2010 Polaris Ranger RZR 4 Preview

After announcing its relationship with racing legend Robby Gordon nine months ago, Polaris has a brand new vehicle to show for it – the Ranger RZR 4.

According to Polaris, Sport side-by-side enthusiasts looking to carry multiple passengers had no options. That is no longer the case as the Ranger RZR 4 is the industry’s first four-seat Sport side-by-side.

“Polaris saw a market for a multi-passenger Sport vehicle at a significantly lower price than an expensive Sand Car or Rail,” says Eric Nault, product manager for Ranger RZR 4. “The Ranger RZR 4 fills that need for a Sport side-by-side experience for multiple passengers.”

Much about the RZR 4 has been taken from the Ranger RZR family. It’s powered by an 800cc high output Twin EFI engine and Polaris claims it has a class-leading power-to-weight ratio and strong acceleration. It features a 60-inch width coupled with the Ranger RZR’s patented design that places the engine behind the back seat for the lowest center of gravity. According to Polaris, this makes the RZR 4 more agile than most competitive two-seat side-by-sides. At 1,255 lbs, it’s also lighter than many two-passenger vehicles.

2010 Polaris Ranger RZR 4

To help with handling, the RZR 4 is outfitted with premium suspension which includes new Fox Podium X 2.0 piggyback reservoir shocks and chromoly front upper A-arms. This provides a plush 12 inches of suspension travel and 12 inches of ground clearance. Polaris says the rear anti-sway bar and dual rate springs keeps the chassis flat through corners and the rolled independent rear suspension helps provide a smooth ride.

To tackle tough terrain, the RZR 4’s suspension is coupled with Polaris’ true all-wheel drive (AWD) system that automatically engages when the rider needs more forward traction and reverts back to 2WD automatically when AWD is no longer needed.

Polaris wanted to give side-by-side enthusiasts a Sport-oriented machine that can carry multiple passengers.

In creating the four-seat RZR 4, Polaris paid particular attention to ergonomics. For the driver, the RZR 4 features class-leading tilt steering offering 10 inches of range and a heel pocket for improved throttle response and control. The front passenger will enjoy Polaris’ familiar adjustable front passenger handrail. Rear passengers, according to Polaris, enjoy ample headroom and an exclusive rear passenger handrail. Similar to the front passengers, rear passengers also have a 12-volt plug in and two cup holders. All four bucket seats are interchangeable and offer 4 inches of front-to-rear adjustability making it easy to switch drivers. For safety, the RZR 4 has four side protective nets.

The Ranger RZR 4 also features graphics from Robby Gordon’s TORC truck he raced at Crandon, Wis., as well as the No. 7 NSCS Toyota Camry he raced during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Labor Day Classic 500. The black, blue and white theme sports the Robby Gordon Off-Road logo on the front side panels with race-inspired graphics, cut-and-sew seats and Maxxis Big Horn tires with Black Bruiser rims.

The RZR 4 features Fox Podium X 2.0 piggyback reservoir shocks with 12 inches of travel.

“At Robby Gordon Off-Road, we build the highest performance, most elite off-road vehicles in the world,” says Robby Gordon. “I hope Polaris customers like the new Ranger RZR 4 Robby Gordon Edition as much as we do.”

The Ranger RZR 4 will be available at Polaris dealerships in January, with a MSRP of $14,999 (US) and $17,999 (CAN). A full line of PURE Polaris accessories, including roofs, cabs, bumpers, brushguards, windshields and Lock & Ride products also will be available, including many of the existing Ranger RZR and RZR S accessories that fit the Ranger RZR 4.

A full line of accessories is available for the RZR 4.

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