Albeit a sales success, Arctic Cat currently only produces one 4-stroke sled (with variants). For the company to deliver a credible 4-stroke based product line, weight technology will have to be advanced significantly.
Arctic Cat’s hallmark has been lightweight performance in every segment. On the other side of the coin, Cat’s now legendary 600 and 700 2-stroke twins produce unequaled performance in their classes, though these engines appear vulnerable to EPA compliance issues in the short term.
No SDI, DI or groundbreaking clean-air 2-stroke technology has been unveiled by the TRF crew. With Firecat tooling due for an update, and 4-stroke power being openly crowed, we suspect AC may soon make a diametric shift toward 4-stroke power, exploding conventional wisdom along the way.
Known for delivering amazing handling and ride, Cat is faced with a formidable challenge entering the clean air age. In the short term its still 2-stroke at the green camp but indicators run hot for a 4-stroke future.
