At last! Winter is here and it is now time to present our pre-ride analysis of the ZR 9000 Thundercat. Last spring, the manufacturer Arctic Cat announced the 2017 snowmobile lineup and the spectacular introduction of the super powerful turbocharged tri-cylinder engine. This engine, produced by Yamaha within the supply agreement between both manufacturers, is not only the most powerful in the industry, but it also defines a brand new class of snowmobiles : the 180 HP and over.
In 2017, this brand new engine replaces the Suzuki Z1 turbo engine in all Arctic Cat 9000 models.
But a snowmobile is much more than just an engine and this is exactly what Arctic Cat people had in mind when they designed the ZR 9000 Thundercat. To call a model by the legendary name “ Thundercat ”, it was necessary for it to be the “ King of the trails ” in matter of power as well as comfort and agility. Dominating the chain of evolution among trail performance snowmobiles in the 2017 Arctic Cat lineup, it must offer the ultimate riding experience to its pilot. So, it is with this in mind that we are going to put to test the ZR 9000 Thundercat during this season.
Now, here are the main features of this snowmobile.
Engine
The new turbo engine that equips all 9000 models in 2017 is not an existing engine on which a turbocharger has been added. Effectively, this is an engine that has been totally designed to offer the advantages of a turbo, but without its disadvantages.
One of the engineers’ goals was to design a very smooth supercharging system with very quick response, thus a turbocharged engine that does not react the same way than a traditional turbo. Such an engine would deliver its full power in a more progressive and predictable way for optimal control of the snowmobile and optimal fun for the pilot.
At the presentation of its lineup, Arctic Cat announced that this engine was developing 180 HP. But since that time, many tests on dynamometer have proved that the real power of this engine was exceeding 200 HP.
During our tests, we will surely be able to test all the power delivered by this engine… However, we will bring even more attention to the time of response in various situations to check if there is none. Also, we will test the strength of accelerations in a wide range of conditions. Furthermore, we will observe the more traditional elements like fuel consumption and fuel mileage of the snowmobile according to the type of riding (standard, moderate and sport) chosen by the pilot.
Clutches
For any type of vehicle, the power delivered by the engine is one thing, but the efficiency and smoothness of a transmission are also significant, if not even more significant.
Arctic Cat has also taken this issue into consideration by equipping the 9000 models, like the ZR Thundercat, with the Team Rapid Response II drive clutch and with the Team Rapid Response Boss driven clutch.
The most significant feature of these clutches is the auto-adjustment of the drive clutch in order to keep the right belt tension. No more manual adjustments. Also, according to the manufacturer, this set of clutches provides a smoother engagement and a reduced belt wear. So, the belt lifetime should be extended.
Then, clutches should offer a consistent performance all season long. During our trial, we will watch closely their performance and the wearing condition of the belt.
Front suspension
The ZR 9000 Thundercat is equipped with the Arctic Race front suspension and with the new Fox Zero QS3 shocks with reservoir. What is great about these shocks is that they are very easy to adjust. Effectively, here are the three settings :
- Position 1 : Smooth and comfortable ride, like the LXR models
- Position 2 : More rigid shock for more sport riding on sinuous trail, like the Sno Pro models
- Position 3 : Rigid shock for riding on more bumpy trails, like the RR model.
We are eagerly awaiting to test the performance of these new shocks in real conditions. Will these 3 settings respond adequately to all situations or at the end of the season, are we going to think that intermediate adjustments would be required?
Rear suspension
The Thundercat is equipped with the Slide-Action rear suspension and a new set of shocks : at front, the Arctic Cat IFP (internal floating piston) shock and at rear, the adjustable Fox QS3 shock. Just like the front suspension shocks, this shock offers three adjustment positions of the compression, “ smooth, firm or extra-firm ”. Also, the rebound of this shock can be adjusted.
Chassis
The chassis has been slightly modified to receive the new turbo engine. However, another element caught our attention. Effectively, Arctic Cat presents the 9000 models with brand new side panels and new hood. These three items can be removed in a few seconds in order to reach the different components of the engine compartment. This is a major improvement compared with the previous panels that were harder to manipulate and that offered limited access to the engine.
Many snowmobilers do not really care about this, but others consider it as very important. We will talk more about it during the season.
Another interesting element is the presence of two small deflectors on the tunnel behind the running boards. They are designed to prevent snow from piling up on the rear part of the running boards and from hitting the pilot’s back. We can’t wait to see how efficient these deflectors are.
Dual gauge and controls
The ZR 9000 Thundercat is equipped with the same digital gauge found on the 7000 models. It offers plenty of data and you choose their location and the type you want. We are happy to test it again.
Controls are mainly located on the left side of the handlebar, with the same configuration than previous years.
Piloting area
We can see interesting elements in the piloting area. Effectively, in order to adapt the handlebar height to the size and preferences of the pilot, it is adjustable. There are also hand guards on the handlebar. Furthermore, we find the Sno Pro brake lever on this model.
To offer to the pilot a good protection against wind and bad weather, the ZR 9000 Thundercat is equipped with the mid-height windshield of 27,94 cm (11 in).
Headlights
A very last technical feature draw our attention, the new LED headlights with accent lighting. This technology is a revolutionary product in the snowmobile headlight market, but also for many other types of vehicles. Since we go snowmobiling in the dark during about one third of the time, we will be able to test their efficiency in matter of intensity and coverage.
Look
We kept this aspect for the end because this is not a technical element, but rather an esthetic one. The 2017 ZR 9000 Thundercat is really nice. Choice of colors is great, even if some Arctic Cat purists would have prefered it in green. We just adore the combination of black, white and red of this model. Also, the design of the new side panels and hood gives it an exhilarating classy look. The big question is : “ How can we resist it? ”
And now…
At the time this article is written, snow begins to fall in some regions and we can expect a white Christmas on all the Province of Québec. As all snowmobilers, we can’t wait to take out our machines for a nice ride. We are no exception and we are very excited about the idea of piloting the 2017 Arctic Cat ZR 9000 Thundercat.
Have a great season!
