What’s up for Arctic Cat in 2014 is …………………….. Some classic letters, some new numbers, the return of a legendary model, a ground breaking new engine and a mutual supply collaboration with Yamaha.
It is exciting and difficult to be given interesting news on January 22 and be under an information embargo that doesn’t end until February 27. Fortunately that is the price of our organizations credibility and access.
From a bright blue sky afternoon through a moon lit evening SledMagazine.com / Motoneiges.ca journalist Denis Lavoie and Greg Gilbert were guests at Arctic Cat’s state of the art engine facility in St Cloud Minnesota, to hear all that is new for Arctic Cat in MY2014
As you read this article, our team of columnist / test riders will be making final departure preparations for the 2014 Snow Shoot media event to be held in West Yellowstone Montana, March 2-7. This technical presentation / photo shoot event includes 4 days of extensive trail time with 70+ 2014 models. Don’t miss the detailed information of our buyers guide and our upcoming articles about our hands on “the handlebars” experience with the newest Arctic Cats.
Let’s start with something simple. For 2014 all 129” short track models (most recently called the F series) are now identified by the classic ZR letters. XF remains to be the model designation for all 137” models.
In the last week, the internet has been jam packed with news, information and reaction to Yamaha’s announcement of their mutual supply collaboration agreement with Arctic Cat. This was indeed huge news for Yamaha, but I do not think that it was the biggest news to come out of Arctic Cat for MY 2014.
Here is the really big news.
For model year 2014 Arctic Cat introduces its very own all new C-Tec2 600cc DSI engine. DSI = Dual Stage Injection. The 125HP class Dual Stage Injection (DSI) motor is the first snowmobile engine to be designed, engineered and produced exclusively by Arctic Cat. The 600 DSI C-Tec2 engine weighs 8.5lbs less than the 2011 Suzuki built 600 engine and has significantly improved efficiency, mpg and response.
C-tec2 engines racked and ready
Here is DSI technology in a nutshell; during lower performance needs the DSI system injects fuel charge directly into the combustion chamber above the piston, during higher performance needs, a slotted piston skirt design allows the increased fuel charge duration to be injected both above the piston as well as below the piston dome into the crankcase and transfer port areas. This Dual stage injection system improves fuel transfer, increases efficiency, lowers operating temperatures and increases lubrication of critical engine components.
The C-tec2 600 DSI engine has been under aggressive development and testing for over 3 years and will be produced in AC’s impressive St Cloud engine facility. The new 600 engine uses a low pressure 58 psi injection system that has been used in other AC applications. There is a lot of unique technology and design here. Without a doubt, the Cat is back in the high performance 600cc category.
The C-tec 2 engine has consistently achieved between 16-18mpg (US gallon) with a high of 22mpg during real world testing environments and speeds.
The C-tec2 utilizes an electronic oil pump located within the tank which allows much more precise metering of the engines oil needs. A more traditional mechanical pump yields a 40-50 to 1 ratio while the precise calibration of the electric DSI pump results in a 60-65 to 1 ratio. Less oil equals less fumes and smell.
With new engines come new oils specifically recommended for them. Arctic Cat C-Tec2 synthetic oil has been developed to meet the unique needs of the new 600 DSI 2 stroke engine and is the only approved oil for the C-Tec2 and is approved for all Arctic cat 2 stroke engines. Arctic Cat C-Tec4 synthetic oil has been formulated for all 4 stroke engines. These high performance oils come in flexible pouch packaging that is easy to pour and easy to pack.
Compared to the SD 600 Etec the 600 C-tec2 DSI is said to have lower CO emissions, is lighter, has a lighter weight magneto and has smaller lower pressure injectors requiring less voltage (12v vs 55v) DSI, get familiar with these letters, they could be the new best thing in high efficiency 2 stroke technology.
New models
For 2014 the new C-tec2 600 DSI engine (6000 series*) makes an exclusive debut in the triumphant return of the legendary el tigre’ to Cat’s lineup. Light, responsive and easy on gas and oil, a new and improved 600cc Cat is back. The el tigre’ 6000 is available in black and will include Fox Float 3 front ski shocks and Arctic Cat IFP gas rear suspension shocks, a 12 gallon fuel tank, battery less EFI system, 1.25” Ripsaw II track, deluxe digital gauge package and electric start as an option.
ZR 6000 el’ tigre’
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Act quickly of you want one as there will be a limited availability of the ZR 6000* el tigre’ and el tigre’ ES models for 2014.
The mutual supply agreement
For MY 2014, a mutual supply agreement with Yamaha has resulted in Arctic Cat’s introduction of the new 7000 series models featuring the potent Yamaha 1049cc Genesis 4 stroke engine. This new model will be offered in ZR and XF, LTX, Sno Pro and Limited models. XF Sno Pro Cross Country and Cross Tour packages will also be offered in the 141” ProClimb chassis. A 10.6 gallon full tank and new deluxe digital gauge package will also be standard features.
A dedicated team of Arctic Cat engineers spent significant time in fitting and balancing the 1049cc engine into the ProCross chassis. The structural spars of the pyramidal ProCross and ProClimb chassis’ were altered to accommodate the wider engine and the orientation of the engine was tipped back to facilitate weight balance, air box location and front mounted radiator system.
A 3 into 1 exhaust pipe does a 180 degree turn allowing the side exit design. The tunnel is open under this area to accommodate cooling in this area. We were told that gas tank temperatures have been measured in testing to be slightly cooler than what was experienced on the under the seat, rear exit design. It was said that a 7000 series sled as compared to an equally equipped 1100 non turbo Arctic Cat model will be about 12 lbs lighter.
The new 7000 series models are all Arctic Cat including clutches with a very exciting 4 stroke engine from a prominent outside supplier.
*The new numbers
For 2014 Arctic Cat simplifies its engine identifications by using series 5000-9000 to identify its engines.
- 5000 series = 1100cc non turbo C-tec4 engine (125HP class, not offered in the ’14 XF models)
- 6000 series = 600cc DSI C-tec2 engine (135 HP category)
- 7000 series = 1049cc C-tec4, 3 cylinder Genesis engine (135HP category)
- 8000 series = 800cc HO engine (160HP class)
- 9000 series = 1100 turbo C-tec4 engine (180HP class)
Most all 2014 models include lighter weight ski spindle, new front arm mounting geometry, new seat contour/foam and master cylinder, starter and head light enhancements. Driven clutch sheaves have also been altered to offer better cooling for improved belt durability as well as smoother take off.
On the Mountain
New 2014 M series sled features include, telescoping steering post, HCR style heat exchangers, Pro Climb weigh reductions and a new seat design. See our Buyers guide for specific model information.
The Arctic Cat team presented an intriguing real world comparison of the true weights of competing Mountain sleds reflecting the realities of snow retention and ice buildup. In others words the real weight of exactly what you riding, when you are riding it. Sleds were ridden at the same time, in the same conditions and immediately hang weighed from a tree, right there on the mountain.
The results showed Arctic Cat M series sleds that weighed more in the garage, to be lighter than competing brands while performing on the Mountain. This advantage is due to dedicated design efforts to deflect and evacuate snow rather than retaining the additional weight. Meow!
All M series and M series HCR models have 2.6” Power Claw tracks with the HCR models having a slightly stiffer rubber compound for increased traction.
Other notes of interest
LTX models include higher windshield, heated seats and larger rear bag and are available in Black or Green. All LTX models with the exception of the 9000 will have 1” Rip Saw II track.
Sno Pro and Limited ZR and XF versions will have 1.25” Ripsaw II, Fox Float 3 front shocks, 2” AC IFP rear shocks and will be available in Green or Orange.
Limited models also include painted tunnels, heated seat, larger rear bag and are available in White/Black or Black/Orange colors
RR race replica sleds will have Fox Float Evol X (compression and rebound adjustable) front shocks and Fox Zero X Pro piggyback rear suspension shocks.
XF 7000, 8000 and 9000 141” Cross Tour, Cross Country and Cross Country Limited models are currently listed as having the 1.352 Cobra, 1.6 Cobra or 2.25 Power Claw Tracks. See our upcoming Buyers guide for final specifications.
9 new models, 2 exciting new engines and many refinements! The continuing legacy of Arctic Cat is alive and well for 2014.
Thanks Arctic Cat! Here kitty, kitty!
