Polaris increased the performance of its flagship sport UTVs for the 2015 model year, raising the output of both the RZR XP 1000 and four-seat RZR XP 4 1000 from 107 to 110 horsepower. The company also revised the clutch-cooling system, drive belt and exhaust to support the additional output.
What Changed for the 2015 RZR XP 1000?
The original Polaris RZR XP 1000 debuted for 2014 with a 999cc ProStar twin-cylinder engine producing 107 horsepower. For 2015, Polaris increased output to 110 horsepower through several internal and calibration changes:
- Revised engine calibration
- High-output camshafts
- Stiffer valve springs
- An increased 11:1 compression ratio
Although the three-horsepower increase was modest, it represented continued development of a platform that had only been introduced one model year earlier.
Improved Clutch Cooling and Belt Durability
Polaris also updated the continuously variable transmission system to better manage the added power and heat. Both the two-seat and four-seat models received direct-flow intake covers, an upgraded drive belt and a redesigned clutch cover with additional ducting.
Polaris said the revised system delivered approximately twice as much airflow directly to the clutches. The company also updated the secondary clutch helix as part of the 2015 package. These changes were intended to lower operating temperatures and improve belt durability during demanding dune, desert and trail use.
Revised Exhaust and Closed-Loop Fuel Control
A redesigned exhaust system incorporated closed-loop fuel control and catalyst technology. In addition to supporting the higher-output engine calibration, the system was designed to improve operating efficiency and reduce emissions.
2015 RZR XP 1000 and XP 4 1000 Specifications
| Specification | RZR XP 1000 | RZR XP 4 1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 999cc DOHC twin-cylinder | 999cc DOHC twin-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 110 hp | 110 hp |
| Drive system | On-Demand True AWD/2WD | On-Demand True AWD/2WD |
| Front suspension travel | 16 inches | 16 inches |
| Rear suspension travel | 18 inches | 18 inches |
| Wheelbase | 90 inches | 117 inches |
| Ground clearance | 13.5 inches | 13.5 inches |
| Dry weight | 1,379 pounds | 1,596 pounds |
| Payload capacity | 740 pounds | 900 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | 9.5 gallons | 9.5 gallons |
Both models retained their Walker Evans needle-shock suspension, 29-inch Maxxis Bighorn tires, 64-inch width and standard electronic power steering.
2015 Colors and Availability
The two-seat RZR XP 1000 was offered in Havasu Red Pearl, Voodoo Blue and White Lightning. The RZR XP 4 1000 was available in Havasu Red Pearl and Voodoo Blue. Polaris announced that the 2015 models would begin arriving at dealerships in July 2014.
A Small but Important Second-Year Update
The 2015 changes did not fundamentally alter the XP 1000 platform, but they addressed important areas for high-performance use. More power attracted the headlines, while the increased clutch airflow and stronger belt were potentially more meaningful for owners operating in deep sand, high temperatures or other demanding conditions.
The XP 1000 platform would continue to evolve through additional terrain-specific editions and subsequent generations. Its introduction and development remain an important part of the broader history of the Polaris RZR.
