Integrating E-TEC to a snowmobile was no easy task. The biggest challenge was to make it effective beyond 6,000 rpm which, at first, seemed impossible to achieve. Well, they did it: the industry's first 2-stroke high-performance engine fed by a direct fuel injection system was born. This is without a doubt the most sophisticated 2-stroke ever designed. According to the company, the new 600 HO E-TEC engine is cleaner, more efficient and less fuel- and oil-thirsty than any rival.

4-TEC 4-stroke engine.

GTX SE 1200 4-TEC
The new GTX also uses the REV-XR chassis, which offers more room and comfort to both the rider and passenger. This 2+1 touring model (a third passenger can sit on it, provided that he or she is small) features a fully power-adjustable air suspension. The handlebar and passenger handles can also be adjusted to fine-tune the riding position depending on trail conditions.

The 2009 GTX is very ergonomic and quieter than ever thanks to a new track that was specially designed to reduce contacts between the suspension and crossbars. It comes in three different trim levels: GTX Fan, Sport and LE. The latter can either be powered by the 4-TEC 4-stroke engine or the revolutionary 2-stroke E-TEC.

Utility chassis?
Ski-Doo enthusiasts will be surprised to learn that the REV-X chassis will now be used for the Expedition TUV model. Here, it's called REV-XU and it teams up with a 2-stroke 600 SDI engine for improved dynamics and, most importantly, enhanced ride comfort. As a result, the new snowmobile is 34-kg lighter than its predecessor, which relied on the old Yeti II architecture. The 2009 Expedition TUV REV-XU is a modern sled for those looking to explore the toughest terrains in the world.

At last, Ski-Doo offers a high-performance, 4-stroke powered machine that can take on the industry's best. And with a host of unique features and a revolutionary 2-stroke engine on top of that, it's safe to say that dealer showrooms will be extremely crowded this fall.

Ski-Doo GTX 1200

Photo Credit : Luc Gagné, Olivier Delorme