Yamaha is catering to the serious adventurer with the 2011 Apex X-TX, its new high-end, hybrid snowmobile (solo touring and deep snow). It features a three-part windshield that offers superior protection, a CK 144 rear suspension with tipped-up rails and the very first electric power steering system (EPS) in the industry.

Yamaha is catering to the serious adventurer with the 2011 Apex X-TX, its new high-end, hybrid snowmobile. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com)

More four-cylinder grunt
Thanks to technology differing widely from that of the competition, Yamaha produces four-stroke engines that draw power across their stratospheric rpm range. To get that instant throttle response and stunning power, the four-stroke engine has to run at very high rpm. In fact, to emulate the performance of a two-stroke engine (instant throttle response and liveliness), the crankshaft of a four-stroke engine must rotate an additional 180 degrees for each combustion.

To achieve this, the Apex engine uses a titanium body and butterfly valves that prevent the “blow back” phenomenon caused by valve overlap. The process eliminates “flat spots” in the power band while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. What’s more, this 998-cc, four-cylinder mill uses short-skirt, forged aluminum pistons that are lightweight and strong, enabling better rpm gains.

The latest evolution of the Genesis engine benefits from updated intake funnels, a bigger air box, revised valve timing and new 4-in-1, 38-mm exhaust pipes, all in the name of increasing power and reducing noise.

The 2011 Apex uses a new engine braking reduction system (EBRS). When you release the throttle, the Apex X-TX runs smoother compared to the old model. The track doesn’t jam up anymore, even when decelerating sharply. Weight transfers are also more gradual, so it’s easier to enter corners and zip down sharp inclines.

(Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com)