Before presenting their 2015 models, Arctic Cat people had the following topics on their agenda…
Firstly, they talked of course about their supply agreement with Yamaha. Up to now, Arctic Cat people are very satisfied with it and they believe this is a great partnership that brings them more of the knowledge and quality control showed by the Japanese manufacturer. Even if some models come directly from this supply agreement, the development of 100 % Arctic Cat designed models continues.
The manufacturer from Thief River Falls also wanted to shed light on their agreement with Suzuki. Effectively, they confirmed that this agreement has been extended to 2017. So, the Suzuki engines could equip Arctic Cat models for 2 or 3 more seasons. However, the representatives confirmed that this extension was valid only for the supply of already existing engines.
Last year has been an exciting one as sales have increased in Canada and United States, while they remained stable on international markets.
If 2014 has been the year of the introduction of two new motorizations at Arctic Cat’s, 2015 will be the year of increased use of the 6000 and 7000 engines on their models. Also, still introducing new engine names, Arctic Cat announces the addition of the 2000 series (570 Fan) and the 4000 series (500 EFI).
Now, we are ready to present the new 2015 Arctic Cat snowmobile lineup !
Return of the Pantera
Arctic Cat has withdrawn the Pantera model in 2006 and the Panther model in 2009. So, it is very exciting to see the return of the Pantera, the snowmobile that replaces this year the T Z1 introduced in 2008.
The Pantera is built on the ProTour chassis, much lighter but still very robust. The Slide-Action rear suspension provides comfortable rides to the pilot and the passenger all while optimizing the transfer of the engine power to the track. The design of this suspension offers minimal ski lifting during aggressive acceleration. The 15X146X1,25 in. Quiet Track provides maximal traction and reduces its noise.
The design of this suspension offers minimal ski lifting during aggressive acceleration. The 15X146X1,25 in. Quiet Track provides maximal traction and reduces its noise.
The ARS front suspension (Arctic Race Suspension) is equipped with IFP gas shocks. As their keel is deeper, the skis provide good control on trails and their 6 in. width allows good flotation in deeper snow.
Everything has been done to improve the passenger’s comfort. The comfortable seat includes an adjustable backrest and hand warmers along with wind deflectors. 
The passenger will also enjoy the heated visor plug-in. The seat can easily be removed for 1-up rides.
Lastly, here are two interesting elements that concern the passenger. The heated seat is standard and thanks to its design, the snowmobile keeps its great look even when the passenger seat is removed.
Another very interesting feature of this model is the 1 500 in3 storage available at rear. It is then possible to bring more luggage when leaving for many days.
The Pantera is offered in two models, the Pantera 7000 and the Pantera 7000 Limited.
The Limited edition is equipped with an additional 16,3 l fuel tank along with the 40,5 l main fuel tank. The auxiliary tank is plumbed directly into the main fuel tank and it is designed to empty up before the main tank. This auxiliary tank is located in the above-mentioned rear storage. And even then, you do not lose any storage space because the Limited edition is equipped with two detachable locking side cases at rear.
Finally, the Limited edition offers painted tunnel and rails along with deluxe digital gauge.
I must say that I can hardly wait to test this new touring snowmobile during the coming weeks.
Two other models are back
Well, many famous old names are coming back. Effectively, probably in order to withdraw all the F and T series and to use the new name of their engines, Arctic Cat people have renamed the F570 «Lynx 2000» and the T570 is now called «Lynx 2000 LT».
The only modification on these two models is the replacement of the single runner by a double runner, along with small changes in the look. The retail prices of these models are very interesting : 6 999 $ (Cnd) for the Lynx 2000 and 7 499 (Cnd) $ for the Lynx 2000 LT. These are very affordable snowmobiles with great capabilities on trails, either 1-up or 2-up.
Mountain models
For 2015, Arctic Cat introduces the 6000 and 7000 series engines in their mountain lineup models. Arctic Cat’s most recent engines were expected to equip the M models.
M 6000
This year, the M 6000 is offered in two editions : the M 6000 (153) and the M 6000 Sno Pro (153). Of course, the M 6000 models are built on the proven ProClimb chassis. The M 6000 (153) is equipped with the ARS front suspension (Arctic Race Suspension) with IFP shocks. A 15X153X2,25 in. Power Claw track, a digital gauge and an adjustable handlebar complete the package.
The M 6000 Sno Pro (153) edition is equipped with the ARS front suspension and Fox Float 3 shocks (no spring). A 15X153X2,6 in. Power Claw track, a deluxe digital gauge, an adjustable handlebar, a front-mounted heat exchanger, ice scratchers, lightweight disk brake and a new lightweight mountain seat complete the package.
M 7000
The M 7000 model is offered in the Sno Pro (153) edition only, with the same features than the M 6000 Sno Pro (153) presented above, except for the motorization.
Once again, it will be very interesting to test these new models in mountain conditions at the Snow Shoot in the coming days.
M 8000
The M 8000 model is offered in two special editions : the David McClure Special Edition and the Rob Kincaid Special Edition.
Utility models
All the utility models from last year are back, but their name has been modified in order to comply with the new name of their engine..
Crossover modelsThe XF lineup includes about a dozen new models this year, mostly in the Cross Country and High Country packages that are more numerous for 2015. As the 7000 engine is more intensively used and as the 6000 engine is used in the XF models, Arctic Cat offers 9 new models equipped with these motorizations. The crossover snowmobiles attract more and more fans, so we are not surprised to see so many new models that will satisfy the various needs of the customers. 
XF, CrossTour, Cross Country and High Country, how to chose ?
Each one of the 4 standard packages of the XF models meets a specific type of usage… Here is a short description of these crossover snowmobile lineups.
- XF : This package is designed for the snowmobiler who wants maximal trail performance but who wants the comfort provided by a track a little longer than a short tunnel.
- XF CrossTour : For the snowmobiler who wants maximal comfort and useful features without compromising on trail performance. The machines are equipped with a taller windshield and with rear storage.
- XF Cross Country : For the snowmobiler who wants the same comfort and performance on-trail as well as off-trail. We are talking here about half-and-half usage.
- XF High Country : For the snowmobiler who rides mostly in remote areas. Designed for those who do not want a mountain sled but who have about the same needs.
So, with this wide range of motorizations and packages in the crossover category, Arctic Cat presents one of the most diversified offer on the market. One of them will sure meet your expectations !
Performance models (ZR)
For 2015, Arctic Cat offers about 10 new models in this lineup. The addition of the El Tigre package with high performance shocks, customized graphics and standard electric start should be the main attraction.
However, the addition of two new models with the 7000 engine and four new models with the 6000 engine enhances the offer and the snowmobilers seeking for performance will have a wider range of models to chose from. Once again, Arctic Cat people have decided to offer a wide range of models in order to make it easier for the snowmobiler who knows his needs. Maybe some dealers will have difficulties to place their spring order…
What should we do expect from Arctic Cat in the future?
Last year, Arctic Cat had introduced the C-TEC2 600cc engine. Even if many expected to see a 800cc edition for 2015, we think it was wise to wait for a few years and see the performance of the engine on sleds used by thousands of snowmobilers. If everything goes well, we can expect a C-TEC2 800cc engine for 2016.
We think that Arctic Cat has a replacement plan for the Z1 Turbo engine, but it must be realized before 2018 since the agreement with Suzuki comes to an end in two years. Then, since Yamaha has promised two new engines before 2018 and a supply agreement is already valid between these two manufacturers, I expect to see a new engine issued from this partnership during the next two years.
So, the future at Arctic Cat’s seems to be full of promise… Snowmobilers may have nice surprises during the next two or three years !
