Polaris has been producing all-terrain side-by-side models for the last 15 years, starting with the introduction of the Minneapolis marque’s RZR Ranger in 2008. Unquestionably some of the most capable SxS models that money can buy, Polaris’ production RZR machines have been used to win some of the most high-profile off-road competitions on the planet — including the Baja 1000 and Dakar Rally — though for the first time in its history, the company has rolled out what it’s touting as its first-ever purpose-built fully factory-backed racing side-by-side with the Polaris RZR Pro R Factory.
A product of the firm’s recently announced Polaris Factory Racing team, the RZR Pro R Factory starts with a custom-reinforced chassis that’s been cloaked in lightweight carbon fiber bodywork before being fitted with Baja bumpers and skid plates, and RIGID auxiliary lights. An even more capable version of the already very impressive Pro R platform, the RZR Pro R Factory is kicked along by the industry’s most powerful engine ever dropped into a side-by-side with a ProStar Fury 2.0-liter mill that’s cooled via twin rear-mounted radiators and mated to a reinforced and racing-calibrated transmission. Housed in a custom frame, the naturally aspirated four-banger puts down a very healthy 225hp.
Affording more than 16” of ground clearance and over 29” of suspension travel, the RZR Pro R Factory also features FOX 3.0 Live Valve X2 Internal Bypass shocks paired with a cutting edge race-tuned DYNAMIX DV system. The entire machine rides on a set of Method Race Wheels with exclusive Bead Grip technology and 35” BFGoodrich tires — a full size spare of which is mounted out in back. Fortified via a roll cage, the interior of the racer boasts cargo window nets, PCI radio comms systems, a 7” RIDE COMMAND and GPS, and a steering wheel and harness equipped lightweight QRT-K carbon kevlar racing seats from SPARCO. Considering modified production RZR models have been so wildly successful in competition, we can only imagine how dominant the RZR Pro R Factory will likely be when it sees competition.
The Polaris Factory Racing Team’s RZR Pro R Factory machine will makes it official competition debut at the upcoming San Felipe 250 starting on March 28th before heading to Baja in May.
