2012 Polaris Ranger RZR XP 4 900 Preview

It was just about a year ago that Polaris took the class of sport side-by-sides to a new level with the introduction of the Ranger RZR XP 900. Polaris has decided to expand its new platform by making room for two more passengers with its new Ranger RZR XP 4 900.

We absolutely loved the RZR XP 900 and consumers seemed to agree as Polaris says it was the fastest selling vehicle in the company’s history. We expect the new RZR XP 4 900 will easily be the most capable, highest powered, multi-passenger side-by-side in the industry.

Polaris has included has many of the same attributes found in the RZR XP 900; the 88 horsepower, ProStar 900 Twin engine, 3-Link Trailing Arm Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) with 12.5 in. of ground clearance and 14 in. of travel, On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive and low center of gravity. To top it all off, the RZR XP 4 900 has a class-leading 107 in. of wheelbase to not only accommodate two more passengers, but also to provide the smoothest ride possible.

With four seats available even more people can experience the extreme performance of the RZR XP.

“Polaris continues to innovate the Ranger RZR line by developing highly sought-after vehicles that offer the ultimate combination of power, suspension and agility,” says Dave Longren, vice president and general manager of Polaris’ Off-Road Vehicles Division. “With the instant success of the RZR XP 900 and the popularity of multi-passenger vehicles throughout the industry, it was a natural progression to develop an extreme-performing vehicle that four can enjoy.”

Power is provided by the 88-horsepower ProStar 900 Twin EFI engine.

At the heart of the RZR XP 4 900 is the 88 horsepower ProStar 900 Twin EFI engine that was built specifically for an extreme-performance side-by-side and first found in the RZR XP 900. The engine features Dual OverHead Cams (DOHC), four big valves per cylinder and dual throttle bodies located close to the intake valves for fast throttle response and groundbreaking acceleration.

In order to handle the massive power of the engine and keep the ride smooth, the RZR XP 4 900 features a 3-Link Trailing Arm IRS. The 3-link design consists of two extra-long radius rods and a far forward-connecting trailing arm resulting in a strong, yet lightweight system. And, for the first time on a Side-by-Side, the RZR XP 4 900 will offer Premium, 2.5 in body, Walker Evans rear shocks, the largest stock shocks on the market. The massive 2.5-inch body shocks are designed to deliver higher damping forces and avoid shock fade compared to a 2-inch body shock thanks to a 35 percent larger piston area that is designed to reduce internal pressure and heat generation.  The shock also contains 35 percent more oil volume, which should slow the rate of heat buildup when pounding through the roughest terrain. Up front you’ll find 2.0 in. Walker Evans shocks. Preload and compression adjustability is available at all four corners.

A low center of gravity and long wheelbase should offer a very smooth ride.

Along with its low center of gravity, the engine-behind-the-seat design and strategically-placed key components of the RZR XP 4 900 are designed to optimize vehicle weight distribution and deliver sharp handling while the rear suspension maximizes traction and power in the corners. To provide precise cornering, the suspension’s radius rods extend deep into the wheel hubs and feature an uneven link geometry that Polaris says optimizes camber. This allows the tires to lean into the corner through the suspension travel, and plant more tire surface on the ground for maximum control. For added agility, Polaris will have a limited edition RZR XP 4 900 with electronic power steering for added control and less rider fatigue in the rough stuff. This is no throwaway point. As much as we love the RZR XP 900, we would have appreciated power steering to soften the steering a little. We wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Polaris offer EPS as an option on the RZR XP 900 in the near future.

A Limited Edition model with electronic power steering is available for an extra $1,500.

We’re curious about how life in the rear seats of the RZR XP 4 900 will be, but Polaris says rear passengers have ample amount of head-room and a rear passenger handrail. As well, similar to the front passengers, rear passengers also have a 12-volt plug in and two cup holders. Also, all four bucket seats are interchangeable and offer 4 in. of front-to-rear adjustability. For safety, RZR XP 4 900 has four side protective nets and a certified roll-over protective structure (ROPS).

The RZR XP 4 900 is offered in Indy Red ($17,999) and a premium automotive quality Vogue Silver limited edition model with electronic power steering ($19,499), and will be available at Polaris dealerships in January. PURE Polaris will have a wide range of accessories, including cargo boxes, winches and protection also available at launch.

PURE Polaris already has a bevy of accessories ready to fit the RZR XP 4 900.

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