2008 Polaris® IQ Dragon First Impressions
The American manufacturer announces a new and improved line of snowmobiles for 2008, including several surprises like the new IQ Shift, which combines the performance of a 120-hp, 2-stroke, twin-cylinder engine with a ridiculously low price. Considering all the money you save upon purchasing your new sled, you can further customize it by selecting one of three graphics packages and then adding many of your favorite accessories. The IQ Shift is by far the most affordable 600-cc liquid-cooled snowmobile on the market. By offering such interesting value, Polaris® is trying to reproduce the success of its popular Indy® 500 of the 1980s and '90s.
The new IQ Dragon family is a welcomed addition, since it replaces the old Fusion lineup which suffered from a number of design flaws. This new breed of Polaris® snowmobiles is pretty sharp and well executed. Maneuverability is surprising, while the steering is both light and precise. What's more, the IQ models have been constantly evolving since their introduction. You can feel it as soon as you take off: simply point the skis in the desired direction and the IQ chassis will exit the corner as quickly as it surged into it. Fantastic!
For 2008, the IQ Dragon comes with a choice of four different engines -- three for the IQ Dragon performance models and a fourth for the long-track model. The best of the bunch is without question the Liberty Cleanfire 700 HO engine, which offers a supreme riding feel thanks to instant throttle response every time you accelerate. It also offers unparalleled smoothness and produces virtually no vibrations compared to the majority of 2-stroke performance engines, thus improving ride comfort. The Cleanfire mills are also very fuel-efficient; we can't wait to pit them against Ski-Doo's SDI engines.
Since coming to market, the 600-cc Cleanfire powertrain never ceased to amaze us. While boasting a 200 hp/liter ratio, it feels even more powerful than it actually is. As mentioned, the instant throttle response and massive torque across most of the powerband are the key factors of this performance. Despite its small displacement, the engine is capable of delivering the kind of thrusts you would normally see with larger-displacement machines. Bravo!
Meanwhile, the new Liberty Cleanfire 800 HO engine powers the IQ Dragon models with 155- and 163-inch tracks. It generates 154 horsepower by using several advanced features made famous by the 700-cc powertrain, including a very sophisticated electronic fuel injection system. The latter utilizes two injectors per cylinder, which allows brisk accelerations as well as surprising low and mid range power.
A number of Polaris® models are motivated by a 4-stroke engine. The ultra-modern FS powerplant is a 750-cc, naturally-aspirated, liquid-cooled V-twin developing 80 horsepower and benefiting from electronic fuel injection. For 2008, it's found exclusively under the hood of the Touring IQ FS. A turbocharged variant is available with the Polaris® Dragon, Switchback, Turbo IQ, Touring IQ FST and Cruiser IQ. Called FST, it produces 140 horsepower and impressive low and mid range torque. This engine is one of the cleanest in the industry in terms of CO2 emissions and, on top of it all, an extremely quiet performer. Mission accomplished!
- Smoothness and efficiency (FS and FST engines)
- Handling offered by the IQ chassis
- Power (600 and 700 engines)
- Entry-level value (IQ Shift)
- Ill-designed handlebars
- Track lacking bite
- None
