Observant BRP riders saw this train coming since the Can-Am Maverick Turbo side-by-side models were launched based on the 900 ACE engine. However, Ski-Doo officials stressed that this version was specifically designed with snowmobiles in mind. Also important, 24 components in the 900 ACE engine was completely redesigned for the power boost – including the piston, cylinder head, connecting rod, crankshaft, exhaust valves, injectors, water pump, plenum, oil pump and much more.
The compact turbocharger itself is completely from Rotax. It features a small, nickel-alloy turbine that spins at speeds up to 200,000 RPM – or 3,333 revolutions per second – to create 12 PSI of boost pressure. Ski-Doo officials stressed that the positioning of the turbo – right next to the exhaust manifold and intake – helps eliminate turbo lag and create immediate response.
Designed to be robust, the turbocharger is oil lubricated and water cooled, with low-friction journal bearings and a shielded manifold. In fact, it has passed Rotax’s validation testing at temperatures up to 980 degrees Celsius. Ski-Doo officials said the 900 ACE Turbo engine package weighs the same as the 1200 4-TEC, but with 20 additional ponies, all while maintaining best-in-class fuel economy (up to 19.8 MPG). And, like Ski-Doo’s other four strokes, it will use Ski-Doo’s unique throttle-by-wire system called intelligent Throttle Control (iTC), giving the rider a choice in their machine’s acceleration curve between the Sport, Standard and Economy modes.
During a brief test ride in Quebec, we found the engine provided very impressive power with typical Rotax sewing-machine run quality and no noticeable turbo lag or waste gate noise. The new 950 ACE Turbo will be available in Renegade Adrenaline, X, X-RS and Enduro models plus the new Grand Touring Limited, all in the new REV Gen4 wide-body layout (more on that in a bit).
Little more info on this. Would really like to know how much boost a tune would allow.
