AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
On the new sled the three-into-one manifold still points rearward, and is exposed to snow cooling before it makes a U-turn and exits into the muffler on the right side, and out the bottom of the sled. This forward mounting of the exhaust may signal a new direction in Nytro engine design. Yamaha is in the process of transferring the Nytro’s engine design into a motorcycle, and in the bike the exhaust will be pointing forward. This means a change in head-design, but would make it much easier to install a turbo in the upfront location presently used in Cat’s model with the 1100 Suzuki 4-stroke.
Suzuki is slowly backing away as an engine supplier to Cat, and it seems Yamaha can fill that position. This makes sense, Yamaha has a long history as an engine manufacturer, and has supplied engines to Ford and Toyota over the years, and was, for a while, even an engine supplier for Formula 1 racers!
Now Cat has a very potent naturally aspirated engine model and could likely add a top of the line turbocharged model to replace its Suzuki motor.
When talking to engineers and marketing personnel at both companies they eagerly state that this is just the beginning of some very exciting plans for the future of both companies.
For now, both will carry on with present model lines. Yamaha will keep the Nytro in its lineup with further refinements to skis and suspensions. Expect to see further crossbreeding of technology that will result in even more exciting models down the, line.
This new Yama-Cat (and we know both firms hate it to be called that) has many of us excited. Not only does the styling look good, the promise of Yamaha power combined with Arctic handling has our imaginations working overtime.
No question, this brings excitement back to the snowmobile business, and the demand for this new sled should be brisk for both brands.