Polaris' New RZR Pro R "Race Replica" Can't Race, But It's Still Cool

There's a pedigree when you purchase a Polaris RZR that few other manufacturers have been able to attain. One built on winning races, of chewing through the dunes, jumping off ledges, and generally mopping the floor with one's competitors. 

Few within the powersports community have such a pedigree. One that does, however, is Polaris as the company is one of the few that can claim multiple victories in off-road racing with its RZR UTVs. And though its touted its successes before, it's never really properly celebrated those wins with the public.

That's all going to change, as customers can now purchase a limited edition "Race Replica" RZR Pro R that helps celebrate those Baja and Dakar wins. And it's more than just a one-off livery. Well, a little bit more than just a one-off livery. It will, however, cost you a pretty penny for the privilege. 

According to Polaris, "The [RZR Pro R Race Replica] pays homage to the dominance of the Polaris RZR Pro R Factory race UTV—the only OEM-developed race UTV, undefeated for nearly two years in SCORE series racing and victorious at the 2024 Dakar Rally. This limited-edition model encapsulates the power, durability, and spirit of the Polaris Factory Racing team and its dedicated sponsors, featuring shared parts from the actual race UTVs."  

Only 250 Race Replicas will be built, all of which will feature the Podium Purple livery that adorns the company's racers. Each will use a RZR Pro R Ultimate as its starting point and then receive 15-inch Method Race Wheels, 32-inch BFGoodrich Tires—the new KM3s—a 32-inch RIGID light bar and RIGID rear chase light, Rockford Fosgate Stage 6 audio system, and Polaris-engineered front and rear bumpers. The Race Replica will also get the new "Fang" front lighting, but in purple to match the livery. 

Polaris' Reid Wilson, Vice President and General Manager of Polaris Off Road Vehicles, stated, "The RZR Pro R Race Replica is a truly special vehicle that embodies Polaris’ deep-rooted passion for racing and the flat-out dominance of our Polaris Factory Racing team. Not only is racing integral to our history and our DNA, it continues to be the ultimate proving ground for all RZR vehicles and their amazing capabilities, which allows us to deliver our customers with the best sport side-by-sides on the market. This limited-edition model celebrates that success, while also acknowledging the incredible support of our sponsors who drive our racing program forward."

As for how much all that race replica will cost you, well, that'll be $45,999 for the two-seater and $49,999 for the four-seater. That's...a lot. Especially when you come to the realization that you can't actually take this RZR Pro R Race Replica racing, as it doesn't have any of the safety equipment you'd need to compete in something like a Baja or Dakar. There's no cage, no fuel cell, no fire suppression, no anything. It's just a RZR Pro R Ultimate with a nice livery and a few small goodies. 

What's more, Polaris is hurting right now. It's sales have tumbled and inventory is piling up. The company had to lay folks off, too, and had to restructure its yearly revenue and debt outlook because everything is going so poorly. So while the RZR Pro R Race Replica is cool and all, I'm not sure launching a new, limited edition, nearly $50,000 UTV is the answer to get folks back into dealerships? It's neat for the die-hard race fan, but the timing on this launch isn't the best. 

Also, Method Race Wheels that aren't gold? Come on, Polaris. Get that drip on.