2012 Polaris RZR 570 First Look

Polaris is introducing an entry-level sport side-by-side to the Ranger RZR family. The 2012 Polaris Ranger RZR 570 will retail for $9999, offering a more affordable option for consumers who desire sport performance but are unwilling to drop coin on the RZR 800, RZR 4 or RZR XP 900. This comes at a time when UTVs are continually getting bigger, faster and more expensive. The 570 utilizes designs from the XP and the 800 combined with cost-cutting components to extend the model lineup into a new demographic of potential buyers

“With the success of the RANGER RZR 800, we saw the need for a single-cylinder model at a price point that will allow more customers to enter the trail-capable Side-by-Side segment,” said Matt Homan, vice president and general manager of Polaris’ Off-Road Division.

The new RZR is powered by a 567cc ProStar engine. The ProStar design was introduced with the XP 900 last year and is built specifically for SxS use. A single cylinder uses dual overhead cams and fuel injection for maximum performance. A radiator is mounted up front and then piped back to the engine which is located in Polaris’ traditional location behind the driver and passenger. Increased electrical output (650 watts) powers the instrumentation, 50W halogen lighting and accessory plug.

An automatic variable transmission (PVT) has the same helical cut final drive as the XP tranny to eliminate right angles and increase efficiency. The drivetrain uses a final shaft drive and the same shifting pattern from Park, Reverse, Neutral, Low and High with selectable 2WD/AWD via a dash-mounted toggle switch. Like the rest of the RZR family, the 570 uses the transmission “Park” as a substitute for a manual parking brake. It is not equipped with Polaris’ Active Descent Control.

Suspension is an area where Polaris saves some of the expense. Rather than the spendy Fox shocks found on the larger units, the 570 uses ZF Sachs shocks on all four corners. They are only preload adjustable and mounted to dual A-arms front and rear. The front offers nine inches of travel and the rear is slightly longer at 9.5 inches. Overall width is 50 inches which makes the 570 eligible for ATV trails and sway bars are mounted on both ends to help accommodate faster paced riding with improved handling and reduced body roll. Wheelbase is 77 inches.

Polaris claims the new midsize RZR has a dry weight of 945 pounds. The fuel cell is the same capacity as all RZRs at 7.25 gallons. Black wheels are made from stamped steel and are wrapped in 25-inch CST Ancla tires.

Inside the cockpit the 570 still has many of the same features as the larger machines, including the popular tilt steering wheel and T-handle passenger grab bar. Instrumentation includes a digital gauge, speedometer, odometer, tachometer, trip meter, hour meter, clock, gear indicator, fuel gauge, hi-temp/low-battery lights and DC outlet. The RZR is equipped with side nets, three-point seatbelts and a certified roll-over protective structure (ROPS).

The bodywork and styling mimic the full-size RZRs though the fender flares look to be integrated into the quarter panels and do not protrude. Air intake is positioned high on the driver-side of the cargo box and likely uses the same serpentine intake tract of the XP which keeps most water and debris from ever reaching the air filter. The bed, sized 20 x 40 x 9 inches and rated to hold 300 pounds, has no wheel wells. The flat-bottomed design uses an access panel that allows entry to the engine compartment. The 570 is equipped with Polaris’ proprietary Lock & Ride technology and has a slew of accessories available. A 1.25-inch standard hitch receiver is rated to tow 1500 pounds.

Getting into the sport UTV segment has never been more affordable. Available only in Indy Red, watch for the new 2012 Polaris Ranger RZR 570 to hit dealers in late fall.