2012 Arctic Cat Wild Cat 1000i HO – Redefining Possibility
A Domestic Cat That Defines Wild Performance
by Jason Giacchino
It seems like everywhere you turn these days there’s talk of downsizing, downgrading, trimming and conserving. Economists and talking heads keep trying to convince us all that things are getting better, and yet there is proof of the opposite nearly everywhere. We say “nearly” everywhere because the ATV industry is one of few where the needs of the consumer come before economic trends. Case in point: The 2012 Artic Cat Wild Cat 1000i HO. Ain’t no downsizing going on here!
The Wild Cat is a race-worthy, pure-sport ROV that’s Made in America, inspired by the unforgiving terrain of the Baja 1000 and engineered to attack the gnarliest obstacles with precision and control. The all-new Arctic Cat Wildcat V-Twin 1000i H.O. debuts as the most potent pure-sport recreational off-road vehicle (ROV) to date.
With industry-leading suspension travel, 13 inches of ground clearance, a full-perimeter frame and the largest displacement engine in its class, the Wildcat is a full-production version of what was previously reserved for off-road race vehicles. “The Wildcat has no equal. Period,” said Claude Jordan, Arctic Cat President and CEO. “Our customers asked for a high-performance side-by-side, and we happily responded with a no-compromise, pure-sport hot rod that redefines what’s possible with a production off-road vehicle.”
The UTV market is ever expanding, and there are few, if any, models quite as undiluted as the Wild Cat 1000i in terms of pure performance. In an industry where most manufacturers design OEM vehicles to appeal to the middle of the buyer curve, we can’t help but admire Arctic Cat’s no-nonsense approach in creating a model that is the best at what it does. And they make no apologies for being so focused.
The suspension package rivals those used on off-road race buggies. At the rear is an industry-first five-point, multi-link trailing arm suspension that is designed to keep the tires’ contact patches flat while the suspension moves through its 18 inches of travel. Up front, double-wishbone suspension boasts a best in class 17-inches of travel, with geometry that’s optimized for stability and control. Both the front and rear are damped by Walker Evans Racing shocks.
A full-perimeter frame that Arctic Cat says sets a new standard in strength, rigidity and durability. Usually found only in off-road race trucks, the chassis is constructed from High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) steel with a full-perimeter exoskeleton design that’s a first in the UTV class. With a 40/60-front/rear weight distribution, handling is the name of the game.
Built in St. Cloud, Minn., the 1000i H.O engine that powers the new Wildcat is the largest displacement engine in the Pure Sport UTV category. The 951cc V-Twin, SOHC 4-stroke with Electronic Fuel Injection has proven itself on the Prowler XTZ. On the Wildcat, the 1000i H.O. has been tuned to deliver even stronger acceleration thanks to the extra torque and horsepower provided by heavy breathing 50mm throttle bodies, a new 2-into-1 ceramic-coated exhaust and an all-new air intake system. The close-coupled, mid-chassis engine location is designed to neutralize the Wildcat’s handling, maximize the rider/passenger volume and reduce cockpit noise.
The engine transfers power to the drive shaft via the Duramatic automatic CVT transmission. The addition of the Spike Load Dampener allows the driveline to slip for a millisecond under harsh spike loads, reducing the torque load to the system for optimal durability.
ENGINE
Displacement (cc): 951
Engine Type: V-Twin, SOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valve w/EFI HO
Bore & Stroke (mm): 92×71.6
Cooling System: Liquid with twin fan
Fuel Capacity (gal./liters): 9/34
Alternator Capacity (amps): 36
Speedometer: Analog
Odometer: Digital
POWERTRAIN
Transmission: Automatic CVT with EBS, Hi/Lo Range & Reverse
Drive System: 2/4 WD + Electric Diff Lock
Front Brakes: Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brake: Hydraulic Disc
SUSPENSION
Front Suspension: Double A-Arm
Front Travel (in./cm): 17/43.2
Rear Suspension: 5-Link Trailing Arm
Rear Travel (in./cm): 18/45.7
Front Tires: 26x9R14
Rear Tires: 26x11R14
COLOR
Black Metallic Paint, Arctic Green Metallic Paint
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length (in./cm): 120/304.8
Overall Width (in./cm): 64/162.6
Overall Height (in./cm): 65.8/167
Wheelbase (in./cm): 90/228.6
Ground Clearance (in./cm): 13/33
Dry Weight (lbs./kg): 1305/592
SPECIAL FEATURES
Electronic Power Steering, Aluminum Rims, Paint, Tilt Steering, Compression Valve Adjustable Shocks, LED Headlights and Taillights
More information can be found at the following URL: http://www.arctic-cat.com/sidexside/model/view/WILDCAT