arctic cat shows new sno pro

Arctic Cat engineering spent its off season taking the lessons learned last season and applying them to a snocross-specific Sno Pro. "This is in now way going to be useable on the trail," said Cat spokesman Jay Lusignan. "We have a lot of changes that will limit it to use on a snocross track only."

For starters, the new sled will feature a high-compression engine for improved low and midrange performance. It will require 110 octane race fuel. Since the whole oil apparatus has been removed, racers will be premixing the fuel for the tank.
 
The other big reason why this sled will not work on the trail is the fact that it has no rear cooler. "When used in the mealy conditions of a snocross track, the sled will survive without the rear cooler," explained Lusignan.
 
The rear suspension has been significantly worked over for the coming season. It is mounted lower in the chassis, for improved tunnel clearance. It is 2.5 inches lower on the rear arm and .75 inches lower in front. "The effect is that it puts the driver in a more aggressive position for cornering," said Lusignan.

The skid will also have revised rails to decrease the track attack angle. Extra rail braces will also be installed for durability. Additionally, the Sno Pro will run 9-tooth drivers. Both changes were made for improved handling on the racetrack.
 
A new 1.5-inch lug track has been designed for the Sno Pro. The lugs have been re-engineered for improved side slippage in the corners and enhanced acceleration once the corner has passed. There will be a 1.65-inch lug track option available as well.

The CrossLink rear suspension returns in its third generation. A larger, two-inch shock body will be standard on the rear arm. Last year the shock measured 1-5/8". Also, there will be no adjuster canister on the shocks this season.
 
There are a number of changes to the Sno Pro under the hood besides the engine work. The brake returns to the traditional chaincase location. However, it will have its own fresh air ducting from the hood to keep it cool. Cat removed the choke lever and cable on the console and put a small choke lever right on the carbs. This was done as a weight-saving step. The electronics cluster had been relocated onto the airbox in the nose of the sled for easier servicing access.
 
Cat has added a standard snow screen on the vents at the nose of the sled. Also, the intake screen material has been improved to reduce moisture being introduced to the engine. All bellypan and side panel pieces will be made of a stronger material to be more flexible and less breakable.
 
"The Sno Pro looks similar to last year's sled," commented Veteran Kirk Hibbert. "But I think it will prove to be quite a sleeper. It's a whole different animal."

The Cat engineering team had three main goals for the 2003 race sled. First, they wanted to improve the sled's durability. Second, they wanted better cornering and handling. Last, they hoped to improve the engine performance. It seems they have addressed all three goals, and still managed to bring the sled in at 438.5 factory pounds.