2017 Arctic Cat Snowmobile – the folks at Artic-Cat are bringing back a snowmobile that was the queen of power in the 90s. Back then, it was the first 2-stroke snowmobile to offer a 900cc displacement, and then downgraded to 1 liter. But today, Arctic-Cat is introducing the all-new ThunderCat with a state-of-the-art C-TEC4 9000 series four-stroke engine. Despite the fact that this manufacturer is probably the one with the most limited financial means, Arctic-Cat manages to be the one that offers the largest number of engines thanks to its own development, as well as its strategic partnerships. This also allows the Thief River Falls-based manufacturer to offer one of the most diverse snowmobile lines for 2017. Naturally, mountain snowmobiles still make up a very large portion of the manufacturer’s sales, and Arctic-Cat continues to perfect its M series. A nice surprise this season, Arctic-Cat is also entering the snowmobile market with its new SVX-450.
TunderCat
You can’t bring back a legend like the ThunderCat without offering a snowmobile with plenty of power. With an official output of 180 horsepower, the 9000 series engine offers exceptional power at all rpm levels worthy of the big cat’s reputation. But power isn’t everything, you have to be able to control all those horses. Based on the renowned Procross chassis, the ThunderCat is equipped with SlideAction suspension in the rear, with its U-slot sliding system to keep the skis on the ground during acceleration. Up front, the Arctic Race suspension with FOX ZERO QS3 shocks provides precise control and great absorption capacity. To transfer all the power to the 137x15x1.25-inch Ripsaw II track, Arctic-Cat snowmobiles are equipped with TEAM Rapide Response II drive and driven pulleys. The Thundercat is well-equipped as standard and has a more restrained look than other Arctic-Cat snowmobiles, but it still has a very eye-catching look that is worthy of its tradition.
9000 C-TEC4 Power Package
For the past several years, Arctic-Cat has enjoyed a partnership with Suzuki in several engine categories, including the 9000 series. But this year, the 1056cc turbocharged engine is replaced by the all-new 998cc turbocharged Yamaha engine. Announced at 180 horsepower, according to our sources, the new mill is said to develop considerably more horsepower than its predecessor. In addition to powering the Thundercat, Arctic-Cat is banking heavily on this engine by offering it in several models and variations of the ZR and XF series. While benefiting from the same engine as Yamaha, several calibration elements are specific to each manufacturer, starting with the drive system. As already mentioned, the TEAM Rapid Response II drive pulley is self-adjusting to ensure a smooth, yet ultra-fast start. It is worth noting that this drive unit is not offered in the M-Series, unlike in previous years. The only 153-inch track model that offers this powerplant is the XF 9000 High Country, a model that falls into the hybrid category.
M Series
As with most other manufacturers, the mountain snowmobile is a key component of Arctic-Cat’s 2017 lineup. The American manufacturer continues to develop its famous M series by offering several noteworthy improvements while reducing the weight by 5.7 pounds overall. The arrival of the new Mountain Cat for this season will please deep snow enthusiasts with its 3-inch PowerClaw track. In the rear, we worked on the suspension rails to reduce the weight. The angle of attack on the front of the track has also been lowered by 9.7 degrees, to give more flotation and maneuverability, while reducing power loss. Due to the very low sales of 4-stroke mountain snowmobiles, Arctic-Cat has finally decided to remove this type of engine from the M series and concentrate on what it sells most, the 2-stroke.
SVX-450
Arctic-Cat is also entering the snowmobile market. Unlike Polaris, which essentially sells the track and drive systems, as well as the front ski, Arctic-Cat has chosen to offer the entire vehicle, including the bike itself. Not much information has been released so far about the vehicle, except that it is equipped with a 450cc 4-stroke engine, and that it offers very impressive performance. More details will be available on this new vehicle at the end of 2016, and the launch is expected in 2017.
Marc Thibeault’s favorites
Last March, I had the chance to participate in SnowShoot 2017, the annual event that allows the world’s specialized media to test the models that will be offered during the next season. Being my 9th time attending, 2017 once again offered me the opportunity to test drive some amazing models and most importantly, pick my favorites. A heartbreaking moment if ever there was one, choosing only one vehicle per manufacturer is literally torture for a snowmobiler like me. Loving all categories of snowmobiles, it is a colossal challenge to have to choose 4 vehicles among the fifty or so I have personally tested. Each vehicle has its niche, its personality, its strengths and of course, its limitations. So that’s the mission I was given and I had to make my choices. That being said, you’ll see that in addition to my favorite vehicle by manufacturer, I’ve allowed myself a special mention for each of them.
From the manufacturer in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, there were several options available to me in terms of what to choose for the upcoming season. However, it was clear that a “certain” engine had to power the snowmobile I was going to choose for 2017. I have a “vintage” side to me that made me choose the ThunderCat, having many fond memories of the 90’s in my mind.
However, I finally decided on a model that was more versatile than the one we have in our market and the reality of today’s snowmobilers. So, I chose the XF Crosstrek 9000 after many tests. In addition to the power of the 998cc turbo engine that seduced me from the start, it is the versatility of the Crosstrek that fascinated me and ultimately hooked me.
First of all, the traction efficiency offered by the 137x15x1.6 inch Cobra track is perfect for the power and acceleration available. The comfort offered by the Slide-action suspension equipped with 2-inch internal floating piston shocks really impressed me. The front end of the vehicle is not left out thanks to a calibration that is very well adapted to the weight of the engine. As such, the handling of the vehicle is equally surprising considering its weight. However, you should expect to put a little more effort than normal on the handlebars at low speeds in corners. Of course, the standard equipment of the XF Crosstrek is really complete with a lot of storage in the back, wind protection and a heated seat. In my opinion, this is the perfect vehicle for many trail riders who are looking for a comfortable, well-equipped, long-distance ride with amazing performance.
