sledmaster
Member
You could see one and not know it
OEMs will often test next year's models with black body work, or even last year's body work but all of the new stuff underneath. That means you could come across one but never even know it unless you were really keen. The other thing is they are likely testing in an area where there are few "smart" eyes around. This is very common with the new sleds each year, so I would suspect Spyders would be not much different. One of the tell-tale signs is often the registration, what kind of plate does it have. But if they are testing right out of Valcourt and most everyone in that area has a family member that works at the factory, even if they see one they're not going to snap a photo and post it. Bad form.
So to increase sales, do they entice new buyers or give current owners a reason to upgrade? As for using the ACE 600 engine from a snowmobile, would 60 HP be enough? That is the engine being used along with an electric motor in the hybrid version, but would they could they use that engine as a stand-alone entry level model? How many more units could they sell with a 60 HP engine at a lower price? I don't see that one coming. How about using the ACE 900 three cylinder, that makes 90 HP and is silky-smooth, but would it fit? That might make a nice entry level model, but I doubt that engine is less expensive to produce so I don't see that one coming either.
Maybe a more powerful Spyder? Now that would drive the nanny crazy, even more power. Tough to predict. The Type 991 engine has a flatter and smoother powerband than the original Type 990, so would they give us a more powerful version for the heavier RT but maintain a smooth linear powerband? The RT is where all of the sales are at, percentage wise, so this is where the changes would be most logical. Food for thought.
OEMs will often test next year's models with black body work, or even last year's body work but all of the new stuff underneath. That means you could come across one but never even know it unless you were really keen. The other thing is they are likely testing in an area where there are few "smart" eyes around. This is very common with the new sleds each year, so I would suspect Spyders would be not much different. One of the tell-tale signs is often the registration, what kind of plate does it have. But if they are testing right out of Valcourt and most everyone in that area has a family member that works at the factory, even if they see one they're not going to snap a photo and post it. Bad form.
So to increase sales, do they entice new buyers or give current owners a reason to upgrade? As for using the ACE 600 engine from a snowmobile, would 60 HP be enough? That is the engine being used along with an electric motor in the hybrid version, but would they could they use that engine as a stand-alone entry level model? How many more units could they sell with a 60 HP engine at a lower price? I don't see that one coming. How about using the ACE 900 three cylinder, that makes 90 HP and is silky-smooth, but would it fit? That might make a nice entry level model, but I doubt that engine is less expensive to produce so I don't see that one coming either.
Maybe a more powerful Spyder? Now that would drive the nanny crazy, even more power. Tough to predict. The Type 991 engine has a flatter and smoother powerband than the original Type 990, so would they give us a more powerful version for the heavier RT but maintain a smooth linear powerband? The RT is where all of the sales are at, percentage wise, so this is where the changes would be most logical. Food for thought.
Last edited:
hyea:
opcorn:
:thumbup:
