Since 2003, Ski-Doo has changed the direction snowmobiles have gone as far as ergonomics are concerned. It started with the REV chassis, and then evolved to the REV-X chassis which remains Ski-Doo’s strongpoint. Offering both 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines with a variety of models for just about every niche, Ski-Doo have earned their way to the largest snowmobile manufacturer. For 2013, here’s what’s coming.
New Body
The first thing you’ll notice on a couple models is a new body style. The chassis remains the same, but a new shape specific to either mountain riding or flatland riding was developed for the 2013 model year. For the flatlanders Ski-Doo introduces the REV-XS body style. This style is designed for trail riding and is shaped to flow air around the rider, keeping you warmer on those cold days. Body panels are shaped to allow the rider to get further off the edge of the sled for more aggressive cornering. This body will be available on most 2-stroke versions of the MX Z and Renegade models.
For the mountain riders, we get the REV-XM body panels. These are shaped to allow the rider to get their foot further forward more in line with the handlebars for better leverage. The shape also allows the sled to move more easily in the deep snow.
The REV-XM also has wider running boards with larger holes for better snow evacuation. Plus the handlebars and controls are minimalistic with a grab bar that is more rigid for better leverage. The seat is also redesigned for better leg clearance for side-to-side shifting. Lastly, the gauges are mounted flatter so they are more easily seen when standing.
Also added to both body styles is a heated glove compartment under the windshield, LED taillights, and a redesigned snow flap.
New and Expanded Suspensions
Last year Ski-Doo introduced the rMotion rear suspension that is easily adjusted for a wide range of rider weights and conditions for personal preference. The rMotion is a true progressive rate suspension and offers a very good ride over all types of terrain. Ski-Doo is now introducing a 137-inch version of this suspension for the Renegade models. rMotion will be standard on all MX Z and Renegade models except the Sport.
A new mountain suspension is introduced this year. tMotion is a new concept in rear suspensions for the mountain rider. It features a swiveling rear arm and split front arm to allow the skid to flex laterally that they say will reduce the sled’s resistance to banking. The tMotion also is a rising-rate suspension that adds more capacity and comfort for a wider range of riders.
4-Stroke Clutching
The 4-TEC 1200 engine gets a new drive clutch called eDrive 2. This clutch has been improved to give better response, more durability, and longer belt life.
LinQ Cargo System
Introduced on the CanAm ATV’s, this system is now available for the 2013 snowmobiles. It’s a way to securely attach accessories to the tunnel of the snowmobile, yet let you easily remove them by slipping a lever. Several accessories will be made using the LinQ system.
Model Lineup
Here is a reference chart of the models with major features.
MX Z
| Package | Body | Engine Choice | Suspension | Key Features |
| X-RS | REV-XP RS (Race) | 800R E-TEC
600 H.O. E-TEC |
rMotion w/QA | Race brake system, narrow seat, straight handlebars, electric start standard on 600, temp gauge |
| X | REV-XS | 800R E-TEC
600 H.O. E-TEC |
rMotion w/QA | Heated glove compartment, LED taillight, race brake system, straight handlebars, temp gauge |
| X | REV-XR | 4-TEC 1200 | rMotion w/QA | Race brake system, narrow seat, straight handlebars, electric start, temp gauge, Ripsaw track |
| TNT | REV-XS | 800R E-TEC | rMotion | Heated glove compartment, LED taillight, Brembo brake system, straight handlebars, electric start, temp gauge, Ripsaw track |
| TNT | REV-XP | 600 H.O. E-TEC | rMotion | Brembo brake system, XP-X seat, straight handlebars, Ripsaw track |
| TNT | REV-XR | 4-TEC 1200 | rMotion | Brembo brake system, XP-X seat, straight handlebars, Ripsaw track |
| Sport | REV-XP | ACE 600
600 Carb 550 Fan |
SC-5 | Brembo brake system, XP-X seat, straight handlebars, Ripsaw track |
The X-RS and X packages are available spring-order only
Renegade
| Package | Body | Engine Choice | Suspension | Key Features |
| X | REV-XS | 800R E-TEC
600 H.O. E-TEC |
137” rMotion w/QA | Heated glove compartment, LED taillight, race brake system, straight handlebars, electric start, temp gauge, Ripsaw track |
| X | REV-XR | 4-TEC 1200 | 137” rMotion w/QA | Race brake system, narrow seat, straight handlebars, electric start, temp gauge, Ripsaw track |
| BackcountryX | REV-XS | 800R E-TEC
600 H.O. E-TEC |
137” rMotion w/QA | Heated glove compartment, LED taillight, race brake system, straight handlebars, electric start, temp gauge, Charger track |
| Adrenaline | REV-XP | 800R E-TEC
600 H.O. E-TEC |
137” rMotion | Brembo brake system, XP-X seat, straight handlebars, Ripsaw track |
| Adrenaline | REV-XR | 4-TEC 1200 | 137” rMotion | Brembo brake system, XP-X seat, straight handlebars, Ripsaw track |
| Backcountry | REV-XP | 800R E-TEC | 137” rMotion | Brembo brake system, XP-X seat, straight handlebars, PowderMax track |
| Sport | REV-XP | ACE 600
550 Fan |
137” SC-5M | Brembo brake system, XP-X seat, straight handlebars, Ripsaw track |
The X and Backcountry X packages are available spring-order only
Summit
The Summit REV-XM chassis has several changes and new features.
Forward foot position
The body panels accommodate a forward foot position of 8” further ahead than the standard Summit giving the rider a better leverage point to help control the sled during side-hilling or deep snow maneuvers.
REV-XM Seat
The new seat design is more compact and lets riders move from side to side much easier. It is also narrow in the front for more rider leverage and comfort for smaller riders.
REV-XM Handlebar Controls
The handlebar controls are compact and minimalistic. The left-hand control only includes the electric start/RER button and high beam switch. Hand and thumb warmers are now located on the console.
Rigid Grab Handle
A new rigid grab handle is angled for the best ergonomic grip and leverage.
Running Boards
Running boards are wider and have larger evacuation holes. They are also extruded and are 3X stronger than the REV-XP boards.
A-Arm Ski Spindle Boot Grip
For extreme riders, the spindles are built with a boot grip to get further forward and allow you to turn the skis without losing footing.
Flat Gauges
Gauges are angled flatter so they are easier to read while standing up.
Front Bumper
The front bumper is shaped for an easier fit with a gloved hand to help when you get stuck.
tMotion Rear Suspension
This suspension is hinged between the rear arm and drop link with a ball joint and the front arms are split to provide a flexible rear suspension that reduces the effort to initiate a roll. It also makes banking linear and predictable.
| Package | Body | Engine Choice | Suspension | Key Features |
| X | REV-XM | 800R E-TEC | 146” tMotion154” tMotion163” tMotion | Heated glove compartment, LED taillight, race brake system, tapered handlebars, PowderMax Short Rod track |
| SP | REV-XM | 800R E-TEC | 146” tMotion154” tMotion163” tMotion | Heated glove compartment, LED taillight, race brake system, straight handlebars, PowderMax Short Rod track |
| SP | REV-XP | 600 H.O. E-TEC | 146” tMotion154” tMotion163” tMotion | Brembo brake system, narrow seat, straight handlebars, PowderMax track |
| Sport | REV-XP | PowerT.E.K. 800R
600 Carb |
154” SC-5M-2146” SC-5M-2 | Brembo brake system, narrow seat, straight handlebars, PowderMax track |
The X package is available spring-order only
Freeride
This model is tailored for the extreme rider who demands a chassis that is race-bred. It comes in Squadron Green with day-glo orange accents and more than 60 wrap designs.
| Package | Body | Engine Choice | Suspension | Key Features |
| Freeride | REV-XP RS | 800R E-TEC | 137” SC-5146” SC-5M-2154” SC-5M-2 | Race brake system, narrow seat, tapered handlebars, PowderMax II track |
GSX
| Package | Body | Engine Choice | Suspension | Key Features |
| SE | REV-XR | 800R E-TEC
600 H.O. E-TEC 4-TEC 1200 |
137” SC-5 Air Controlled | Brembo brake system, XP heated seat with trunk, tunnel bag, Tilt steering, Ripsaw track |
| LE | REV-XP | 600 H.O. E-TEC | SC-5 | Brembo brakes, XP seat with trunk, tunnel bag |
| LE | REV-XR | 4-TEC 1200 | SC-5 | Brembo brakes, XP seat with trunk, tunnel bag |
Grand Touring
| Package | Body | Engine Choice | Suspension | Key Features |
| SE | REV-XR | 4-TEC 1200 | 137” SC-5 Air Controlled | Brembo brake system, 2+1 modular heated seat, tunnel bag, Tilt steering, SilenTrack |
| LE | REV-XR | 600 H.O. E-TEC
4-TEC 1200 |
SC-5 | Brembo brakes, 2+1 modular seat, SilenTrack |
| Sport | REV-XP | ACE 600
600 Carb 550 Fan |
SC-5M | Two-up seat, cargo rack |
Expedition
| Package | Body | Engine Choice | Suspension | Key Features |
| SE | REV-XU | 600 H.O. E-TEC
4-TEC 1200 |
154” SC-5U | Warn winch, Tilt steering, Mountain strap, Syncromesh transmission |
| LE | REV-XU | 600 H.O. E-TEC
4-TEC 1200 |
154” SC-5 | Mountain strap, Syncromesh transmission |
| Sport | REV-XP | ACE 600
550 Fan |
154” SC-5U | Two-up seat, cargo rack |
SE package available spring-order only
Tundra
| Package | Body | Engine Choice | Suspension | Key Features |
| Xtreme | REV-X | 600 H.O. E-TEC | 154” x16” SC-5U | LTS front suspension, deep snow running boards, PowderMax track |
| LT | REV-X | ACE 600
550 Fan |
154” x16” SC-5U | LTS front suspension, deep snow running boards, Charger track |
| Sport | REV-X | ACE 600
550 Fan |
154” x16” SC-5U | LTS front suspension, deep snow running boards, Cobra track |
Skandic
| Package | Body | Engine Choice | Suspension | Key Features |
| SWT | REV-X | 600 H.O. E-TEC
ACE 600 |
154” x 24” SC-5U | LTS front suspension |
| WT | REV-X | 600 H.O. E-TEC
ACE 600 550 Fan |
154” x 20” SC-5U | LTS front suspension |
There you have it. Ski-Doo continues to offer a machine for every rider out there. You want aggressive, they have aggressive. You want extreme, they have extreme. You want utility, touring, 2-stroke, 4-stroke, technology, features…well, you get the idea. Ski-Doo has a lot coming in 2013.
