HOMBRE Exclusive: Keeping RZR At The Forefront of Innovation, with Polaris Planning Director Dave Elia
30 Oct 2024 by Nasifa Gabrie in Advice, Advice, Bike, Business, Career, Cars, Cars, General, Home, Money, Motorcycles, Pleasure, Power, Products, Profile, Speed, Sports
The Polaris RZR Off Road division is constantly evolving and improving on existing models, a major factor in keeping the brand a favorite for thrill seeking drive enthusiasts.
We recently traveled to Coos Bay in coastal Oregon and experienced the new 25 RZR Pro Lineup coming to market. After test driving RZR Pro R, RZR Pro S (formerly Turbo R) and the RZR Pro XP, I sat down with Dave Elia, Product Planning Director, Recreation. In an exclusive interview he shares his day to day efforts to innovate the brand, and we discover the intricacies that make RZR a constant best seller in its category.
HOMBRE: How would you describe your position and responsibilities as Product Director for Polaris?
Dave Elia: I oversee the strategy and product planning for the recreation side of the Polaris Off Road business. My team and I create and maintain the product plan, which requires us to collaborate with many departments and inputs from across the company – think Consumer Insights, Engineering, Marketing, Finance, Industrial Design, Operations, and the Sales team – just to name a few. My day-to-day responsibilities include combining all those inputs paired with customer needs into a product plan to make sure we create the best product for our customers
H: What can you tell us about the Polaris RZR models currently on the market?
DE: Across the RZR portfolio we are focused on three main areas: performance, design and technology. You can find a RZR that can fit almost any riding preference or style from trail to the wide open dunes
H: Talk to us about the 2025 models, what are the new innovations?
DE: 2025 RZR Pro lineup features the race-inspired toughness of RZR Pro R, wide open RZR Pro S (formerly Turbo R) and fast paced RZR Pro XP trail machine. Elevating these dominant vehicles with unparalleled performance even further, this RZR Pro lineup showcases revitalized RZR styling and bold, and refined fit and finish to deliver an exceptional rider experience.
Revived:
Bold Exterior Style that commands respect and catches the eye
RZR Fang Lighting is back with dynamic up and down animation
Refined:
Solid half doors with double latch and door seals keeps the outdoors out
Fresh cabin air intakes route air into the cabin to keep you cooler
Upgrade seats and harnesses give you tailored comfort for every ride and route
Relentless:
Rockford Fosgate Stage 4 Audio (ultimate trims only) makes for easy playback and quality sound on the trail
Dynamix 2.0 (Pro XP) semi-active suspension individually adjusts each shock’s compression on the fly
Dynamix DV (Pro S and Pro R) semi-active suspension individually adjusts each shock’s compression and rebound on the fly.
H: What is the experience required for driving a Polaris RZR ?
DE: Minimum age for operation is 16, with operators having a valid driver’s license.
H: What would you say is the best part about your work?
DE: Setting and leading the product vision on how RZR comes to life for both current and future riders. I continue to be inspired by our great customers and friends in the industry – how they live the riding experience, celebrate the off-road culture and express their talents through customization of their RZR. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be able to see the work of the entire Polaris team come to life when we launch new models and innovation that is rooted on customer and market trends.
H: Why should someone choose a Polaris RZR?
DE: Polaris RZR is the #1 selling sports side by side for a reason- we have been focused since the beginning on improving the rider experience through performance, rider comfort and technology.