It's not an all around "good sled" like the fusion 600 HO or an equivalent model is. Like Polaris states, it's a purpose built sled...made specifically for racing, and specifically for snocross racing and winning 4 out of 6 snocross titles last year...I'd say it did what it was built to do. I'm by no means an expert in the IQ. I have ZERO ride time on any IQ 440. I've attempted to set mine up so it should handle just as well on the trails as any stock fusion, minus the sway bar up front. That leaves me with a little bit more nimble ride though, which I like. If you want to get through the bumpy trails and ditches quickly, I believe this is the sled to have. If you want to do lake racing you'd be better off with something else. (Mostly because of ride height and wind protection)
As for fast, I believe it can be faster than a stock fusion and/or a pro-x on the lakes. The track attack angle is three inches less than it was on the race sled from the previous year. I think it is even less of an angle than the fusion has. Of course, it all comes down to setup in the end.
I agree on the looks. At first last year when they were introduced I hated them. Now I'd have to say they are most definitely one of my all time favorite looking sleds. They just have a mean, wicked look to them. I can soak up hours at a time staring at this thing while I wait for parts to get in.
The riding position is set up perfect for the kind or riding I do. Also, the entire configuration I have set up for this sled sorta mimics the consumer class Pro-X sleds in 2003 and 2004. It takes it a step further than the new fusion 600 does...but it doesn't have 100% snocross blood any longer. It's a happy medium.
The IQ does have downsides...and I don't know that Polaris will ever introduce the entire "IQ" look and chassis "as is" into a consumer class sled. Main reasons are:
Handling - It really will need to be improved upon to handle better to a wider audience base before it can qualify as "trail sled".
Forward steering - It isn't "perfect" although it's pretty damn close. A lot of riders would get the feeling of too much leaning forward. This can be easily adjusted by moving a few blocks though. They would need to tinker with it some, again, to meet that happy medium for regular consumers.
Fit and Finish - It could really use a better design on the side panels, hood, etc...on how all the plastic pieces fit together. Right now it works well, but it's lacking the fit and finish you see on the fusion. Also, the gauge cluster area would have to be reworked for a production consumer sled.
Of course, this is all speculation as to why they wouldn't want to release the sled to consumers. The chassis is a great design and you will see things from it trickle on down to consumer models. They do seem like small hurdles though. Perhaps there is business logic behind the decision not to release it. I do not know for sure. All I know is I have one, and I've never been more exited for another winter to get here. Can't wait to get on this thing and hit the ditches.
