144-Horsepower 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo EPS Unveiled

2016 Polaris ATV and UTV Lineup Announced Following the lead of BRP, Polaris has taken the covers off a new turbocharged RZR and taken back control of the title of horsepower king. The new 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo EPS produces a claimed 144 horsepower – a 13-horsepower advantage over the Can-Am Maverick Turbo.

“Unlike other turbo offerings on the market and true to RZR’s heritage of building complete machines that set the vehicles apart from the competition, the new RZR XP Turbo EPS is completely engineered, front to back, to translate industry-leading power into unmatched performance,” Polaris says in a release. “To deliver maximum durability and performance, Polaris has performed substantial testing on the engine with enough test miles to travel around the world more than nine times; and paired the engine with an all-new stronger driveline to ensure all the power gets to the ground reliably.”

Here’s a cutaway of Polaris’ new ProStar Turbo engine.

Powering the new RZR is the all-new 925cc Polaris ProStar Turbo engine. According to Polaris, this engine drives the RZR XP Turbo from 0-60 mph in just 5.89 seconds. To handle the industry leading power, the new ProStar Turbo engine features forged pistons, upgraded 270-degree firing order, forged crankshaft, high strength connecting rods, closed deck cylinder, sodium filled exhaust valves, and new oil lubrication system. For consistent performance at all temperatures, the vehicle also includes a new liquid charge air cooler with front-mounted radiator and high-flow electric pump.The engine management system has also been updated to include knock detection, boost control and a high-flow return style fuel system.

Helping deliver the power to the ground is a new and stronger driveline, which features an all-new, high performance PVT system with all-new clutches and drive belt; a new, stronger transmission with geared reverse and stronger shafts; and a High-Performance, True On-Demand All-Wheel Drive System. Polaris says a new, high-flow, targeted clutch air cooling system is designed to reduce clutch and belt temperature to enhance and extend belt life.

Polaris aims to control all that power with what it calls “the most precisely-tuned suspension,” which features FOX Podium Internal Bypass Shocks. Large diameter shock bodies (3.0 in. rear, 2.5 in. front), adjustable remote reservoirs, and increased fluid capacity are designed to provide improvements in heat dissipation, fade resistance, and durability. The internal bypass technology uses five compression zones to provide progressive damping as the shock absorbs bumps and stiffens to prevent bottoming. As well, the shocks offer three zones of rebound damping, which are designed to minimize pitching and harsh top out.

Polaris places the rear shock reservoirs up high for easy adjustability and to help keep them cool.

To complement the shocks, Polaris outfitted the RZR XP Turbo EPS with bigger coil-over springs. The progressive rate upper spring is a lighter-weight spring that is designed to absorb small impacts, while the stiffer main spring maintains ground clearance and absorbs bigger impacts in rough terrain.

A 90 in. wheelbase paired with the 3-Link trailing arm rear suspension combines to give the RZR XP Turbo EPS 18 in. of rear suspension travel and 13.5 in. of ground clearance. Dual A-arm suspension up front control s 16 in. of travel. Connecting the RZR to the ground are industry-exclusive 29 in. Maxxis Bighorn tires on 14 in. cast aluminum rims.

A whopping 18 in. of travel is available in the rear, along with 16 in. up front.

According to Polaris, the vehicle’s new front swaybar and re-tuned rear swaybar decrease body roll. Polaris’ High Performance, True On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive system features a close ratio final drive, which is designed to keep the front wheels pulling stronger and longer to maximize power delivery to the ground. The system is paired with standard Electronic Power Steering and an 18 ft. turning radius. For additional control, the unit benefits from two-turn, lock-to-lock steering.

To help slow down the turbocharged RZR, Polaris upgraded the brakes with large, new, triple piston front calipers, dual piston rear calipers, stainless steel rotors, and large 248mm ventilated discs on all four corners.

The RZR XP Turbo EPS also features a new seat angle, providing what Polaris calls a more comfortable driving experience. The angle situates the driver closer to the steering wheel, bringing the elbows closer to the body for less arm fatigue and a more natural driving position. For increased comfort, adjustable seatbelt sliders provide the occupants with the ability to change the position based on their height or comfort level for the most enjoyable, adrenaline-pumping ride experience yet.

The 2016 RZR XP Turbo EPS is available in Spectra Orange (pictured), Graphite Chrystal, and Velocity Blue color schemes.

Like all RZRs, the RZR XP Turbo EPS features bolstered seats, tilt steering, foot rests, and factory-installed quarter doors.

To allow consumers to add an assortment of powered accessories, the RZR XP Turbo EPS boasts a large 660-watt charging system. Polaris also offers more than 145 accessories for its newest RZR.