Exciting news from Arctic Cat with the early release 2018 ZR 8000 and M 8000. Specifically the 2018 ZR 8000 Sno Pro ES with 129 or 137 inch Ripsaw track and the 2018 M 8000 Sno Pro available in 153 or 162 Power Claw track.
These two new snowmobiles from Arctic Cat hint at what snowmobilers can expect from Team Green in the coming years.
The all new Arctic Cat C-TEC2 800 is the laydown style 2-stroke that Cat fans have been waiting for since Cat intro’d the C-TEC 600 in 2014.
Manufactured by Arctic Cat at the St. Cloud, Minnesota plant, the 2-stroke Dual-Stage Injection twin cylinder engine injects fuel into the combustion chamber at low RPM and then through a slot in the side of the piston as RPM and load increase.
The improved 800 DSI engine features faster throttle response and acceleration compared with the previous Suzuki 800, plus up to 30% reduction in oil consumption below 7000 rpm, 36% increase in low-end torque and 18% increase in midrange torque.
The new 8000-series Arctic Cat C-TEC2 engine is more powerful than its predecessor and with a stronger low and mid-range hit thanks to its new APV exhaust valve featuring 3-stage control of all exhaust ports, feeding into a new stainless steel Y-pipe. An electronic oil pump means drastically reduced oil consumption, complementing the cleaner emissions from the Dual-Stage Induction.
Arctic Cat claims “the overall crispness sets new standards for performance and rideability in the 160-hp class.” All that power is fed through the auto-adjusting TEAM Rapid Response II drive clutch.
Arctic Cat introduces their new Next-Gen body panels that deliver increased airflow to the engine and clutches while retaining the distinctive Arctic Cat style. Equally important, they feature easy on/off body panels that make routine service a snap. LED headlights are standard
The ZR 8000 Sno Pro ES(129/137) Arctic Race Suspension front suspension offering 10 inches of travel that’s dampened by FOX 1.5 ZERO RC shocks, as well as the coupled Slide-Action rear suspension with 13.5 inches of travel.
The New for 2018 Arctic Cat Ascender platform with Next-Gen Mountain bodywork offers 10 percent narrower profile, that’s three inches, for improved sidehill performance, improved fit and finish and easy on/off body panels. The Ascender platform also includes improvements that originally debuted on the 2017 Mountain Cat.
The driveshaft has been positioned 1” lower and 3⁄4” rearward for increased clearance of the 3-in. lug track while enabling the use of 8-tooth drive sprockets (vs. 7-tooth) compared to the previous design, resulting in a flatter track-to-snow approach angle for improved floatation, quicker climbing on top of the snow while accelerating as well as improved overall handling.
Revised running boards are 1.0 in. narrower than previous designs for improved side-hill performance and ease of laying the sled over in deep snow.
Revised bellypan shape allows the rider’s feet to move 2 in. further forward for even greater ergonomic options for riding.
The 2018 M 8000 uses thinner gauge aluminum on the rear tunnel section, plus strategic cut-outs on the front tunnel section, reduces weight by more than 2 lbs.
FOX FLOAT 3 rear track shock has been lengthened one inch, allowing increased air volume that translates into a better ride quality in its initial compression.
FOX FLOAT 3 ski shocks are improved with a new end cap and shorter negative spring, resulting in increased air volume that translates into suppler ride quality in its initial compression.
2018 marks the third consecutive year of significant weight reduction with 13-pounds shaved off the 8000 series models:
The 2018 ZR 8000 Sno Pro ES and the 2018 M 8000 Sno Pro will be available in limited quantities at Arctic Cat dealerships after February 1, 2017.
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