ArcticInsider

INSIDE: THE 2023 ARCTIC CAT M8000 HARDCORE AND MOUNTAIN CAT

The 2023 M 8000 snowmobiles are the lightest and most capable mountain snowmobiles Arctic Cat makes. The playful nature of the ALPHA-ONE single beam rear suspension is their signature cornerstone backed by a powerful C-TEC2 engine and a variety of track  lengths and lug height options. 

Why To Buy

Because you’re a rider of competitive nature looking to best everyone in the backcountry with the ultimate in maneuverability – Buying an M 8000 means not having to make a single compromise.

1. ALPHA ONE – this single beam rear suspension single-handedly heightens your ability to ride in deep powder. Maneuverability based on rider input is second to none.

2. Color Ways – there’s no gray in these graphics! Bright and Bold is the way for 2023.

3. ATAC – Adjust-on-the-fly suspension setting at your handlebar mounted fingertip. Adjust for the conditions doesn’t get easier.

4. Ascender – this mountain chassis is light, forgiving, responds to rider input, and most importantly, has the industry’s best durability. 

Tech Talk 

All M 8000s are centered around the revolutionary ALPHA- ONE single-beam rear suspension system with choices of a 2.6- or 3-in. lug Powerclaw track. Opt for one of three skidframe lengths – 146- or 154- and 165-in. With maximum track side flex, riders can maneuver the Alpha One to a degree not possible with conventional snowmobiles. 

The Ascender platform starts with the lightweight Arctic Mountain Suspension (AMS) with mountain-specific spindles, geometry, G2 ProClimb-7 ski and a 35.5-in. to 37.5-in. stance for better side hilling, reduced drag in the snow and optimal handling. 

The C-TEC2 794cc twin-cylinder engine, delivers clean responsive performance with leading fuel economy, 165-class horsepower, push-button engine reverse and choice of manual, or electric starting. Smile-Inducing power, smoothness and reliability is backed by Arctic Cat’s ADAPT CVT System. Drive and Driven clutches are light-weight and employ a compact design with advanced idler system. ADAPT maintains constant belt tension throughout the RPM range resulting in minimized wear and maximum throttle response.

For 2023, there are two M 8000 model choices; HARDCORE or MOUNTAIN CAT. Each has components to satisfy all your deep powder needs and are available in two very vibrant color options: Medium Green with Spark Orange or Skye Blue with Spark Orange.

M 8000 HARDCORE – Has a moderately aggressive ALPHA-ONE rear suspension calibration with manually activated FOX 1.5 ZERO QS3 COIL-OVER ski shocks and equally calibrated FOX 1.5 ZERO QS3 COIL-OVER front- and FOX 1.5 ZERO QSL COIL-OVER rear-track shocks. The L stands for Lock – A manually switchable setting, locking your rear shock for optimum deep snow flotation.

HARDCORE also features reinforced running boards, a vertical steering post, 1-in. mountain-height windshield, LED headlight with accent, deluxe digital gauge, front sport bumper, goggle holder, mountain storage bag, 11.7-gal. fuel tank and a front-mounted heat exchanger and skid frame-mounted ice scratchers. 

M 8000 MOUNTAIN CAT – Has choice of two different ALPHA-ONE suspension packages – the first is a moderately aggressive suspension calibration with manually activated FOX FLOAT 3 QS3 ski shocks and equally calibrated FOX FLOAT 3 QS3 front- and FOX FLOAT 3 QSL rear-track shocks.

And those looking for the ultimate level of premium rider performance can opt for the ATAC adjust on-the-fly suspension system. The innovative ATAC utilizes a thumb-operated button on the left handlebar controls to operate the FOX FLOAT 3 iQS3 ski and FOX FLOAT 3 iQSL rear track shock. ATAC provides a huge rider advantage by allowing them to instantly switch between three factory compression settings (Soft, Medium and Firm), with two additional customizable calibration settings (Driver 1 and Driver 2). 

ATAC’s LOCK feature allows you to quickly adjust your FOX FLOAT 3 iQSL rear track shock to Lock on-the-fly. Locking the rear shock helps stiffen the suspension to reduce trenching, and aid in easy flotation.    

MOUNTAIN CAT also features a vertical steering post, 1-in. mountain-height windshield, LED headlight with accent, deluxe digital gauge, front sport bumper, goggle holder, mountain storage bag, 10.4-gal. fuel tank and a front-mounted heat exchanger and skid frame-mounted ice scratchers.

The Snowmobile at a Glance

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