This year, Arctic Cat is the first manufacturer to announce its new lineup. Effectively, on these last days of January, the manufacturer is the first one to present part of its 2018 fleet. This launch was scheduled for February 1st, but a leak of informations has forced Arctic Cat to make this early release. However, we will have to wait a few weeks more before seeing all the 2018 snowmobiles. So, Arctic Cat prolongs the suspense until next February 27th, just to spice it up.
On such an early release, manufacturers usually unveil a brand new model, a new technology, a new platform or else, a brand new engine. Arctic Cat often acts differently from other manufacturers and this early launch is no exception… Thus, it is not one but two models that are introduced. And to avoid jealousy, it will be one trail snowmobile and one mountain snowmobile ! Moreover, these two new models are equipped with a brand new engine, the 800 C-TEC2 !
So, Arctic Cat presents the new ZR 8000 Sno Pro ES available in editions of 129 in. and 137 in. / 327,7 and 348 cm for fans of trail performances, and the new M 8000 Sno Pro of 153 in. and 162 in. / 388,6 and 411,5 cm (track of 3 in. / 7,6 cm) for fans of powder snow !
The new ZR 8000 Sno Pro ES is available in both 129 and 137 versions
The new M 8000 Sno Pro 2018
These new editions of the M 8000 are built on the new Ascender chassis. This new platform is 10 % narrower than the one of previous models all while offering the improvements found on the 2017 Mountain Cat, such as :
- Driveshaft dropped by 2,54 cm (1 in.) and located about 1,9 cm (0.75 in.) more at rear to increase clearance for the 3 in. track
- Use of 8-tooth drive sprocket instead of 7-tooth drive sprocket
- New approach angle of the track for more floatability
- Narrower running boards and footrests forwarded by 5 cm (2 in.)
Nouvel angle d'attaque de la chenille résultant en une meilleure flottabilité
The narrower platform and running boards then offer increased clearance when sidehilling or boondocking. The snowmobile is easier to handle since less effort is required from the pilot.
The new ZR 8000 Sno Pro ES and the M 8000 Sno Pro are equipped with new Gen II panels and hood introduced last year on the 9000 models. The panels and hood definitely offer a better finish than the previous ones and they can be removed much more easily. The look they provide is also great.
The new Gen 2 panels
800 C-TEC2 engine
We have been expecting this for the last few years… Effectively, it was obvious that after the introduction of the 600 C-TEC2 in 2014, it was only a matter of time before Arctic Cat presents the successor of the Suzuki 800 engine. It is now done and the manufacturer uses most of the technologies found on the 600 cc edition. So, there is a dual stage injection, meaning a fuel injection only in the combustion chamber at low-end torque and when power request increases, a longer injection in the combustion chamber and in the engine base. This is made possible thanks to a slot in the piston skirt.
Piston skirt slot
This increases the mixing time of air/fuel mix, which improves the quality of combustion and efficiency of the engine. Also, the fuel injection under the piston allows a reduction of its temperature and a maximal lubrication in the base of the engine.
According to the manufacturer, the torque of this engine is increased by 36 % in low-end torque and by 18 % in midrange torque. Also, below 7000 RPM, its oil consumption is reduced by up to 30 %. This way, along with a better fuel consumption coming from the increased efficiency of the engine, the oil consumption should also be improved.
Clutches
Last year, Arctic Cat had introduced new clutches in its 9000 models, the Team Rapid Response II (drive) and Team Rapid Reaction Boss (driven) clutches. This package is now used on the ZR 8000 Sno Pro and the M 8000 Sno Pro in order to offer a more efficient and smoother shifting that reduces stress and premature belt wear. Also, the autoadjusting driven clutch keeps the belt in optimal position and tension over all its lifetime.
Moreover…
The M 8000 Sno Pro is equipped with low windshield of 7,5 cm (3 in.) and standard lighten M seat. The ZR 8000 Sno Pro is equipped with mid-height windshield and the handlebar riser block is easy to adjust to the pilot’s preferences.
Low windshield on the M 8000 C-TEC2 Sno Pro 2018
Mid-size windshield on the ZR 8000 C-TEC2 2018
Quick test of the 800 C-TEC2 engine
During my visit in Minnesota, I had the opportunity to test briefly the new 800 C-TEC2 engine on private track. Snow conditions were awful and the surface was very icy with many visible rocks. However, I have been able to ride on a few kilometers that let me see that in low and mid torque, the engine reacted more quickly and more strongly that the Suzuki 800. As the power of the new 800 C-TEC2 is quite similar to the power of its predecessor, I did not notice any improvement in high torque. Of course, this is a rather short test in extremely tough trail conditions. I will be able to run thorough tests on early March at the Snow Shoot.
Other Arctic Cat models
On next February 27th, Arctic Cat will unveil the remaining models of its 2018 lineup. Follow us on Motoneiges.ca / SledMagazine.com to discover the other innovations prepared by this manufacturer for its upcoming fleet !
