Polaris Confirms Rumors: Single-Seater UTV Coming Soon

Polaris shook up the industry once again by offering up specifics on its long-rumored one-person UTV called the Sportsman ACE. This unique vehicle features architecture that Polaris describes as “completely new to the industry and features a revolutionary, sit-in chassis.”

The Sportsman ACE has the look of both an ATV and the company’s massively popular RZR side-by-sides. With a slimmed-down width of 48 inches, it is designed for easy transport and nimble handling on tight trails. Polaris designed the Sportsman ACE to seat the driver between all four wheels for ideal handling and responsiveness, describing it in a press release by saying, “A comfortable and confidence-inspiring centralized seating position connects the driver directly with the machine for a new off-road riding experience.”

Vice President of the Polaris Off-Road Division David Longren says the new vehicle will not only appeal to existing customers but hopefully bring new off-road enthusiasts into the market.

“In creating the Sportsman ACE, we wanted to not only appeal to current off-road enthusiasts, but develop a vehicle that brings new customers to off-road recreation,” he said. “We accomplished this by coupling an easy-to-use, nimble platform with a confident and secure ride that, together, provides drivers of all experience levels a new way to experience the outdoors.”

The Sportsman ACE will be powered by an all-new 32-horsepower ProStar EFI engine, which is equipped with an internal counter-balance shaft to reduce vibration. The 4-valve engine features a dual-overhead camshaft design that works in unison with an engine management system to provide ideal fuel delivery for performance and efficiency. The Sportsman ACE is fitted with a 5.25-gallon fuel tank.

The ACE features 10.25 inches of ground clearance and 9.5 inches of rear travel thanks to it fully independent rear suspension, featuring twin-tube shocks with adjustable pre-load. States Polaris: “Seasoned riders will appreciate the overall vehicle performance, handling and smooth riding suspension, while novice riders will enjoy the secure riding position and the right amount of power to get them down the trail.”

Although the Sportsman ACE may closely resemble Polaris Sportsman ATVs in many respects, its ROPS cab frame gives it the look of a roll-cage-equipped side-by-side. For added comfort, the driver area is outfitted with a high-backed, adjustable bucket seat with 4 inches of back-and-forth movement that is paired with an adjustable steering wheel that offers up to 3.5 inches of tilt adjustability. Polaris also outfitted the ACE with a three-point seat belt for the driver. The driver’s area is also fitted with an integrated “dead pedal” to provide the driver a steady foothold for their left foot. A halogen headlight will help ensure that riding doesn’t end just because the sun went down.

When it comes to its handling on the trail, Polaris outfitted the Sportsman ACE with the On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system found on all Polaris Off-Road Vehicles, which is designed to sense and automatically engage more forward traction when needed, but it will then revert back to two-wheel drive when AWD is no longer needed. Linked, four-wheel disc brakes with braided stainless steel brake lines provide stopping power for the Sportsman ACE.

The ACE offers an integrated 2.8-gallon front storage compartment. When fitted with the optional Lock & Ride cargo box, it can carry up to 575 pounds of gear. Polaris notes the Sportsman ACE is already pre-wired for winch installation and can handle up to a 3,500-pound capacity. It also offers a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

Polaris will also offer more than 25 accessories for Sportsman ACE including doors, winches, cabs and storage to suit their needs. This includes added protection on the trail such as doors, front and rear brushguards, rock sliders, and a variety of custom wheel and tire packages. Polaris says the Sportsman ACE will be available in White Lightning in February.

2014 Polaris Sportsman ACE Specs
MSRP: $7,499
Engine: 32 horsepower, 4-Stroke DOHC Single Cylinder
Induction: Electronic fuel injection
Cooling: Liquid
Transmission/Final Drive: Automatic PVT P/R/N/L/H; shaft
Drive System: On-Demand True AWD/2WD
Engine Braking/Active Descent Control: N/A
Front Suspension: MacPherson Strut With 8.2″ (20.8 cm) Travel
Rear Suspension: Dual A-Arm, Anti-Sway Bar 9.5″ (24 cm) Travel
Front/Rear Brakes: 4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc with Dual-Bore Front Calipers
Parking Brake: Park in Transmission
Front Tires: 25 x 8-12; 489
Rear Tires: 25 x 10-12; 489
Wheels: Stamped Steel
Length/Width/Height: 90 in. x 48 in. x 68 in.
Dry Weight: 835 lbs.
Wheelbase: 61.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 10.25 in.
Seat Height: N/A
Fuel Capacity: 5.25 gal.
Front/Rear Rack or Cargo Box Capacity: 120 lb./240 lb.
Payload Capacity: 575 lbs.
Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Hitch Type: Standard 1.25 in Receiver
Cargo System: Lock & Ride
Lighting: Halogen, 55W low/ 60W high
Instrumentation: Digital Gauge, Analog Speedometer, Odometer, Tachometer, Tripmeter, Gear Indicator, Fuel Gauge, AWD Indicator, Hi-Temp/Low-Batt Lights, DC Outlet