Polaris All-Terrain Pickup

8 November 2004

The ATV has evolved into a Polaris All-Terrain Pickup

Imagine if the Kiwi man-on-the-land designed his perfect vehicle. It might combine the versatility of a ute with the go-anywhere of a 4WD ATV.

Fortunately Polaris has done it for him… and not surprisingly the resulting all-terrain pickup has won the 2004 ATV of the Year award.

The world’s only all-terrain pickup, the ATP further extends Polaris’ lead in four-wheeler innovation.

Consider a choice of reliable four-stroke 500 and 330 engine sizes, one-step automatic transmission, outstanding capacity in cleverly-designed carry boxes front and back with tipping ability … and even a flick-switch conversion to soft-footprint mode which tightens the turning circle without tearing up grass.

Transport, workhorse and recreational vehicle all in one, the Polaris ATP is the ideal all-rounder on farm or lifestyle block, golf course or horse stud, you name it.

As narrow as the regular ATV on which it was based, the Polaris ATP tiptoes between rows or obstacles then makes the neatest turns without damaging turf. And all the while delivering a comfortable ride under total control.

“The ATP has the tightest turning circle of anything on the market,” explains Polaris Marketing Manager Neil Anderson.

“Polaris introduced the ATP, extending the entire ATV industry, to ‘do more, more easily’ and it’s certainly lived up to that expectation.

“Even though it’s light on the turf, this Polaris is a real ground-breaker in the sense that it’s the world’s first true all-terrain pickup.”

The ATP achieved instant success when named ATV of the Year by ATV Magazine, the world’s largest industry publication, this year. It’s the third Polaris ATV to receive the award in as many years.

The Kiwi farmer or lifestyler may choose to fit a sprayer attachment or carry hay bales, just as on a regular ATV. Or the ATP might find itself toting shrubs and bushes, a load of shingle or bark, or maybe hose or wire.

Both storage and carrying capacity are outstanding and the sure-footed 4WD tows a trailer with ease.

When it comes to simplicity of riding, there’s just no alternative to the Polaris automatic. And the niceties of life are not overlooked on the ATP with its latest ATV styling.

At the rear of the machine are an injection-molded storage box that tilts like a truck, a rear fold-down tailgate, built in D-rings for tie-downs, and carrying capacity measuring a remarkable 181.4 kg with 113.4 kg rear bed capacity.

An innovative front combination carry box and rack features a hinged cover that not only serves as containing rack, but has a weather seal to protect contents of the box. Plus dual latches to secure the lid, 6 D-rings to hold down cargo and a 40.8 kg carrying capacity.

Both ATPs have innovative side storage as well. Located in the rear guards, a hinged door protects contents. Drain plugs are located at the base of each side-storage box, and each has a 9 kg weight limit.

A rear receiver hitch makes getting the right hitch in place for each towing application a tool-less operation. Towing capacity of the ATP500 is 555.7 kg, the 330 is rated at 453.6 kg maximum.

Part of the secret of the ATP’s success is the VersaTrac feature with which Polaris again leads innovation in the ATV industry through first-ever technology.

VersaTrac is a rear-locking differential controlled by the operator with a simply user-friendly handlebar switch. The differential, when open, allows a 20% tighter turning radius and the ability to turn in tight corners without tearing soft terrain. The differential is open when the handlebar switch indicates the “Turf” setting, indicating the operator can go into areas too sensitive for traditional ATVs.

Meanwhile Polaris’ on-demand true 4WD system senses when the rear wheels begin to lose traction, then instantly and automatically engages both front wheels, providing full torque to all four wheels using shaft drive. A user-friendly thumb switch on the right handlebar lets a rider quickly and easily activate the turf, locked, and 4-wheel drive system on the fly.

The ATPs are built on the Polaris Shaft Ride System chassis with MacPherson strut front suspension. Rear suspension features dual shocks with a cam spring pre-load adjustment.

A new drum-shift transmission lets the rider shift easily to high, low, neutral, reverse, and park, with a new PVT spliceless belt.

On the ATP500, Polaris provides a liquid-cooled, four-stroke High Output powerplant with 4 valves, counter balance and an advanced dry sump lubrication system, 40mm Mikuni carburettor, 250-watt alternator, and electric start. The engine’s output is managed efficiently by the Dual-Sensing automatic PVT (Polaris Variable Transmission) with the Polaris EBS (Engine Braking System).

The four-stroke Polaris 330 engine is air-cooled with fan assist and has a 34mm carburetor and electric start. Its automatic transmission, dual-sensing PVT, responds to both engine rpm and vehicle torque requirements. It reacts to changes in off-road conditions quickly and efficiently to provide the optimum power to the wheels at all times.

Both the 500 and 330 ATPs feature full floorboards, single-lever, four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, and an auxiliary hydraulic foot brake. A speedometer, new dual tail and brake lights and a mechanical fuel gauge are all standard equipment.

The ATP330 has a New Zealand rrp of $13,595 inc GST, the ATP500 $15,995.

Polaris has dealers the length of New Zealand, part of a worldwide network covering 126 countries with more than 50 distributors and five subsidiaries. Polaris Sales Australia & New Zealand is a fully-owned subsidiary of Polaris Industries, which totally designs, engineers, manufactures and markets its own powersports products including the Polaris Ranger for utility and recreational use.

Polaris is the world’s largest snowmobile manufacturer and as one of the largest manufacturers of ATVs it is widely recognised as the innovation leader. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Polaris is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and noted as a Fortune 500 company.

New Zealanders can access information about the complete line of Polaris products from authorised Polaris dealers or on the net at: www.polarissales.co.nz

ENDS

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