Arctic Cat announces its new 2014 models with lots of
exciting additions. We'll get things started with the M8000 models.
M8000 Sno Pro, M8000
Sno Pro Limited and M8000 Sno Pro Limited ES
Combining the extra climbing capacity of the 162-inch
PowerClaw track with a lightweight package powered by the 8000-Series 2-stroke
engine, the 2014 Arctic Cat M8000 162-inch models set the high mark. Yet thanks
to their telepathic handling and instant power delivery, this trio of climbers
is equally adept at boondocking through the trees.
A dedicated weight reduction program removed nearly 20 lbs. for the 2014 models,
which, in concert with enhancements to the ergonomics, braking and fuel
capacity, give the new M8000s greater performance and versatility.
The foundation of these machines is the lightweight ProClimb
chassis with optimally balanced rider ergonomics. For 2014 the M rear
suspension has been repositioned lower and rearward for improved
maneuverability and quicker planning in deep snow. The 15 x 162 x 2.6-inch
PowerClaw track is unmatched when it comes to going for high marks. The ARS
front suspension handles the rough while the vertical steering post and 38-inch
stance enable effortless sidehilling.
A new shorter, lower seat shape (Sno Pro and Limited) aids
rider maneuverability on and around the seat.
Powering these mountain machines is the 8000-Series 800 H.O.
2-stroke engine with batteryless EFI via the revolutionary Arctic Drive System
(ADS) for optimized belt life and clutching performance in all conditions
Features on the 2014 M8000 models include:
- Lightweight
ski spindles deliver a nearly 1-lb. weight reduction
- New
seat shape featuring reduced height and length, with built-in storage compartment
and reduced weight (Sno Pro & non-ES Limited)
- Improved
ergonomics on running boards for easy snow evacuation, with rear bumper machining
for more boot clearance
- Lightweight
driveshaft, drive sprockets and aluminum bottom gear in chaincase (Sno Pro
& Limited)
- New
lightweight brake disc (Sno Pro) and race-version master cylinder on
- the
RMC hydraulic brake for enhanced braking
- ProClimb
chassis weight reduction: Aluminum spars (instead of steel); HCR heat
exchanger system (Sno Pro)
- Skidframe
weight reduction: Lightweight aluminum axles; lightweight shock bushings
and new rail cap
- Arctic
Cat IFP rebuildable gas front arm shock in skidframe
- New
FOX FLOAT 3 ski shocks feature improved air valve access for easier
pressure adjustments (Sno Pro & Limited)
- Increased
fuel capacity (to 11.5
gallons on Sno Pro and Limited; and 12 gallons on
Limited ES)
- Lightweight
ski shock bushings and 8mm suspension hardware (instead of 10mm hardware)
- Ice-scratchers
come standard (Sno Pro & Limited)
- New visible
coolant reservoir for easy inspection and built-in spark plug holder
- New
fixed clutch guard for added durability and reduced weight
- More
durable cover for brake disc
- New
driven clutch sheave with larger cooling fins reduce drive belt temperature
for improved performance and durability
- Rear-mounted
spare belt bag (Sno Pro)
- 19/50
gearing for improved performance
New Clean-Technology 2-Stroke
Engine
The all-new C-TEC2 600 is the first snowmobile engine
designed engineered and produced by Arctic Cat. Featuring clean engine
technology like dual-stage injection, open-window pistons, electronic oil
metering and more, the C-TEC2 600 reflects the decades of engine design
knowledge from the same Arctic Cat engineers who created the laydown engine,
exhaust pipe temperature sensor and batteryless EFI.
"Every component of the C-TEC2 600 was designed and sourced
by Arctic Cat," said Donn Eide, snowmobile engine design manager at Arctic Cat.
"It is a cleansheet design incorporating new and existing technology pioneered
by our team of engineers."
The C-TEC2 600 delivers class-leading horsepower. It will be
produced at the Arctic Cat Engine facility in St. Cloud, MN.
Incorporating ideas proven in the Sno Pro 600 race engine including
the crankshaft design and crank wheel construction -and using Finite Element
Analysis, the C-TEC2 600 engine is 8.5 lbs. lighter than the former 600 Suzuki
2-stroke engine used in Arctic Cat snowmobiles.
Dual-Stage Injection
At lower engine loads, the system injects fuel directly into
the combustion chamber, on top of the piston. At higher engine loads fuel is
also injected into the crankcase area and into the transfer ports, improving
the fuel/air transfer time for added efficiency while also lubricating vital
engine components.
Slotted Piston
The unique open-window/slotted piston design allows fuel/oil
mix to be injected into the crankcase area and then into the transfer ports as
part of the Dual-Stage Injection design.
Knock Sensor
An engine knock sensor detects detonation due to fuel
octane, quality and/or ethanol content. Based on information from the knock
sensor, the engine management system adjusts ignition timing and fuel delivery for
optimum performance and combustion. If fuel quality is such that the
combination of reduced engine timing and a richer fuel/air mixture can't
prevent detonation, the engine goes into safe mode until fuel quality improves.
XF 8000 Sno Pro High
Country
Arctic Cat has also made changes to its XF 8000 Sno Pro High
Country model snowmobile.
The 2014 XF Sno Pro High Country and High Country Limited
blend backcountry boondocking and high-performance cross-country riding in perfect
harmony.
Its strength in the mountains is the result of the potent
combination of the ProClimb chassis, 8000-Series 2-stroke engine and key
mountain-specific components, including 15 x 141 x 2.25-inch PowerClaw track, stand-up-oriented
vertical steering post, taller mountain seat, adjustable telescoping handlebar
combo and a 6-inch wide mountain ski.
When it comes to riding trails the High Country will still
rail thanks to its 42-43-inch adjustable ski stance and swaybar-equipped Arctic
Race Suspension. With the FOX FLOAT 3 on the ARS front and FOX FLOAT 2 shock on
the rear arm of the FastTrack skidframe, there's no worries when you hit the
big bumps.
Tying it all together is the ultra-light, ultra-rigid ProClimb
chassis with the tapered two-piece tunnel and its neutral rider position, while
the acceleration comes via the 8000-Series H.O. engine with EFI, APV exhaust
valves, exhaust pipe temperature system and push-button engine reverse. See for
yourself why the 160-hp hit of this engine has made it a favorite among
hardcore backcountry riders.
When it comes to slowing things down the Radial Master
Cylinder (RMC) hydraulic brake gets the race-spec master cylinder for 2014 for
excellent feel and performance.
Riders who want premium customization can opt for the High
Country Limited, which comes with a goggle bag, rear storage bag and electric
start.
Additional features for the XF 8000 Sno Pro High Country
include:
- New
ceramic-coated exhaust resonator
- Lightweight
ski spindles deliver a nearly 1-pound weight reduction
- New
race-version master cylinder on the RMC hydraulic brake for enhanced
braking
- Arctic
Cat IFP rebuildable gas shocks on the front of the skidframe
- New
FOX FLOAT 3 ski shocks feature improved air valve access for easier pressure
adjustments.
- Increased
fuel capacity to 12
gallons
- New
visible coolant reservoir for easy inspection
- New
fixed clutch guard for added durability
- More
durable cover for brake disc
- New
driven clutch sheave with larger cooling fins reduce drive belt
temperature for improved performance and durability.