Leaner and Meaner Polaris 440 IQ Race Sled Returns For 2006
MEDINA, MN (September 11, 2005) – All eyes were on the Polaris factory display at Haydays on September 10 at 11:00am for the unveiling of the race sled that would serve as an encore to the dominating performance the Polaris 440 IQ™ racer put on last season. The 440 IQ carried Polaris racers to 4 WSA Year-End Championships, not to mention 3 International snocross racing titles.
As the cover came off, the 2006 Polaris 440 IQ it was apparent the jet black and race red snowmobile was all business. At first glance, there is no doubt that the primary mission of this snowmobile is continued domination on the race track.
“We started building this team 5 years ago knowing that we weren’t going to win a lot of races until we got the right piece of equipment,” said Tom Rager Sr., Polaris Racing Manager. “Patience and persistence of Polaris engineers got us the right product last year – and this year’s sled is even better.” He added, “We never would have thought they could have improved last year’s sled – but this year, the folks in Roseau did it – wow what a sled!”
So just what are the improvements to the 2006 440 IQ over the 2005? To the layman, it’s lighter, more durable and it handles even better. To the more technical-savvy, the key changes are as follows:
- An approximate 10 pound reduction in overall weight.
- New stator for improved durability.
- Improved intake reed and reed cage for durability.
- New 1.75” track and dual drive system.
- New Walker Evans spring-less front track shock.
- New Walker Evans IFS shocks with piggy-back reservoirs
- Improved bulkhead design for lighter weight.
- Heavier duty lower control arm-to-bulkhead mount for durability.
- New light weight driven clutch.
- New rear suspension geometry for improved hole-shot and out of corner performance.
Polaris Snowmobile Product Manager Michael Erickson said the 2006 440 IQ has shown better performance and improved durability over the 2005 racer in every form of testing. “Just as our 2006 600 HO consumer sled is purpose-built for dominating trail performance, the 2006 440 IQ is purpose-built to live up to the punishment of snocross tracks and deliver track dominating power and handing race after race. The great news for our customers is much of the technology that makes the 440 IQ so dominant on the track can be found in a number of our trail sleds for 2006 including the class-leading 600 HO Fusion; the turbo charged FST Switchback; and deep snow king 900 RMK.”
The 2006 440 IQ represents the sum of all the traits Polaris racers are looking for in a winning race sled; lightweight, yet extremely tough and durable… a long-travel front and rear suspension that can corner well and dominate the toughest tracks… and ergonomics that are second to none.
The sled is strong and well-balanced thanks to a centralized mass design philosophy. This puts the chassis’ center of gravity low and toward the middle of the sled to create a balance that promotes efficient power delivery to the track and allows the suspension to work at an optimum level.
The race sled’s IQ rear suspension touts 11-inches of travel controlled by premium Walker Evans race shocks. Up front, the IQ IFS features an impressive 13.9 inches of travel and is equipped with updated Walker Evans Shocks. The shocks have piggy-back style remote oil reservoirs to promote cooling during hard racing, combined with 16-position adjustability so racers can dial in for race conditions.
Like with the 2005 sled, Polaris racers will again benefit from race specific ergonomics including wide running boards, a two-stage seat with a tapered top section and a smooth-faced console. No detail was overlooked – including the engine recoil handle which is positioned in the center of the console to make life easy for both left and right-handed racers.
Finally, the 2006 440 IQ continues to get dominant power from a Liberty 440 engine that aims to pick up right where it left off last season – on the podium. The 2006 power plant features upgrades which address both increased power and improved durability including: oversized intakes, improved high flow W-reeds, a new high performance stator, and the patented Polaris Dragon ignition system. Stopping all this Liberty power is a Cyclone master cylinder coupled to a returning Phantom brake with a dual-piston caliper.
About Polaris
With annual 2004 sales of $1.8 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), Victory motorcycles and the Polaris RANGER for recreational and utility use.
Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry; and one of the largest manufacturers of ATVs in the world. Victory motorcycles, established in 1998 and representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, are rapidly making impressive in-roads into the motorcycle cruiser marketplace. Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.
Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange and Pacific Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII,” and the Company is included in the S&P Small-Cap 600 stock price index.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
ISOC Lake Geneva National Sno-Cross
LaVallee Wins Pro Stock and Season Championship At Lake Geneva, Bender Wins Pro Open At Lake Geneva. Gulla Wins Season Championship in Pro Open With Bender Taking 2nd and LaVallee 3rd Sweeping The Podium In The Pro Open Points Chase.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|