In order to avoid any confusion with the Sea-Doo watercraft, the Ski-Doo GTX will now be called Grand Touring, a name that was dropped seven years ago.

In 2009, two-up touring enthusiasts were finally able to enjoy the benefits of the REV chassis with the launch of a next-generation two-seat luxury touring snowmobile based on an extended variant of this chassis. Its latest evolution known as REV-XR makes room for the brand’s all-new four-stroke engine, the Rotax 4-TEC 1200.

At any given speed, this unit keeps engine revs as low as possible in order to take advantage of the generous torque curve while improving fuel economy and emission performance. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

Effective engine
Co-developed by Rotax and Petronas, the three-cylinder 4-TEC features a cutting-edge fuel injection system and effective emission control technologies. It’s one of the cleanest engines on the market and, while we can’t say the same thing about overall performance, the fact remains that both power and torque now come in earlier and stronger. Actually, this Rotax generates class-leading torque from 7,500 to 8,500 rpm.

Accelerations are convincingly swift yet seemingly effortless, even with a passenger on board, while sound effects appeal to the ears without disturbing the entire neighborhood. Also, the unwanted vibrations that used to be felt through the floorboards of similarly-powered Ski-Doos (including the GTX SE prototype we tested back in December of 2007) have basically all vanished.

The 2010 Grand Touring SE uses a nicely-progressive, continuously-variable transmission (CVT) delivering smooth takeoffs. At any given speed, this unit keeps engine revs as low as possible in order to take advantage of the generous torque curve while improving fuel economy and emission performance. What’s more, the Rotax 4-TEC 1200 gets upgraded intake ducts and a reprogrammed ECU to mitigate the ill effects of engine braking when the rider cuts power — and it works!

The sporty new 2010 Ski-Doo Grand Touring SE is a snowmobile to be reckoned with. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

Air suspension
The new Ski-Doo Grand Touring SE rides on an Air Control Suspension (ACS) in the back. At the touch of a rocker switch on the handlebar, the rider can choose one of five preload settings for the rear air spring. This means the suspension can be adjusted for solo or two-up riding, thereby optimizing travel and damping characteristics for superior comfort on the trails.

A firmer setting of the ACS makes the steering sharper by effectively transferring weight on the dual front A-arms (and skis), which immediately contributes to extra grip and less understeer than with a fully-loaded machine (two occupants and luggage).

Out on the trail, the SE proves comfortable, always predictable, stable in straightaways and remarkably smooth over bumps. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

A true GT
The ultra-agile Grand Touring feels kind of sporty in solo riding. More modern ergonomics (including a higher, closer-to-the-front riding position) combined with great handling and a light weight help deliver the type of excitement we rarely see on a touring snowmobile.

Out on the trail, the SE proves comfortable, always predictable, stable in straightaways and remarkably smooth over bumps. It also offers surprising utility in the form of convenient cargo room, lots of travel amenities and excellent protection against the elements of the Great White North.

In the end, thanks to a variety of unique features, like the ACS suspension, as well as comprehensive equipment and sound riding dynamics over long distances, the sporty new 2010 Ski-Doo Grand Touring SE is a snowmobile to be reckoned with.

Pros
Air Control suspension
Effective engine and nicely-calibrated CVT
Fairly sporty dynamics
Great ergonomics and storage

Cons
The machine still understeers a bit