In the wake of a recent new model introduction that delivered few doubles and a triple (sorry about the baseball analogy, it’s all I could think of this morning), but not the outta-the-park homerun that many riders were looking for, the company whose machines we love and ride announced a limited production model for 2017 that is sure to peg the happy meter for those who wanted something a little more.
It’s called the NxTLvL 860 and it’s brimming with some truly interesting technology (much of it recently patented in the U.S.).
For starters, and as the name implies, it’s powered by an 860cc 2-stroke engine that features fully stratified induction; a featherweight crank; an ultra-light stator surrounded by rare-earth magnets; and a bottom end rebuild schedule of every 3000 miles. Horsepower is said to be 168, or less if you fail to respect the 3k-bottom-end-rebuild requirement.
Putting that power to the snow is an all-new drive and driven clutch combo dubbed the Paradigm Shift that’s said to deliver 110% of engine horsepower to the track.
The 139-in. track with 1.9-in. lugs bridges the gap between current crossover options while all but ensuring that every last horse hits the snow.
More interesting than the track, however, is a new front and rear suspension system that works together, rather than as separate systems like all previous snowmobiles. Unfortunately there were precious few details of the new suspensions, other than its claimed that the performance will make riders feel happier and more content on and off the snowmobile. Due to the emotive, almost sensual nature of these claims, the suspension system is called EMotionaLink.
Tying these new components and technologies together is an all-new GameChanger 2.0 chassis design that moves the rider forward and higher, placing him/her in an almost standing position above the skis.
The shape of the GameChanger 2.0 harkens back to Egyptian structures.
The NxTLvL 860 will dominate the terrain in a way that no previous snowmobile is capable of. While MSRP pricing hasn’t yet been announced, it’s likely that it will cost more than snowmobiles built in 1998.
I hope to ride the paradigm-shifting, game-changing NxTLvL 860 soon. Look for a full ride report as soon as possible.
Thanks for reading.
Bad news again..!!?? No fluxkondensor or reversible skis or auto adjusteble track lug height.
The competition are talking about nuklear power induktion now….
Cat have to shape up….
Thanks for letting the cat out of the bag about this revolutionary new model, it’s great to see the new management team at Arctic Cat hasn’t wasted any time in setting the competition back on their heels!!!!
It would be awesome if there was going to be a John Sandberg commemorative model, the JSNxTLvL 860, with typewriter graphics flowing down the sides.
SWeeeeeeeeeeeT. AC finally comes out with the long awaited 860. The 3,000 miles lower end rebuild schedule should put it on par with an ETEC. What about the shared Yamaha tech? Ignition from a 73 GP433. Newly found pallets of trick cylinders from the 82 SRX. Gotta get me one.
I’m a sucker for this every year. Every year.
No mention of cost. I’m thinking all this new technology comes with a price. I’m also hearing that there would be huge rebates to anyone that was even remotely thinking of jumping ship.
LOL, EMotionaLink suspesion… Wonder how many more MPH that Arctic Shell will help produdce. Cat’s are totally not aerodynamic enough and I would think that would correct the problem.
You had me until I read about the 3000 mile bottom end service interval. There can’t possibly be a snowmobile out there with such a ridiculous schedule…… or is there? ( I S O F L E X ! )
Sheesh I’d like the 1998 Jag 440, minus the shell of course.
Would you guys just look at the publish date! it’s April 1st