New Sportsman ACE: ATV Or Side-by-Side? Combo Of Both

January 2014 Powersport News

New Sportsman ACE: ATV Or Side-by-Side? Combo Of Both

Okay, so we're pretty sure no one (outside of some folks at Polaris) saw this coming. Talk about thinking outside the off-road box.

When we were invited to Texas to test drive a new Polaris vehicle, we really had no idea what the company had in store. Even looking back a day after we got to test drive the new Sportsman ACE, we're still amazed with the vehicle-not so much because the vehicle's performance blew our socks off (although it is a nice package) but because of how unique the new ACE is.

We'll have a full report in Dirt Toys Magazine. Watch for our impressions of this new off-road toy.

Here is the official press release from Polaris.

Polaris Introduces Revolutionary New Off-Road Vehicle

Sportsman ACE is confidence-inspiring and fun to ride

Minneapolis - Polaris Industries, the leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles, today announced the company is defining an entirely-new type of off-road vehicle with the introduction of the Sportsman ACE. The vehicle's architecture is completely new to the industry and features a revolutionary, sit-in chassis that is nimble and comfortable to operate. The design of the new Sportsman ACE provides a confidence-inspired ride, all while being trail-capable, offering an all-new off-road experience.

"The introduction of the Sportsman ACE is part of our strategy to remain the leader in the powersports marketplace by introducing innovative products that define their categories," said David Longren, vice president of Polaris' Off-Road Division. "In creating the Sportsman ACE, we wanted to not only appeal to current off-road enthusiasts, but develop a vehicle that brings new customers to off-road recreation. We accomplished this by coupling an easy-to-use, nimble platform with a confident and secure ride that, together, provides drivers of all experience levels a new way to experience the outdoors."

The revolutionary, new design combines the size and nimble handling of the Sportsman All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), and the confidence and comfort of the Ranger and RZR side-by-sides, in a rider-centric design with a trail-capable and easily-transportable 48 in/121.9 cm width. A comfortable and confidence-inspiring centralized seating position connects the driver directly with the machine for a new off-road riding experience.

To ensure a low center of gravity, Polaris positioned all the major components, including the driver, centralized between the four wheels for an incredibly responsive ride. Along with this low center of gravity, the Sportsman ACE boasts 10.25 in/26.04 cm of ground clearance and 9.5 in/24.1 cm of rear travel due to its fully independent rear suspension (IRS) outfitted with performance, twin tube shocks featuring adjustable preload.

Seasoned riders will appreciate the overall vehicle performance, handling and smooth riding suspension, while novice riders will enjoy the secure riding position and the right amount of power to get them down the trail.

Powering the Sportsman ACE is an all-new 32 horsepower ProStar Electronic Fuel Injected (EFI) Engine featuring an internal counter-balance shaft for smooth, vibration-free power. The dual overhead camshafts and a 4-valve cylinder head work with the advanced engine management system to precisely deliver the fuel charge for impressive power and instant, predictable throttle response; while the lightweight efficient transmission captures every ounce of power to deliver it to the ground. The engine is designed to reduce internal friction which dramatically reduces noise and significantly increases efficiency making it the most fuel-efficient engine Polaris has offered. This coupled with the 5.25 gal/19.87 liter fuel tank provides the vehicle with excellent range for long trail rides.

For a confidence-inspiring and comfortable ride, the Sportsman ACE has a unique ROPS cab frame to deliver peace of mind only previously found on side-by-sides. The secure, high-backed, adjustable bucket seat is paired with an adjustable steering wheel to give the driver unmatched flexibility when it comes to comfort in the machine. It's also equipped with a 3-point seat belt, and has side bolsters to keep the operator properly positioned in the center of the machine.

The steering wheel offers 3.5 in/8.9 cm of tilt adjustment and the driver's seat slides back and forth by 4 in/10.2 cm to customize the fit for the rider. For added comfort, an integrated dead pedal gives the driver a place to perch their left foot while the right nests in the integrated heel pocket and throttles the powerful ProStar engine. The cockpit's flow-through design also makes ingress and egress easy, and new side nets feature a metal rod to easily secure them both for clipping and positioning the nets to the back of the vehicle while exiting. The vehicle also is equipped with powerful halogen lighting so the fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down.

For the utmost confidence on the trail, the Sportsman ACE is equipped with the same legendary On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system found on all Polaris off-road vehicles. The system eliminates the guesswork by automatically engaging when the rider needs more forward traction and then reverts back to two-wheel drive automatically when the AWD is no longer needed. While zipping down the trail, the driver also has assured stopping power from the linked, four-wheel disc brakes with braided stainless steel brake lines that provide optimum response and minimal fade.

For added protection on the trail, accessories such as doors, front and rear brushguards, rock sliders, and a variety of custom wheel and tire packages not only protect the vehicle but add a more customized look. To protect the driver from the elements, a Lock & Ride roof, windshield and rear panel install in seconds to offer a quick solution for all climates.

Polaris off-road vehicles have built an unprecedented reputation for helping owners get work done and the storage capability of the new Sportsman ACE is no different. With an integrated 2.8 gal/10.6 liter semi-dry, front storage compartment, and a high-capacity Lock & Ride cargo box with rack extenders and rear tie-down rails, that also accepts the accessory Lock & Ride cargo box for additional dry storage, the vehicle can carry up to 575 lb/260 kg of gear. The Sportsman ACE is pre-wired for the installation of a winch with up to 3,500 lb/1587 kg of capacity, and the hardest-working DNA of Sportsman was further instilled with a 1,500 lb/680 kg towing capacity, for capability whether it's time to work or play.

Polaris will also offer more than 25 accessories for Sportsman ACE including doors, winches, cabs and storage to suit their needs.

The Sportsman ACE is available in White Lightning and will be in dealerships in February.

Sportsman ACE

Key Features

Powerful 32 hp ProStar engine featuring dual overhead camshafts, a 4 valve cylinder head and electronic fuel injection (EFI) delivers excellent performance and fuel economy

Innovative, unique cab design offers a whole new off-road experience

Confident & Secure

On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive

Automatic transmission

Unique cab design

3-Point seatbelt

Easy attach side nets

Certified Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) cab frame

Assured stopping power with four-wheel/four-disc braking system

Comfortable & Convenient

Bucket seat with 4 inches of adjustability

Easy ingress and egress with flat floor plan