Last year Arctic Cat went all out and introduced two brand-new platforms; the ProCross and ProClimb chassis. This year Arctic Cat continues to build on those chassis by adding a couple new models and refining their lineup.
Technology Recap
The new chassis are derived from a pyramidal design, and while there is an argument about the concept, the Arctic Cat Sno Pro race sled has been using it for quite some time. The Twin Spar chassis could also be argued to have utilized somewhat of a pyramidal design, but not to the extent the new ProCross and ProClimb chassis do.
Arctic Cat ProCross Chassis
Arctic Cat ProClimb Chassis
What this new design offers is more rigidity with less weight. The ProCross chassis features a tapered tunnel design that fits more with the angle of the rider’s legs when looking at it from the end. The ProClimb chassis is designed for deep powder riders with a more forward and upright riding position. Both feature Arctic Cat’s new Drive System that incorporates a Torque Control Link plate that ties the drive and driven clutches together.
Up front Arctic Cat developed their latest generation front suspension derived from the race chassis with taller spindles and longer A-arms. The brake disc is mounted to the drive shaft opposite the new magnesium drive case. The oil tank is integrated into the drive case for both the 2 and 4-stroke engines.
Rear suspensions were also updated to match the new chassis performance. We loved how the Twin Spar chassis rode, and the new Pro chassis ride equally as well. ProCross and ProClimb suspensions were purpose-built for their intended uses.
New for 2013 in the Flats
First off, there is no new engine. We waited for a 600 2-stroke twin, but we will have to wait a little longer. That being said, there are some new things to look forward to next season.
Building on the yearly success of Arctic’s Race Team, the new Race-Replica (RR) in the ProCross chassis gives the consumer a real race sled. This model is available with the 1100 Turbo or 800 Twin, and features Fox Float EVOL X ski shocks, the RMC race brake system, reinforced running boards, and the race version of the Slide-Action rear suspension complete with Fox Zero X shocks. This sled is calibrated with the same specs as the cross-country Sno Pro sled. It comes in the same “Two-Face” paint as the race model introduced last fall at Hay Days (video). Of course you can get the all green or all white if you want to be boring.
The F800 is available in the LXR, Sno Pro, and Sno Pro LTD packages with the same features as last year, with the exception of updated tracks; a Ripsaw with 2.86 pitch on the Sno Pro, and the Ripsaw II 1-inch lug on the LXR. Oh, and as much as I liked the Pearl and Orange on the LTD last season, I really like the white and black this season. Other standard colors are Cat Green and Black.
F1100 and F1100 Turbo are similar with LXR, Sno Pro and Sno Pro LTD models. They also get the track update to the Ripsaw II track with 2.86-inch pitch. Colors are Black, Green, Orange or White (LTD). The 1100 Turbo Sno Pro also gets a 5.5-inch handlebar riser.
| Package | Engine Choice | Colors | Key Features |
| RR | 800 Twin 1100 Turbo |
White/Green All Green All White |
Fox Float EVOL X front shocks, Fox Zero X rear shocks, 15x128x1.25 Ripsaw, race running boards, race reinforced suspension, racing brake system |
| LXR | 800 Twin 1100 1100 Turbo |
Black Green |
Mid-height windshield, front sport bumper, heated seat on 1100/Turbo, rear storage bag, Fox Zero Pro front shocks, Fox IFP rear shocks, Ripsaw track |
| Sno Pro | 800 Twin 1100 1100 Turbo |
Green Orange |
Low windshield, front bumper, Fox Float 2 front shocks, Fox IFP rear shocks, Ripsaw track |
| SP LTD | 800 Twin 1100 1100 Turbo |
Black White |
Low windshield, front bumper, Fox Float 2 front shocks, Fox IFP rear shocks, Ripsaw track, rear storage bag, heated seat on 1100/Turbo |
In the Crossover segment, the XF 800, 1100, and 1100 Turbo remain the same as last season, built on the new ProCross chassis and ergos. They are available in LXR, Sno Pro, and Sno Pro LTD as well, with some color and graphics changes.
The XF800 and 1100 Turbo High Country are based on the XF model with changes for the back country boon-docker. This includes a PowerClaw track, more vertical steering post, taller mountain seat, wider skis, and telescoping handlebar riser. Ski stance is also adjustable for width.
New for 2013 is Arctic Cat’s XF Cross Tour. This model is available with an 800 2-stroke, 1100 Turbo, or 1100 (non-turbo) 4-stroke. Starting with the XF chassis, they’ve added the mountain ski and mountain handlebar, mid-height windshield, rear storage bag and rack, heavy-duty rear bumper, mirrors, and front sport bumper.
| Package | Engine Choice | Colors | Key Features |
| Cross Tour | 800 Twin 1100 1100 Turbo |
Orange Black |
Mid-height windshield, front sport bumper, rear storage bag and rack, mirrors, Fox Zero Pro front and rear shocks, Cobra track |
| LXR | 800 Twin 1100 1100 Turbo |
Black Green |
Mid-height windshield, front sport bumper, heated seat on 1100/Turbo, rear storage bag, Fox Zero Pro front and rear shocks, Cobra track |
| Sno Pro | 800 Twin 1100 1100 Turbo |
Green Orange |
Low windshield, front bumper, Fox Float 2 front shocks, Fox Zero Pro rear shocks, Cobra track |
| SP LTD | 800 Twin 1100 1100 Turbo |
Black White |
Low windshield, front bumper, Fox Float 2 front shocks, Fox Float 2 and Zero Pro rear shocks, Cobra track, rear storage bag |
New for 2013 in the Hills
Built on the new ProClimb chassis, the HCR (Hill Climb Racer) returns for 2013 with minor updates. A 15x153x2.6 85 durometer PowerClaw track with 3.0-inch pitch surrounds the suspension that now features green painted slide rails. The HCR comes with either the 800 Twin 2-stroke or 1100 Turbo 4-stroke and features all the racing goodness you expect from Arctic Cat. The 1100 Turbo also has a vertical steering post and narrower ski stance.
The M series returns with a narrow ski stance and does come in the standard 1100 non-turbo 4-stroke. This is Cat’s entry level mountain climber. Adding more power, the M800, M800 Sno Pro and Sno Pro LTD also get the narrower ski stance, plus different tacks depending on package level. Similarly, the 1100 Turbo, Sno Pro, and Sno Pro LTD, get the narrow ski stance, plus vertical steering post and a PowerClaw track (Sno Pro).
| Package | Engine Choice | Colors | Key Features |
| Base | 800 Twin 1100 1100 turbo |
Black | Mid-height windshield, front bumper, Fox Zero Pro front and rear shocks, 153-inch PowerClaw track |
| HCR | 800 Twin 1100 Turbo |
White | Low windshield, front sport bumper, RMC brake system, Fox Float EVOL front shocks, Fox Zero Pro and Float 2 rear shocks, PowerClaw track |
| Sno Pro | 800 Twin 1100 1100 Turbo |
Green Orange |
Low windshield, front bumper, Fox Float 2 front shocks, Fox Zero Pro and Float 2 rear shocks, PowerClaw track |
| SP LTD | 800 Twin 1100 1100 Turbo |
Black White |
Low windshield, front bumper, Fox Float 2 front shocks, Fox Float 2 and Zero Pro rear shocks, PowerClaw track, rear storage bag |
The Rest
The rest of Cat’s lineup remains unchanged with the kick-ass fun Sno Pro 500 returning. The F5 and F570 come in the Twin Spar chassis, as does the Bearcat and Touring lineup. The Bearcat is still one of the best utility sleds on the market with many, many accessories. And when it comes to touring comfort, it’s tough to beat Arctic Cat’s TZ1. Add Turbo and you’re all set.
| Package | Engine Choice | Colors | Key Features |
| F570 | 570 Fan | Green | Twin Spar chassis |
| F5 | 500 Twin | Green | Twin Spar chassis |
| Sno Pro 500 | 500 Twin | Green | Twin Spar chassis |
| T570 | 570 Fan | Black | Twin Spar chassis |
| TZ1 LXR | 1100 1100 Turbo |
Black | Twin Spar chassis |
| Bearcat/XT | 570 Fan | Blue | Twin Spar chassis |
| Bearcat GS | 1100 | Orange | Twin Spar chassis , Groomer Special package |
| Bearcat XT/LTD | 1100 | Blue (XT)Black (LTD) | Twin Spar chassis , Touring package |
| Sno Pro 120 | 120 (Yamaha) | Green | Youth model |
Wrap-up
Cat’s sales success last year spills over to this year. They’ve enhanced some models, introduced a couple, and yet kept things pretty much the same with some color changes. We’ve come to expect something new and revolutionary each year, but Arctic Cat did a lot of that last year. If you bought a Cat last year, you can be content to ride it another season. If you missed out because you couldn’t find one, here’s your chance to finally get one. The only disappointment is not having a 600 2-stroker, but we were told to have patience, and so we shall.
Go look at them at the Manufacturer’s Sneak Peek, at arcticcat.com or pick up a brochure at your Arctic Cat dealer.
