emissions, the 600 HO E-TEC is expected to be the cleanest two-stroke snowmobile engine by a wide margin—meaning there’s virtually no smoke or smell.
 
Lightweight: In the 2stroke versus 4stroke battle, weight has been a focus. Ski-Doo expects its new high-efficiency E-TEC 2stroke to retain its advantage over 4stroke competitors such as Yamaha. Because of its two-stroke configuration, the new E-TEC-equipped MXZ TNT the 600 HO E-TEC should retain a weight advantage for better handling and reducing rider fatigue. Claimed weight for the early release 2009 MX Z TNT with 600 HO E-TEC model is just 415 pounds (188 kg).
 
Hassle-free ownership experience: One claim Evinrude makes for its outboards is hassle-free performance. Ski-Doo engines state that engines with E-TEC technology start on the first pull every time; run with a super smooth idle and instant response; the platinum-tipped spark plugs are warranted for three years; and features the industry’s first automatic ‘summerization’ function, which automatically ‘fogs’ the cylinders for storage.

The engine itself is based on the popular 593cc Rotax 600 SDI twin. The E-TEC version looks quite different with electronic direct injection and an updated electronic exhaust valve system. The entire intake, combustion and exhaust function is designed specifically to use very little oil but expel it through the combustion process. Actual engine lubrication is via fresh, uncontaminated oil. The bottom line is that with the new precise oil metering this E-TEC engine may actually offer an advantage over 4strokes in that there is no oil change, no environmental disposal of annual oil change and oil filter. But, of course, based on the advertising battles we’ve seen between Evinrude and Yamaha in outboards, we expect that hard-edged competition to continue unabated on the snowmobile side as Ski-Doo counters Yamaha ‘4stroke advantages’ with some E-TEC advantages of its own. Bet that simplicity, use of a popular engine technology and a significant weight (or lack thereof) advantage will play into Ski-Doo’s battle plan.

So, when the battle unfolds next season in the dealer showrooms, we expect these points to be made by Ski-Doo versus its competition:
• Best fuel economy of any 2-stroke;
• The lowest oil consumption of any 2-stroke;
• Cleanest 2-stroke in the snowmobile industry;
• Virtually no smoke and smell.

And if that’s not enough to win votes at the dealerships, then Ski-Doo will entice you with added points like:
• E-TEC is a simple system;
• There’s minimal weight increase over SDI;
• Rotax is know for DQR (Durability, Quality and Reliability);
• The 600 HO E-TEC is based on the same engine as carb and SDI engines;
• Battery less system;
• Same peak power as 600 SDI.

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