Live from the Polaris dealer meeting in Las Vegas, we have the latest from Polaris and their plans for the 2011 snowmobile lineup.

We just sat through the meeting kickoff and the announcement of the 2011 lineup.  But before we get to the lineup, let’s pause to talk about something that is on the mind of many Polaris enthusiasts; reliability.  No doubt Polaris has innovated even in the face of a powersports industry that got hammered by a 25% reduction in volume in 2009.  The 2010 Rush is a great example of Polaris being on the gas when others are struggling and coming out with “bold new graphics”.  But the 800 engine has been a concern.  Reliability is not where they want it to be and they are working like crazed dogs to correct it.  Bennet Morgan, COO even spewed some profanity to get the point across.  They aren’t satisfied and the 2010 issue will be corrected and the 2011 product will be ready with over 110,000 miles of testing.

OK, now on to the product lineup.  To no one’s surprise, the 800 Rush is in the lineup for 2011.  The 800 engine has been changed for 2011 with a new fuel injection system and some other tweaks we will be sure to learn more about tomorrow.  According to A.J. Lester, Editor, Supertrax Magazine/SnowTrax Television, “this thing is an all-day-performer.  The 800 is gonna make a lot of guys happy.  The motor is clean, crisp, and fast.  These sleda are so far different from what everyone else is building.  It doesn’t matter where you’re going., what you’re riding through, or who you’re riding with – you’re in control through any kind of terrain.”  Sound like the perfect flatland sled, no?

The other really big news is the new 800 RMK.  Billed as the “lightest, strongest, most durable RMK” ever, the new RMK appears to be one sweet machine on paper.  41 lbs (431 lbs total) lighter than last year, it’s “flickability” makes it the go to mountain sled for 2010/2011.  According to Chris Burandt of Burandt Backcountry Adventrures who has been riding the sled since November, “the RMK Team took every single aspect of what a mountain sled should be and they made this – 40lbs lighter, 300% stiffer.  It’s a suspension guys dream.  It’s like one of the baddest mod sleds I’ve ever ridden and it’s stock.  It’s so cool.  It’s the lightest, fastest, most flickable sleds out there.”

Personally, I think the new Polaris lineup is sick.  While a lot of the snowmobile industry is trying to weather the recession storm, Polaris continues to be on the gas.

Below are some photos of the new sleds and some promo videos from the marketing department at Polaris.  Check them out and let us know what you think of the 2011 lineup in the comments section.

Photo Gallery:

Video: Introducing the 800 Rush

Video: Battle of the Bumps – Rush vs Rev XP

Video: Rush Virtual Test Ride

Video: Rush Documentary

Video: SnowGoer Sled of the Year