**ADVERTORIAL**
There’s no other sled in the modern era that’s been as revered, loved and its return anticipated more than Ski-Doo’s legendary Mach Z.
There’s good reason for this. In all of its former iterations the Mach Z has been the undisputed ruler of the lakes. The formula for this success has been relatively simple: Build a ridiculously powerful 2-stroke engine with a heroic bore size and as many as three pistons, then shoehorn said engine into a purpose-built chassis and proceed to hang on – tight.
The last Mach Z was launched in the mid-2000s powered by a gargantuan Rotax 1000cc SDI 2-stroke twin arguably producing more than 150-hp – possibly as much as 160.
SPRING CHECK your 2022 Ski Doo Snowmobile!
This monster was introduced in Quebec and the North American press in attendance were given the opportunity to pull the trigger. It was snowing heavily and there was at least 3-inches of new snow on the lake we were using for top end runs.
Unbelievably, under these less than ideal conditions, the mighty Mach would pull well past 100 MPH (160 kph) and did so happily, pull after pull. Undeniably, the name Mach Z means lake-shortening power and unrivaled top speed. Ski-Doo knows this and thus, your dreams are about to come true.
It would be epic to have the Mach Z simply return with 160 2-stroke ponies, wouldn’t it? Ski-Doo would sell every Mach Z it built. However, that would not be Ski-Doo’s style. Valcourt is proud of the reputation Mach Z brings to Ski-Doo snowmobiles and a big part of that reputation is unrivaled power. But this time it’s also more than just a one-dimensional sled.
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So here you go. The Mach Z returns in MY 2022 powered by a completely re-engineered 900 ACE, twin cam 4-stroke triple, turbocharged and intercooled and carrying the handle “900 Turbo R”. This engine is the mightiest production snowmobile powerplant ever from Rotax. It produces a claimed 180 peak horsepower using over 17.5 pounds of boost. To say this Mach Z is fast would be like saying Tom Brady is a pretty good quarterback. Both are ridiculous understatements.
Included in the standard equipment column for the Mach Z is Ski-Doo’s semi-active Smart-Shox system. This is cutting edge technology supplied by KYB. Essentially, Smart-Shox continually alter damping rates in milliseconds to inputs from five chassis sensors. If the trail is lined with moguls, Smart Shocks will firm up damping in response to every bump in the trail. When you go into a corner, it holds the chassis flat to deliver cornering unexpected of a muscle sled. This is not fluff – this is the future.
Interestingly, because the Mach Z is a purpose-built lake shredder it arrives with its ride height lowered by one full inch to facilitate speedo-needle-bending top speed. When this was first announced, most wondered if the sled would ride overly firm. Nope, the Smart-Shox keep the chassis settled and the rider in control in the craziest whooped out trails.
If you’re a Mach Z groupie who’s been waiting for more than a decade to witness the return of the Mach Z, this has got to be good news. However, there’s a very serious caveat associated with this re-introduction. Ski-Doo is clearly and precisely making it crystal clear to Mach aficionados this is a one-year deal. You heard it right. This time around the Mach Z is a finite commodity only available on the Spring Break early order program and only available in one trim level – full jam.
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If you want a 2022 Mach Z you’ve got the month of March to make up your mind. Don’t expect any “phony” Spring Break ordered Mach Z’s to appear next October. If you want a Mach Z then your only shot at one is to make your best deal right now!
Included in the standard equipment column for the Mach Z is Ski-Doo’s semi-active Smart Shock system. This is cutting edge technology supplied by KYB. Essentially, Smart Shocks continually alter damping rates in milliseconds to inputs read by the shock shaft. If the trail is lined with moguls, Smart Shocks will firm up damping in response to every bump in the trail. This is not fluff – this is the future.
Interestingly, because the Mach Z is a purpose-built lake shredder it arrives with its ride height lowered by one full inch to facilitate speedo-needle-bending top speed. When this was first announced, most wondered if the sled would ride overly firm. Nope, the Smart Shocks keep the chassis settled and the rider in control in the craziest whooped out trails.
It’s decision time for the Mach Z faithful. Frankly, we don’t think Ski-Doo will be able to build enough of these for MY 2022.
