Ski-Doo Summit 850 E-TEC Turbo Unveiled

The innovative minds at BRP have been hard at work, as the brand new Ski-Doo Summit 850 E-TEC Turbo has just been unveiled. This is the world’s first ever OEM-built 2-stroke turbo engine and that should get mountain snowmobilers very excited.

Interestingly, the 850 E-TEC Turbo engine produces the same 165 horsepower the non-turbo version does. But the key here is riders can take advantage of the full horsepower even at 8,000 feet in elevation. Naturally aspirated engines typically lose about 3% horsepower every 1000 feet and BRP says the Ski-Doo Summit 850 E-TEC Turbo will enjoy a 40-horsepower advantage at 8000 feet. And all of this is achieved with pump gas.

You can order a Ski-Doo Sumit 850 E-TEC Turbo right now at your local Ski-Doo dealer. Check out the press release below for more information.

2020 SKI-DOO SUMMIT 850 E-TEC TURBO

Ski-Doo takes the industry to new heights

The Ski-Doo Summit 850 E-TEC Turbo is a snowmobile that completely redefines high elevation riding and takes the industry to new heights. Riders will experience factory-built power in a way never before attainable until the Summit 850 E-TEC Turbo. Riders also get never before seen manufacturer-backed ease of use and peace of mind – because this is the world’s FIRST EVER OEM-built 2-stroke turbo engine.

The high elevation experience gets easier and more fun as deep snow pilots get the same kind of power their low elevation comrades have had for years, with no turbo lag and the same renowned ultra-quick throttle response Rotax 850 E-TEC engines are famous for. The first ever factory produced 2-stroke turbo also lets riders enjoy centrally balanced handling, lighter weight and consistent performance, as altitude increases. Peace of mind is part of the package too with perfect factory integration, accurate calibration at all altitudes, in all conditions and the reassurance of a factory warranty.

Riders will enjoy every ounce of the 165 horsepower from the industry’s leading 2-stroke engine to its fullest, all the way to 8,000 feet (2438 m) in altitude. They continue to enjoy a 40-hp advantage over non-turbo 850’s from there up on the way to discovering stunning new winter playgrounds.

This 2020 late release Ski-Doo model begins with the REV Gen4 platform. So responsive, a simple glance is all it takes to point it in the rider’s desired direction. There’s no deep-snow snowmobile that translates the relationship between rider, sled and epic terrain better than the Summit.

More than a new engine, it’s a complete lightweight, turbocharged package fully designed by Rotax and Ski-Doo. In addition to delivering all its power at less weight than aftermarket turbo kits, the optimized layout in the chassis keeps the sled balanced side to side for easier handling. Available at dealers now, the Summit 850 E-TEC Turbo also comes standard with a new one-piece lightweight hood.

Highlights of Summit 850 E-TEC Turbo

• Rotax designed and built turbocharged engine
• First mass production 2-stroke turbocharged engine in any vehicle
• 165 horsepower up 8000 feet (2438 m) elevation, +40 horsepower over normally aspirated 850 E-TEC above that
• Runs on pump gas
• Factory integration delivers balanced handling and accurate calibration
• Factory warranty
• One-piece lightweight hood
• Available at authorized Ski-Doo dealers now

Technology background for Rotax 850 E-TEC Turbo

Designed specifically for the 850 E-TEC entirely within Rotax walls, the new turbo ensures full use of the 850 E-TEC’s 165 horsepower all the way up to 8000 feet and then maintains a significant 40-horsepower advantage over normally aspirated engines from 8000 feet to the top of any mountain

When designing the new 850 E-TEC Turbo engine, four key factors were front and center for Rotax and Ski-Doo engineers to ensure optimal consumer satisfaction:

1. Responsive power delivery with no lag,
2. durability,
3. light weight
4. and seamless integration into the responsive REV Gen4 platform.

Optimizing power at minimal boost was critical for both throttle response and longevity. An intake with a short-track bypass tract keeps throttle response crisp and quick, while the streamlined exhaust system minimizes backpressure.

An electronically controlled wastegate maintains consistent boost pressure (up to 4 PSI) and delivers it precisely as needed, to ensure the dynamic performance characteristics of the 850 E-TEC are never lost.

The inhouse Ski-Doo/Rotax design advantages are immediately felt when riders experience how flawlessly the turbo package performs from idle to wide open throttle and how it integrates with the rest of the snowmobile. The compact turbine and compressor are ideally fitted within the REV Gen4 chassis. The lightweight material along with a patented lightweight continuous oiling system and optimized down pipe are laid out to ensure the entire powerpack stays centrally balanced within the frame.

It’s all wrapped in a new one-piece lightweight hood and unique side panel with strategically placed venting for optimal cooling of critical power-producing components, and sleek, sexy styling.

PLATFORM

REV Gen4 platform: The open design of the REV Gen4 mountain platform allows riders to ride freely with their own style, attacking terrain as it suits them instead of the sled. Designed to be the most agile, responsive sled in the mountains, the side-to-side centralized mass creates a sled that’s ultra-responsive to rider input, making it easy to initiate sidehill and carving maneuvers even in the most technical terrain.

ROTAX ENGINE

NEW Rotax 850 E-TEC Turbo engine: The first-ever factory-built 2-stroke turbocharged engine in any industry. The Rotax designed and built turbo provides full 165 horsepower from the industry’s strongest 850 twin up to 8,000 feet of elevation and remains a constant 40 horsepower more above that mark compared with normally aspirated 850’s. Sophisticated design integrates flawlessly with the REV Gen4 platform for ideal balance at minimal weight. Ultra-impressive power, instant response with no lag, and factory reliability from a turbocharged 2-stroke – only the industry’s leading manufacturer could develop and stand behind it.

SUSPENSION

tMotion rear suspension: The tMotion is both extremely agile and ultra-responsive to rider input. A simple shift in rider weight is all it takes for the sled move in the desired direction. A swiveling rear arm and split front arm allow the skid frame to flex laterally for easier roll up into a sidehill or carve. Rising-rate motion ratio adds capacity to handle big drops and comfort when riding the trail to get to the mountain. Standard adjustable limiter strap gives riders quick, easy choices in ride dynamics.

HPG Plus rear shocks: High quality KYB lightweight rebuildable high pressure gas shocks

RAS 3 front suspension: Precise, predictable handling and outstanding bump absorption, even in harsh conditions, with State-of-the-art unequal length A-arm front suspension.

HPG Plus front shocks: Highest quality Kashima coated KYB lightweight rebuildable high pressure gas shocks front. Rebuildable and revalvable.

Lightweight Springs: Front and center shocks

KEY FEATURES

Short Tunnel: Shorter tunnel length allows for optimal maneuverability in deep snow. Standard rear lightweight snowflap with LinQ-ready attachment points.

SHOT engine starting technology.  Push-button starting with nearly no added weight. After an initial pull-start, the engine charges an ultracapacitor. Pushing the handlebar SHOT button for subsequent starts uses that stored energy to turn the magneto into an electric motor that turns the crank. E-TEC technology then fires the engine to start. Eliminates nearly 20 lb./9 kg compared to conventional electric start.

Narrow, adjustable ski stance: Effortlessly roll the sled on edge with a 35.7 in. (91 cm) standard stance. Stable cornering on trails with the chassis’ low center of gravity. Stance can be easily widened to 37.4 in. (95 cm).

Lightweight ski spindle: Lightweight alloy spindle with geometry to reduce ski drag and improve predictability in technical sidehills.

Pilot DS 3 skis: Precise control to easily hold sidehills in a ski specifically designed to work in tandem with the deeper and longer tracks. The Pilot DS 3 skis are a variation of the well-received Pilot DS 2 with a 12 mm deeper keel offering an industry-exclusive removable ski tip extension: ride with it in deep dry snow conditions for flotation, ride without in crusty conditions to minimize tip-up.

Track: 165 x 16 x 3.0 in. (420 x 41 x 7.63 cm)

PowderMax Light with FlexEdge track: Climb with authority thanks to the 3.5 in. (9 cm) pitch that not only reduces weight but increases performance by keeping more snow between the lugs for better traction and keeps the sled on top of the snow. Strong yet lightweight lug design combined with the 3.5 pitch helps further reduce overall weight. Exclusive 16-in. (41-cm) wide design adds flotation and traction without sacrificing maneuverability.

Ice Scratchers: Rail-mounted scratchers provide additional snow/ice spray for cooling in icy and hardpack conditions. Reverse-capable.

Tunnel design: More freedom for the rider to move thanks to the beveled shape allowing for narrow tank and seat. Open rear cap design eliminates drag in deep snow. Heat exchanger is integrated using cutting-edge friction stir welding manufacturing process for greater heat transfer, added strength and less weight.

pDrive primary clutch: Fast and friction-free dual rollers transfer torque in place of traditional sliding buttons on this clutch. Oversized rollers with needle bearings, wide based flyweights and a shaft-on-shaft design emphasize smooth operation and long life. Ultra-responsive shifting, impressive RPM consistency, lightweight and maintenance-free. Fixed sheave is finned to circulate more air – paired with the new CVT cover delivers better air flow and cooling.

Drive belt: PBO material and design enhanced drive belt durability in deep snow.

NEW Drive Belt Monitoring System: Alerts riders in two different ways, duty cycle and temperature, if drive belt issues are impending before failure. Allows rider to be proactive to prevent belt failure. In both scenarios engine performance is not altered in any way – the system is meant to warn riders of potential issues before they happen.

NEW QRS Vent Plus driven clutch: Finned fixed and moving sheaves maximize airflow of the CVT system to decrease overall operating temperature and offer consistent performance.

Brembo disc brake: Hydraulic system from the world leader in brakes and X-exclusive racing-style pads provide powerful, fade-resistant stopping power. Steel-braided line.

Ergo-Step side panels: More comfort thanks to the ergonomic design of the rear section of the panels shaped to support the rider’s shins on downhills. Narrow profile and shape at bottom minimizes “paneling out” in sidehilling. Bottom pan is shaped for flotation in carving and sidehilling.

Limiter strap adjuster: Quickly and easily change limiter strap settings for terrain or conditions without crawling under the sled.

Profile II running boards: Rigid full-length extruded aluminum grid-style design with 60% wider openings for exceptional snow evacuation and 3 times more grip Flat foot positioning for comfort and control, plus a 1 lb. weight reduction.

Open toe-hold: True freedom to choose. Enables rider to naturally and freely adjust footing on the running board. Optional toe-hold accessories available to customize the fit for all styles.

Compact Lightweight Seat: Compact, low profile and lightweight. Intentionally sculpted for easier side-to-side rider movement. Weather resistant to remain dry and lightweight throughout the years.

Compact digital gauge: Includes all critical data points in a small, lightweight package positioned perfectly with large display numbers to be seen by a standing rider.

Mountain Light handlebar controls: Even more compact design for no interference with the rider. Warmer switches on console. RER reverse button further shielded.

Small diameter handlebar and grips: Tapered bar ends and new grip design for improved rider comfort.

NEW One-piece Lightweight Hood: One-piece Polypropylene construction reduces weight by 6 lbs. Optimized for heat management and noise reduction.

Low mountain strap: Lower strap height keeps it out of the way while riding or reading the gauge.

4.7 in./120 mm riser block

Flexible handguards: Semirigid design for increased hand protection. Flexible enough to avoid breaking when rolling the sled or riding in tight trees.

Rotax Electronic Reverse (RER): A simple push of a button reverses the sled – by reversing the direction of the engine. Adds nearly zero weight.

RF DESS Key: Ball-and-socket design with embedded radio frequency microchip ensures solid connection.

Accessory-ready: Designed from the factory for easy installation of more than 150 Ski-Doo accessories for the REV Gen4 platform, including LinQ cargo system, skid plates, side panel vents, auxiliary LED light, GPS receiver, 1+1 seating system, alternative windshields and more.