Ski-Doo has had direct-injected snowmobiles for almost a decade of model years on snowmobiles. Why haven't other manufacturers followed suit? The biggest reason is money.
I was talking to Rob Strauss, owner of Rob's Performance (Ski-Doo Dealer of The Year) in Johnson Creek, Wis., about this very topic. Rob is pretty darn knowledgeable about everything motorsports related, and he has been on Ski-Doo's short list of highly coveted development brains for several years now. His question to me was, "Do you think Ski-Doo would have invested in direct-injection technology if BRP would not have merged with Evinrude?"
The answer? Probably not, since the investment in this engine technology is too high. That investment is a big reason why you see other manufacturers relying on more sophisticated (but slightly less expensive technology) like EFI, CFI, CTEC, etc. 4-strokes are also playing a large part, because there are economies of scale and scope that can be attained using similar engines for both ATV, snowmobile, or watercraft. BRP is doing this with their ACE line of engines, but so is Arctic Cat with the new 3000 4-stroke motor. Both Yamaha and Polaris have also dabbled in using similar engines and parts from other product lines, including motorcycle and ATV commonalities. So the opportunity of using other motorsports technology on sleds is readily available for all the snowmobile OEMs. (Recent examples include: EXUP exhaust, turbos, power steering, engine modes, etc.)
Let's not forget that the EPA was possibly the biggest catalyst to push OEMs to start down the DI, EFI, and 4-stroke paths for snowmobiles. But that's another discussion altogether. Staying on point here, it is VERY expensive to put together a direct-injection engine program like that of BRP and, frankly, the rewards of doing it may not justify the investment for a company like Polaris.
We have been most interested in seeing Polaris play in the DI market because to some extent they have solidified themselves as the No. 2 snowmobile maker. Certainly from an overall company standpoint, they are doing very well. So the fact that they have not invested and gone 'all-in' on a direct-injection motor when their No. 1 competitor has this technology has us wondering when (or if) any other snowmobile OEM will take that leap. What do you think? Let us know in your comments, and we'll post this article on our forums and Facebook as well!
-Mark Boncher, AmSnow Editor