POLARIS 2017 RZR XP TURBO EPS

The Turbocharged UTV wars are heating up with the new Can-Am Maverick X3s making 154 Hp, so Polaris answers by increasing boost on the RZR XP Turbo EPS to get an output of 168 Hp and 114 ft-lbs of torque. There are a whole slew of cooling, CVT, driveline, steering, and suspension upgrades to deal with the industry-leading power, at least for the moment. We hear Arctic Cat will use the Yamaha SRViper Turbo snowmobile engine in a Wildcat, but, until we see the final product, Polaris is the production Turbo Hp King. We got to spend a weekend with a pre-production Cruiser Black RZR XP Turbo at Camp RZR Glamis. Let’s press the gas pedal!

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2017?
Polaris pumped up output from the Turbocharged 925cc ProStar twin to 168 Hp, and it gets an upgraded head gasket to deal with the extra boost. Torque jumps to 114 ft-lbs at 8000 rpm, and it makes 95 percent of peak from 5,000 rpm on up. Cooling is upgraded with a 20-percent larger radiator that actually called for a frame change to accept the wider radiator. Also, the intercooler radiator is shorter and wider to get more cool air to the engine radiator, and the front grill is 40 percent larger. A new variable-speed, brushless fan has more power to pull cool air through the new radiator. New larger, dual-sided intakes in the bed “rails” work with a new clutch cover to draw more cooling air into the new CVT to cool the high-output, larger belt. CVT changes include new weights, springs, helix and stainless-steel shaft to prevent galling and sticking of the clutch.

Also, rear axle half-shafts and an upgraded High-Performance On-Demand AWD front diff is stronger to transfer all that extra power to the ground. Since the Turbo has more dune-leaping power, new rear radius rods are now tubular and larger diameter for strength and lightness. Steering is upgraded with new 1.5-turn rack and EPS tuning, so it takes 1.5 turns of the tilt wheel to go lock-to-lock. On the dash, a new ignition switch has a four-position key for running accessories, there are four blanks for accessory controls, and the digital instrument pod is all-new.

Turbos also get upgraded Fox 2.5 front piggyback and 3.0 rear remote-reservoir IBP shocks; the Internal ByPass shocks have five compression zones with retuned ports for a smooth ride on chop and bottoming resistance as the piston reaches the end of the compression stroke. There is also a top-out control at the end of the rebound stroke, and the Fox shocks have 24-position compression damping adjuster knobs but still no cross-over rings for the dual-rate springs.  Lastly, the rear torsion bar was retuned, and the front brake rotors are now stainless steel.
Price remains the same at $24,999, which is the exact cost of the Can-Am Maverick X3 X ds Turbo R.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Upgrades have improved the RZR XP Turbo EPS in every way. The new power output is super-fast, yet it’s still very drivable. Cooling upgrades protect the new, tougher CVT belt, and CVT tuning is matched well to the EFI engine. We aired out the Cruiser Black XP Turbo EPS big time at Glamis, and it shreds turns and bowls. Dual torsion bars and retuned Fox IBP shocks add to agility and ride quality, and it rips on Sand Highway whoops. The new 1.5-turn steering rack also adds to a more fun machine, and new EPS mapping is excellent for duning. Without airing down the 27-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires, the XP Turbo ripped up Oldsmobile Hill and caught air at the top. Even the brakes are improved. Look for the full test in an upcoming issue of UTV Action Magazine.