Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/657286
SNOWMOBILE 2017 lineup also includes return of the Thundercat Arctic Cat last month unveiled its snowmobile lineup for the 2017 model year, including the SVX 450, which is the industry's first OEM purpose-built, single-ski snow vehicle. Arctic Cat also introduced the industry's most power- ful 180-horsepower turbo engine and 19 all- new snowmobile models in a line that includes 84 snowmobiles with enhanced components, exciting new body styling and weight reductions for improved power-to-weight performance. "We are ramping up our end-user-focused new products and introducing a larger snow- mobile lineup for the 2017 model year," said Arctic Cat president and CEO Christopher Metz. "We have entered an all-new category with the lightweight and agile SVX 450 snow bike, which will be purpose built to meet all snowmobile certification standards. We also released the industry's most powerful turbo engine in several new 9000 series models, including our new Arctic Cat ZR Thundercat. The 2017 line demonstrates our commitment to deliver the ultimate off-road riding experi- ence for customers." ALL-NEW SVX 450 SNOW BIKE Arctic Cat launches a variety of firsts for the snowmobile industry and enters a new product category with the introduction of the SVX 450 purpose-built snow bike. Snow biking is a growing sport across west- ern North America. Arctic Cat's patented SVX 450 is designed to provide an exciting new experience for riders who want the lightest, most affordable vehicle for mountain riding. The development of the SVX 450's revolu- tionary single-beam skid frame was a collabora- tive effort between Arctic Cat and Camso — the industry leader in track designs — to be light- weight and agile and provide traction on the steepest hills and backcountry adventures. The front precision-engineered ski complements the rear suspension, providing the maximum amount of flotation in deep snow and accurate handling and control on the trail, while the powerful 450cc, 4-stroke engine with elec- tronic fuel injection propels the SVX through unchartered snow terrain. 9000 SERIES TURBO ENGINE The all-new 9000 series C-TEC4 is a turbo- charged, three-cylinder engine that produces an exhilarating and industry-leading 180 horsepower. This new 998cc 4-stroke engine features an intercooled turbo for maximum horsepower in all conditions. To achieve high performance and durability in the lightest configuration, the DOHC design is matched with: new 4-hole fuel injectors; engine brak- ing control via an idle speed circuit and engine mapping; lightweight aluminum cylinders; and a press forged crankshaft. It offers ultra- quick throttle and turbo response, and is 10 pounds lighter than the 1100 turbo Suzuki twin that powered previous 9000 series Arctic Cat snowmobiles. The new 998cc turbo engine is designed and built by Arctic Cat's OEM partner Yamaha. All-new body styling complements the new 9000 engine, delivering improved air flow for better engine cooling. Easy-to-remove side panels offer quick access and are matched by an all-new easy on/off hood assembly. New 2017 snowmobiles available with the 9000 series Turbo engine include: all ZR models, including the new ZR Thundercat, and the XF Cross Trek, XF Cross Country and XF High Country. M SERIES MOUNTAIN SLEDS Arctic Cat's mountain engineering team continues to push the boundaries of light- weight performance and handling with the 2017 line of M Series mountain snowmo- biles. Five unique packages are available — each benefiting from new features, key weight reductions and best-in-class dura- bility, including the all-new Mountain Cat version, which has a lowered driveshaft, nar- rower running boards and increased forward foot placement for maximum backcountry performance. All 2017 M Series snowmo- biles benefit from a weight reduction effort that cuts up to 6 pounds, depending upon the model and track length. The result is an improved power-to-weight performance to climb mountains with ease. ZR HIGH-PERFORMANCE RS EDITION Arctic Cat's new, extremely limited-edition 2017 RS Edition ZR 6000 is a celebration of the man whose passion for Arctic Cat snowmobiles spans 55 years and whose innovative spirit is immeasurable — the legendary Roger Skime. These limited production RS sleds will be per- sonally signed by Roger Skime. For more than five decades, Skime has spearheaded many of the most innovative snowmobiles and designs, thanks to his com- petitive spirit and insatiable desire to build the best snowmobiles in the world. His dedi- cation to Arctic Cat has inspired generations of engineers and riders whose passion reflects his example. And through it all he became a living legend. The RS Edition ZR 6000 reflects that legend- ary passion with a unique, commemorative styling design and component selection. The foundation of the RS is the class-leading power of the C-TEC2 600 2-stroke engine and the bump-taming ride of the lightweight ProCross chassis wrapped in the all-new body styling found on all 2017 9000 models. CROSSOVER MODELS – ALL-NEW CROSS COUNTRY Arctic Cat carves a new path for 2017 with a trio of new, do-it-all crossovers for backcoun- try sledding. The XF Cross Country Limited is available in 6000, 8000 and 9000 versions, and features the ProCross chassis and an array of components that make them the enduro dirt bike of the snowmobile world. In other words, the XF Cross Country is ideal for long rides across a wide variety of terrain. The new race-tested 137-inch Backcountry X track with 1.75-inch cupped lugs is a key element of the new Cross Country models. Wrapped around the Slide-Action Rear Suspension with the Torque Sensing Link and coupling blocks, it delivers outstanding traction in loose snow while still offering great bite and longevity on hard-packed trails. PSB Arctic Cat reveals 180-hp turbo engine, snow bike 36 • April 4, 2016 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com Arctic Cat launched its SVX 450 snow bike, the industry's first OEM purpose-built, single-ski snow vehicle, for the 2017 model year. Arctic Cat's new 2017 ZR Thundercat is available with the all-new 9000 series turbo- charged engine, which pro- duces an industry-leading 180 horsepower.