First Ride: The all new 2008 Ski-Doo Rev XP by Nick OlzenakAt first look its no surprise that this is Ski Doo’s first snowmachine designed in its entirety on highly sophisticate computer software. The styling is that of a Stealth fighter and is sure to turn heads and raise questions.
My first question was, can the Rev XP really re-revolutionize the snowmobile industry as the Ski Doo Rev did when it was release in 2003? Not only does the Rev XP look entirely new but it is entirely all new, right down to the exhaust springs. Of course the most exciting news about the Rev XP is that it is incredibly lightweight. I’m not just talking a few pounds here, or even 20 pounds. The Rev XP is basically 50 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the Rev! (I say basically because at these light weights what is a few pounds give or take!) Unbelievable right? WRONG! The scale says it all… How did Ski Doo manage to shave so much weight?! And better yet how were they able to shave so much weight and not sacrifice over-all strength and rigidity? The answer is really simple, re-engineer every single piece, that should do it. By using state of the art computer software engineers were not only able to shave the weight, but increase strength up to 37 percent over the Rev! Every piece of the machine is new and more parts are replaceable in case of impact and are easily accessible. For those of you who have had frontal damage (nuns, or cross-members) you will be amazed how easy those parts are to replace on the Rev XP if you even ever have to change them.
Some interesting things to note on the new front end are the weight loss of 5 lbs. just in the steering system alone! Reducing the parts used from 133 on the Rev to only 55 on the REV XP does this! And the loss of nearly 8 pounds in the front suspension! Both systems are entirely all new. Again all the pieces and parts are easily accessible and replaceable should damage occur while your showing off your skills to your buddy’s. More good news right in the heart of the Rev XP is the all-new engine bay. The CG, or center of gravity is lowered by one inch from the Rev. In addition to this the engine bay is comprised of replaceable castings (left and right sides) that are very strong. The front heat exchanger is also now lighter AND replaceable! The upper frame parts are round tube construction for more strength and lighter weight than the extruded ones found one the Rev.
Under the hood now you will also notice that the driven clutch is above the drive clutch. The main reasoning for this is to help make the extra 8 inches of foot room! Now you can sit more comfortably with your legs stretched while seated. Just moving the driven clutch is not where Ski Doo stopped, not even close. The Countershaft (the shaft the driven clutch is on) is hollow and is OTD (over the tunnel drive system) and has an all new driven clutch pressed on to eliminate the splined shafts of old. The most unique thing about this system is the ability to remove the countershaft and driven clutch without removing the top sprocket or chain all in only 5 minutes! The chaincase is all magnesium and is riveted to the tunnel and is a structural part that can also be replaced. The top sprocket is connect to the bottom by a 104 link chain (depending on model) and the bottom sprocket is on an all new hydroform drive axle that weighs only 2.8 lbs. versus the one the Rev that is 5.7 lbs. On the drive axle you will find 8 tooth drivers that are actually almost the same size as the 10 tooth drivers of the Rev due to the new pitch, 2.86. This is going to result in some new track sizes with exceptionally lightweight tracks.
The rear suspension in the Summit REV XP is all new (SC5M) and has lost 9lbs for 2008! 200mm rear idler wheels are now standard in Lou of the 180mm we saw this year. There is now more travel and a shallower attack angle to help this powder machine get up on top of the snow quicker than ever. All of this with an all new, taller, thicker, and stronger rail means the best Summit rear skid we have seen yet.
All of this combines to make, hands down the best snowmachine I have ever thrown a leg over. I was a skeptic that we would ever see as drastic a change as when Ski Doo gave us the Rev in 2003. The REV XP is by far and away the most well thought and best engineered sled we have seen yet and blows the Rev out of the water for me. Good luck to the other OEM’s to catch up now… You have to see for yourself so come by and jump on the REV XP and ask how you can go for a test drive!
Nick Olzenak For more information on the Ski-Doo 2008 lineup see What's new for 2008 Ski-Doo! and visit the official Ski-Doo RevXP Website!
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