Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/258703
8 • February 17, 2014 • Powersports Business NEWS www.PowersportsBusiness.com www.PowersportsBusiness.com NEWS Powersports Business • February 17, 2014 • 9 Sportsman ACE a side-by-side, ATV mix Polaris Industries Inc. 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 revolu- tionary, sit-in chassis that is nimble and com- fortable 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. MSRP is $7,499. "The introduction of the Sportsman ACE is part of our strategy to remain the leader in the powersports marketplace by introducing inno- vative 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 ATV, and the confidence and comfort of the RANGER and RZR side-by-sides, in a rider-cen- tric design with a trail-capable and easily-trans- portable 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. Polaris also positioned all the major compo- nents, including the driver, centralized between the four wheels for an incredibly responsive ride. 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 sus- pension outfitted with performance, twin tube shocks featuring adjustable preload. Seasoned riders will appreciate the overall vehicle per- formance, handling and smooth riding suspen- sion, 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 hp ProStar Electronic Fuel Injected Engine featuring an internal counter-balance shaft for smooth, vibration-free power. The dual overhead camshafts and a 4-valve cyl- inder head work with the advanced engine management system to precisely deliver the fuel charge for impressive power and instant, predictable throttle response, while the light- weight 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 signifi- cantly 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 secure and comfortable ride, the Sportsman ACE has a unique ROPS cab frame 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 fea- ture 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. For the utmost confidence on the trail, the Sportsman ACE is equipped with the same legendary On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive system found on all Polaris Off-Road Vehi- cles. 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, wind- shield and rear panel install in seconds to offer a quick solution for all climates. PSB within 20 minutes. Video's next." Walking deeper into the location, an apparel wall full of future product allows staff to plan out the season's retailing environment. Tri- umph's new Clothing and Accessory dealer pro- gram provides the dealers with fresh monthly product, which includes planograms with each shipment delivered from the UPS warehouse and distribution center in Kentucky. Heichelbech is developing reasons for cus- tomers — both dealers and consumers — to want to business with Triumph. Dealer profit- ability, brand awareness, ease of doing business and fixing the infrastructure have been on his to-do list since Day 1. Triumph has been revamping all of its business processes, includ- ing margin structure. "We are now second only to Harley-David- son in margin for the dealer and have a goal of being number one in several categories, includ- ing motorcycles," Heichelbech added. To monitor this goal, Triumph started and co-ops three dealer "20-Club" groups that are moderated by Sam Dantzler, and will soon add a fourth. "It's the best way to be immersed in your customer's business and monitor the impact of your strategies," he said. "Based on the composite and dealer input at these meet- ings, we have a communication channel to sort out the facts and target hot spots." The attention to customer service has guided the brand to selling 8,400 units a year in North America in 2010 to 13,000 in 2013 to Heichelbech's goal of 16,000 in 2014. His vision for the Triumph portion of a dealership's showroom involves more growth in product offerings, increased sales volume per store and new sales tools to interact with the customer. "There's no reason for anyone to think that Triumph is less than the best brand out there," Heichelbech said. PSB ACE latest off-road entrant from Polaris The all-new 2014 Polaris Sportman ACE blends power, performance and capability in what can be best described as a single-seat side-by-side. P01x09-PSB3-News.indd 9 2/5/14 10:03 AM