In my opinion, Arctic Cat® announced today one of their most exciting model year lineups to date. I’ll let you absorb the highlight information and photos of this second wave of 2021 models, but will be revisiting with more in-depth info and thoughts this week. (Click on the highlighted models to take you to Arctic Cat’s website)
I’m truly happy to see Arctic Cat innovating! It proves to me (and hopefully to you) engineering is hard at work, and the company is lazer-focused keeping their foot on the gas!
NEW 2021 MODELS
To fill a gap in the snowmobile industry, Arctic Cat is offering a 2021 lineup headlined by the true mid-size BLAST models, designed for both performance and value. The additional 2021 offerings have several new models and technology enhancements to existing vehicles. See the first wave of introductions HERE.
MID-SIZED BLAST MODELS
Starting with the BLAST lineup, this 4000-series snowmobile is designed and manufactured in Thief River Falls, Minn., and the engine is built in St. Cloud, Minn. The BLAST line includes the backcountry-focused BLAST M with ALPHA ONE Single-Beam Rear Suspension, trail BLAST ZR®, and sport-utility BLAST LT mid-size.
At the heart of the BLAST models is the industry’s first electronic fuel-injected, single-cylinder, 2-stroke engine. The 65+ horsepower-class C-TEC2™ 4000, 397cc engine has plenty of power for the experienced rider and smooth power delivery for a new rider. The models feature the proven Arctic Drive System with a CVTech Trailbloc drive clutch and CVTech Invance driven clutch to deliver power to the snow.
To complement the engine, the all-new, mid-size chassis is extremely lightweight, delivering effortless maneuverability at any skill level. The new, mid-size seat makes it simple for the rider to transfer weight when cornering. To keep the sleds lightweight, Arctic Cat equipped them with the same Arctic Mountain Suspension™ (AMS) found on full-size mountain sleds, and hydraulic twin tube shocks — front and back — to provide ample absorption.
The BLAST models feature a key start so the rider can just turn the key and go. The vehicles’ digital instrumentation provides standard data, while hand and thumb warmers ensure an enjoyable experience even in the coldest temperatures. To work or play all day, the sleds have an 11.7-gal. fuel tank. The new, sleek bodywork is all Arctic Cat and provides the perfect finishing touch to the mid-size package.
Built for the new- to experienced-backcountry rider, the new BLAST M 4000 combines the DNA of the full-size M 8000 models with a smaller stature and mill, offering a fun, lightweight, deep-snow experience.
Similar to its full-sized counterparts, the BLAST M 4000 features the Arctic Mountain Suspension™ (AMS) with lightweight spindles and mountain-specific suspension geometry with 7.2 inches of travel, an adjustable 37-39-inch ski stance and is equipped with 7-inch G2 ProClimb skis. In back, the proven ALPHA Single-Beam Rear Suspension (146) provides 12 inches of travel and provides the utmost in manuevering agility. The 146-inch Challenger track with 2-inch lug and 15-inch width provides all-around performance and great traction. The model also features a 4-inch low-height windshield.
Available in Dynamic Charcoal/Orange, and Limited edition Camo/White/Fire Red with choice of American or Canadian Flags or Camo/White/Fire Red without flags.
The perfect mid-size trail sled for the whole family. The AMS front suspension offers 7.2 inches of front travel, an adjustable 37.5-38.5-inch ski stance and is equipped with 6-inch trail skis. In back, the slide-rail suspension with dual shock and adjustable torsion springs provides 10.7 inches of rear travel and plenty of agility to conquer every twist and turn on the trail. A 121-inch standard track with 1-inch lug and 14-inch width provides all the traction needed for various conditions. The model also features a 4-inch, low-height windshield.
Available in Blue/White and Dynamic Charcoal/Medium Green.
Cabin or small business owners and any outdoorsman who have contemplated buying a utility snowmobile but were hesitant of the full-size price tag, can find happiness owning the Blast LT. The mid-size lightweight chassis makes it easier to maneuver around your property and in the woods when hauling, towing or exploring.
The AMS front suspension has 7.2 inches of travel, an adjustable 37.5-38.5-inch ski stance and is equipped with 6-inch trail skis. The utilitarian XTRA-ACTION Rear Suspension provides 12.5 inches of travel, and features dual shocks and adjustable torsion springs to help when carrying loads. A 146-inch Cobra track with 1.6-inch lug and 15-inch width provides the perfect grip for a wide variety of tasks. The model also features a 15.5-inch tall windshield.
Available in Red/Dynamic Charcoal.
M 8000 MOUNTAIN CAT 165 WITH ATAC
For 2021, Arctic Cat has added a M 8000 Mountain Cat 165 with the revolutionary, adjust-on-the-fly ATAC™ (previously called iACT) system for the ultimate backcountry experience.
The addition of ATAC technology on the Mountain Cat ALPHA ONE gives electronic finger-tip control to the QSL lockout shock keeping the rear suspension locked when desired to ease flotation in deep snow conditions. ATAC combines a thumb-operated button on the left handlebar that controls the FOX FLOAT® 3 QSL rear-track shock and the ski shocks. With a push of a button, the rider can instantly switch between three factory compression settings — soft, medium and firm — in under 0.5 seconds. The system also allows for two distinct settings — Driver 1 and Driver 2 — to customize two riders’ calibrations between front and rear shocks. The result is optimized suspension performance for varying conditions and riding styles. It automatically optimizes shock calibration when the machine is set to reverse to improve handling while backing up.
RIOT X 8000 146 WITH ALPHA ONE
The RIOT X, now with ALPHA ONE single-beam rear suspension is completely revamped for 2021 and gives backcountry enthusiasts a crossover ride experience like no other. It is now built on the Ascender mountain platform with an improved approach angle and narrow bodywork. It uses the lightweight Arctic Mountain Suspension™ (AMS) out front featuring mountain spindles and geometry for easy carving in snow and on hardpack. Its adjustable 39.5-inch to 41.5-inch ski stance and vertical steering post deliver excellent side hilling capability and con?dent handling in a wide range of crossover conditions.
In the back, the 146-inch ALPHA ONE single-beam rear suspension is constructed from extruded aluminum and lightweight magnesium. It runs in the middle of an all-new Power Claw™ 2.6-inch ALPHA paddle track featuring an aggressive off-trail, all-snow condition design with a 2.86-inch pitch and unique internal-track construction. The result is the perfect combination of a light and stiff suspension that sheds snow, coupled with a new purpose-built 146-inch track that bends and conforms to the terrain. The RIOT X excels at carving powder turns, hooking up in any snow condition and climbing to the top.
