Unlike its method of unveiling snowmobiles (when they show ALL of the next year’s models, Arctic Cat shows upcoming ATV and Prowler models in small batches and at staggered times during the year.
They recently announced the first batch of 2012 wheelers, with the big changes being the addition of Electronic Power Steering (EPS) on the MudPro 700i (above), a move to the more stylish round-tube frame for the Prowler HDX models, and of course bold new graphics.
Speaking of which, the upgraded GT and LTD packages come with painted bodywork (plus aluminum wheels and EPS), which as usual looks dang sweet. For 2012 there are green or orange metallic, dark green and tungsten metallic options depending on the model. And camo, of course.
While Arctic Cat hasn’t officially announced it, the wicked-looking Wildcat ROV (side-by-side) appears to be the big news for 2012. This photo appeared in the Minneapolis StarTribune, accompanying THIS WEIRD STORY.
Not sure what the intent of that story was, as the writer tried to mix together about 12 different messages, which pretty much confuse and mislead the reader. But I’m glad they were given an image of the Wildcat.
I can’t wait to rip down a whoop section on this baby! I’m sure we’ll be hearing more about this machine in the coming weeks.
That Wildcat looks mean and nasty! I cant wait til it comes out!
The side by sides have wiped out the ATV’s here in the U.P. With the fall of the Yamaha Rhino, most here seem to be going with the faster Polaris RZR. “I hope the Wildcat is Arctic’s answer to the RZR!”
As far as that Tribune bit about cat losing sales, maybe the economy had something to do about that. They still are growing market share in the ATV and SXS business.
I thought it was good business piece John, some good insight on Arctic and Polaris, and what the toys like the RZR and now the Wildcat can mean to the companies balance sheet.
Can’t wait to drive a Wildcat!
The polaris side by sides have the market and that wildcat won’t change that sorry to disappoint you.
The author of the trib article was pathetic. I can’t believe they could right it with their head so far up Polaris ass.
Well Matt, that was probably the attitude Polaris took when their sleds were no# 1 in market share back in ’03-’04- then BRP came out with the Rev and CAT came out with the M-series. It will make dent in other’s sales, and throw in the fact that you sell out your domestic workforce and quality for some bottom line profit, just watch what happens. I will gladly pay a bit more for USA built. JMO. snap
snappydave, you mention selling out to a cheaper workforce? i was all excited when they (CAT) released the 450i sport 4×4 later to find out it was a Kymco and with further research looks like a good portion of the cat atv line up is built by kymco… which from what i understand LACKS in quality? i hope your right and it is USA built have a new procross on order love the good old USA hate it when companies sell out to cheaper overseas markets…
Chris:
Cats only models made by Kymco are the 325, 350, 425 and below and the motor to the 450. NJot many machines are sold below the 450 and there quality is not lacking one bit, made to Cats specs. This is what happens when the economy goes in the tanks. For Polaris, they have pissed off lots of Red Blooded American workers by there new Mexican connection.
I’m a Arctic Cat die hard but I pick up a Polaris 90 ATV for my son on a good deal to find out I was made in Tiawan by another company, very disapointed
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