The all-new 2012 Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000i H.O. With V-twin power and industry-leading suspension travel, a variable assist electronic power steering (EPS) and a look that can definitely attract attention, Arctic Cat’s Baja 1000 inspired machine will surely find many takers, even if it is an entirely new platform for the Thief River Falls, Minnesota based company.
Team Cat had certainly picked everyone’s curiosity when revealing a pre-production unit of this obviously wild, Cat; at their snowmobile dealer show early this summer. Only yesterday, Arctic Cat made the official announcement to the media in a press release, clearly stating that the Wildcat was now a full-production new Arctic Cat model for 2012.
By the looks of it, no detail was left to chance, in order to truly compete in this new class of race-inspired off-road vehicles, which might very well have the potential to revive the industry as a whole. Jumping to our attention, on this lone image included in our e-mail, the presence of tube-frame doors with integrated nets that pivot from the rear and latch at the front with a simple one-latch mechanism.
These doors are said to open quickly and easily, swinging out of the way for hassle-free entry/departure.
Less visible, for now anyway, (of course we already asked for more detail revealing pictures and should get some real soon) an industry-first 5-point multi-link trailing arm rear suspension concept. The Ultimate Long Travel suspension system, as Arctic Cat put it. A whopping 18 inches of travel is offered at the rear, by a unique 5-point multi-link which minimizes camber and axle plunge to soak up anything in your path, without compromising handling and steering. Also optimized for stability and control; the double-wishbone front suspension boasts a best-in-class 17 inches of travel.
The 1000 H.O engine that powers the new Wildcat is the largest displacement engine in the Pure Sport category and we can’t wait to get a taste of it! The 951cc V-Twin, SOHC 4-stroke with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) is basically the same used in the Prowler XTZ but has been tuned to deliver even stronger acceleration. Extra torque and horsepower is provided by larger 50mm throttle bodies, a new 2-into-1 ceramic-coated exhaust and an all-new air intake system.
Convenience was also a covered topic during the design process of this really cool sport Side x Side. It includes a practical locking glove box, can carry a 300 lb. payload in its rear cargo bed and Arctic Cat will offer more than 50 Wildcat-specific products for customization purposes.
The all-new 2012 Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000i H.O will be available at Arctic Cat dealers this autumn and will come in two automotive-style painted color choices: Black Metallic or Arctic Green Metallic. This dream ride with full-perimeter exoskeleton design, a first in the ROV class, will surely be coveted by many, to burn up the dunes in summer or punch through deep snow in the winter. Stay tuned; we will have a lot more to talk about soon on this hot new Pure-Sport ROV.
For more information on the above mentioned models, please visit the Arctic Cat Website
More from Arctic Cat on ATV Trail Rider :
Arctic Cat ATV Models – Arctic Cat UTV Models – Arctic Cat ATV Reviews – Arctic Cat UTV Reviews
