arctic cat to build specialty sno pros
Amsnow
Hot off the line, Arctic Cat has announced that is producing a limited build of Z 120 Sno Pro sleds for the little racer in the family. In addition to a revised graphics package, which includes a white number place, the Z 120 Sno Pro sports a low race windshield, green rails, skis and handlebars.
Under the hood, the junior Sno Pro mill is said to deliver quicker throttle response and boosted low end grunt , thanks to a high output cam shaft and stiffer intake and exhaust springs. A longer race-style brake lever gives additional leverage on the mechanical binders.
The Z 120 Sno Pro is priced to win at $1,999. The standard Z 120 carries a sticker price of $1,899.
In other news, Team Arctic race manager Brian Sturgeon announced last weekend that Arctic Cat has plans to build two different versions of the liquid-cooled ZR 440 Sno Pro. "We will have a machine built specifically for the tough demands of the snocross track and one built for ice and cross country racing." Full official information will be kept hush hush until Cat's race school on November 13.
Our speculation would be that the snocrosser will be even more radical than last year's Sno Pro. We'd expect to see taller suspensions, taller seat and taller handlebars to keep riders comfortable. On a limb, could we see pegs replace a full running board? Who knows?
More high tech wizardry will likely show up to enhance the sled's already-solid low end and midrange grunt. We anticipate Cat will spend more time working on clutching efficiencies, possibly looking to new technology for an edge. We probably won't see much in the way of weight reducing alterations, as the ZR Sno Pro from last year was already pushing the edge of legality.
We would surmise that the ice and cross country version of the Sno Pro will revert back to the lower seat and handlebar configuration. We'll likely see the return of the externally adjustable front arm shock and generally lower suspension travel, all with the same powerplant gadgetry.
As more news trickles out of Thief River Falls, we'll keep you posted.