Ski-Doo launches world premiere technology with the all-new 2020 Summit 850 E-TEC Turbo

A snowmobiler climbs a mountain on a yellow Ski-Doo Summit 850 E-TEC.
Designed and built by Rotax, the 850 E-TEC Turbo engine delivers a powerful, seamless riding experience with a limited factory warranty, virtually no turbo lag, and impressive throttle response. Photo courtesy Ski-Doo

BRP is unleashing the world’s first factory turbocharged two-stroke engine with an all-new Ski-Doo Summit 850 E-TEC.

Designed from the rider down, this sled redefines mountain riding and demonstrates the brand’s obsession with providing the best possible riding experience. With its innovative new turbo technology, the Summit 850 E-TEC Turbo delivers impressive power constantly—without any loss—at altitudes of up to 8,000 feet (2,400 metres), something never before accomplished on a two-stroke factory sled.

Once again, Ski-Doo leveraged its deep connection with riders to deliver the next-level experience on the mountain. The Summit 850 E-TEC Turbo engine provides the performance riders are expecting without the costs and pains of aftermarket installations. Years of research and development went into optimizing the technology, which is a reflection of BRP’s commitment to cutting-edge innovation and performance aimed at improving the rider experience.

Riders will enjoy power, ease of use and peace of mind like never before. Deep-snow lovers will reach higher playgrounds more easily for incredible powder runs. And riders on technical terrain will have the extra power they need to traverse slopes and weave through tight trees as they challenge themselves and push their skills. All this, while climbing past the competition.

An Industry-First Technology

Turbos have intrigued the mountain snowmobiling crowd for years, but the hassle and costs of aftermarket installations, calibration, special fuel, maintenance, and elimination of the factory warranty have prevented most from modifying their sled. Designed and built by Rotax, the 850 E-TEC Turbo engine eliminates those concerns and delivers a powerful, seamless riding experience with a limited factory warranty, virtually no turbo lag, and impressive throttle response.

More than just an engine, the Rotax 850 E-TEC Turbo integrates seamlessly in the REV-Gen4 platform to retain the lightweight balanced handling and perfect drivetrain calibration that riders expect from Ski-Doo Summit snowmobiles.

And BRP’s complete lineup of two-stroke E-TEC engines use cleaner, direct-injection technology.

They produce less hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions than carbureted engine. The Summit 850 E-TEC Turbo is available this week at authorized Ski-Doo dealerships for delivery across North America.

A snowmobiler gets air on a yellow Ski-Doo Summit 850 E-TEC.
The 2020 Ski-Doo Summit 850 E-TEC has a responsive REV Gen4 platform. Photo courtesy Ski-Doo

When designing the new 850 E-TEC Turbo engine, four key factors were front and center for Rotax and Ski-Doo engineers to ensure optimal consumer satisfaction:

1. Responsive power delivery with no lag
2. Durability
3. Light weight
4. Seamless integration into the responsive REV Gen4 platform.

Optimizing power at minimal boost was critical for both throttle response and longevity. An
intake with a short-track bypass tract keeps throttle response crisp and quick, while the
streamlined exhaust system minimizes backpressure.

Highlights of Summit 850 E-TEC Turbo:

  • Rotax designed and built turbocharged engine
  • First mass production 2-stroke turbocharged engine in any vehicle
  • 165 horsepower up 8000 feet (2438 m) elevation, +40 horsepower over normally
  • aspirated 850 E-TEC above that
  • Runs on pump gas
  • Factory integration delivers balanced handling and accurate calibration
  • Factory warranty
  • One-piece lightweight hood
  • Available at authorized Ski-Doo dealers now

Explore the guts of the new 2020 Ski-Doo Summit 850 E-TEC Turbo in this comprehensive breakdown

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