What’s new in 2018 for Arctic Cat

Last March, I had the chance to go to the 2018 SnowShoot in West Yellowstone Montana, it has been a wonderful week. It gave me the opportunity to learn more about the innovation of the manufacturers during the technical presentation. I even had the chance to try different models during the week. However, I had to focus on one brand, you guessed? It’s Arctic Cat that has been assigned to me, here’s a resume of all of their new products for 2018.

The new 800 C-TEC-2

In 2018, Arctic Cat once again innovates with the new 800 C-TEC-2 engine of the 8000 series. The engine design is similar to the 600 cm3 version, which has the dual-stage injection technology too. It is more powerful and economical than the old version made by Suzuki. The 800 C-TEC 2 engine is made in the Arctic Cat facility in Minnesota in the United States.

This two strokes engine has 160 horsepower. You can find the engine on the trail, mountain and crossover snowmobiles. I have tried it during the SnowShoot and its power is really impressive. According to the manufacturer, it has 36% more power at a low-end torque and 18% at mid-end torque compare to the old version. The technology reduces the oil consumption by 30% and by 10% for fuel consumption. I can’t wait to try it for a long ride in Quebec’s trails. You can have the engine as an option or it comes with some of the 2018 Arctic Cat snowmobile. The snowmobiler can make his choice between more than 80 models.

The new Ascender platform

Backcountry snowmobile lover will be happy to learn that Arctic Cat had improved their mountain snowmobile platform with the Ascender. The M 6000 and M 8000 models come with the new Ascender platform.

The platform is 10% thinness than the previous model, for better side-hill and deep snow performance. Also Arctic Cat dropped the drive shaft of 1.125 inches, which provides more maneuverability and the ability to get out of the snow. The test mountain snowmobile drivers of Motoneiges.ca really felt the difference. Also with the new platform, the snowmobiles range can come with the new 800 cm3 engine form the 8000 series. It will increase the pleasure of the driver in backcountry trails.

Weight is really important for mountain driving, this is why Arctic Cat reduced the total weight of the new Ascender platform of about 10 pounds, it will ease your maneuver in backcountries.

The new Norseman

Arctic Cat offers a new snowmobile for 2018, the Norseman 3000 and 6000, it is based on the last year Bearcat LT. It is available with the 3000 series engine with 65 horsepower or with the 6000 series engine with 125 horsepower. It is an entry-level model for Arctic Cat, it operates well in snow and can be used to work. With the Cobra track of 154 inches, this snowmobile literally floats on snow. The Norseman move easily backward in the undergrowth.   

Equipped with a rear rack and a rear bag storage, you can put all you need to work in the woods or to go fishing. It is a versatile snowmobile for a snowmobiler who love to work and have fun.

The new ZR-200

With Yamaha collaboration, Arctic Cat developed a new range of snowmobile for kids between the ages of 8 and 14, it’s a first in 2018. The ZR-200 is not a toy, it has been made to go on trails. It’s approved in some states and provinces, it has headlights and the backlights. Here in Quebec, we still have to wait until it has an odometer, so it can be approved for trails. The snowmobile has a 4 strokes engine cooled by a fan and has 9 horsepower. It can go up to 50 kilometers.

You can now go for a ride with all your family. This snowmobile will please kids and adults who are still young at heart

For more information, you can visit: https://www.arcticcat.com/

Have fun shopping your next snowmobile.