The Buzz – Happenings Around the Industry Week of July 29
by Jason Giacchino
Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000 Official 2012 Model
After much rumor, speculation and suspicion, it looks like Arctic Cat has made it official: The Wildcat 1000i H.O. will be hitting dealerships for 2012.
The all-new V-Twin 1000 H.O. debuts as the most potent pure-sport recreational off-road vehicle (ROV) ever built. 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.
At the rear is an industry-first 5-point multi-link trailing arm suspension that keeps the tires’ contact patches flat while the suspension moves through its industry-leading 18 inches of travel. The unique 5-point multi-link minimizes camber and axle plunge to soak up the harshest terrain without compromising handling and steering. The double-wishbone front suspension boasts a best in class 17-inches of travel, with geometry that’s optimized for stability and control.
Both the front and rear suspensions are dampened by Walker Evans Racing shocks. Designed from a lifetime of off-road competition and experience and also made in the USA, these remote reservoir shocks are machined from billet aluminum and feature 17-position compression dampening adjustability, dual-rate springs and preload adjustment. They’re calibrated with ample ride-in to keep the Wildcat’s tires on the ground, with consistent damping for hours of hard riding.
All-new Duro Kaden 14-in tires were developed specifically for the Wildcat, utilizing an elongated tread pattern designed to extend to the tires shoulder. They provide excellent cornering, traction, performance and durability in rough conditions. The foundation for the Wildcat’s suspension is a full-perimeter frame that 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 ROV class.
With a 40/60 front/rear weight distribution, the Wildcat’s front end remains light for optimal handling when tackling gnarly terrain. Occupants in the cockpit of the Wildcat are positioned close to the low center-of-gravity (CG), leaving them less affected by movements of the suspension and chassis and producing a more comfortable and confident ride.
Built in the USA by Arctic Cat, the 951cc V-Twin, SOHC 4-stroke with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) has proven itself on the Prowler XTZ. On the Wildcat, the 1000 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 engine transfers power to the driveshaft via the Duramatic automatic CVT transmission. The addition of the Spike Load Dampener (SLD) allows the driveline to slip for a millisecond under harsh spike-loads, reducing the torque load to the system for optimal durability.
A console-mounted shifter allows quicker gear selection between Reverse, Neutral, High and Low gears. Likewise, a dash-mounted switch activates 2- or 4-wheel drive with differential lock. Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes provide strong, enhanced braking.
Yet another first-in-class technology, the addition of Arctic Cat’s Variable Assist Electronic Power Steering (EPS) on the Wildcat delivers even greater steering control and ease. The EPS system is a managed electronic control unit (ECU) that measures steering input force, tire resistance and vehicle speed, and then provides the appropriate assist to the steering column through an electric motor.
The all-new Wildcat is rich with premium features starting with two automotive- style painted color choices: Black Metallic or Arctic Green Metallic. Class-leading LED headlights and taillights project a light that’s clearer than an HID,with two times brighter Lumens than a halogen system (while utilizing 50 percent less wattage). The Wildcat’s rear cargo bed has the largest capacity in its class with a 300 lb. payload to carry a cooler and additional fuel containers. A 12V accessory outlet is located in the center console for GPS or cell phone adapters. The alternator capacity has been increased for accessory lights, radios or winches. The underside of the Wildcat features full-protection HDPE skid plates.
WILDCAT 1000i H.O. SPECIFICATIONS:
ENGINE DISPLACEMENT (CC) 951
ENGINE TYPE V-Twin, SOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valve
FUEL SYSTEM Electronic Fuel Injection
COOLING SYSTEM Liquid
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE Duramatic CVT P/R/N/L/H; Shaft
DRIVE SYSTEM Electric 2/4 WD w/ 4WD Lock
SUSPENSION TRAVEL FRONT (IN./CM) 17/43.2
SUSPENSION TRAVEL REAR (IN./CM) 18/45.7
GROUND CLEARANCE (IN./CM) 13/33
SUSPENSION TYPE – FRONT Double A-Arm (compression adjustment & reservoir)
SUSPENSION TYPE – REAR 5-Link Trailing Arm, (compression adjustment & reservoir)
FRONT/REAR BRAKES 4 Wheel Hydraulic Disc
PARKING BRAKE Park in Transmission
TIRE FRONT 26x9R-14
TIRE REAR 26x11R-14
WHEELS Aluminum
FUEL CAPACITY (GAL./LITERS) 8.8/33.3
BED BOX DIMENSIONS (IN./CM LxWxH) 35.8 x 21 x 8.4 in. 90.9 x 53.3 x 21.3 cm
BOX CAPACITY (LBS./KG) 300/136.1
PAYLOAD CAPACITY (LBS./KG) 740/335.6
LIGHTING FRONT White LED, High/Low
LIGHTING REAR LED, Tail – Brake
ADJUSTABLE STEERING Tilt Steering Wheel
ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING Yes
INSTRUMENTATION Digital Gauge, Analog Speedometer, Odometer, Tachometer, Trip meter, Gear Indicator, Fuel Gauge, AWD Indicator, Hi-Temp/Low-Batt Lights, DC Outlet
For More, visit: http://www.arcticcat.com/
Suzuki Releases New Website
American Suzuki Motor Corp. has announced the kickoff of a new website, “Suzuki NOW,” a one-stop destination for customers who want quick, easy access to the latest Suzuki news, information, events and special offers.
Suzuki NOW is the best way for customers to stay connected to all the current Suzuki events, news and special offers. In addition to new products and special offers, Suzuki NOW features countdowns and links to upcoming race events in the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship and 2011 AMA Pro Road Racing series, as well as local events at nationwide Suzuki dealers.
For more information about Suzuki Now, please visit: http://suzukicycles.com/suzukiNow
ATV MX Coverage
The 2011 AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series presented by DWT has been filled with excitement and drama all season long, leading to a renewed fight for the AMA Pro class title. Dominant points leader Chad Wienen suffered a season ending crash last month, knocking him out of the running for a title this year. Meanwhile, Motoworks Can-Am teammate John Natalie concurrently underwent a surgery to repair a broken arm; however, Natalie has managed to attend every round of racing, staying ahead of Baldwin Motorsports Honda’s Josh Upperman, who sits only three points behind the leader heading to RedBud MX this weekend.
Last round at Unadilla, it was rookie sensation Joel Hetrick who captured his first-ever AMA Pro class win, sweeping both motos of the day. Hetrick has been showing bursts of speed throughout the season, also grabbing a second overall at Sunset Ridge MX earlier in the year. Hetrick has struggled with consistency from week-to-week, though, which keeps the first year rider in the seventh place points position behind fellow rookie, Can-Am’s Chase Snapp. Like Hetrick, Snapp has put in a handful of stellar finishes, but consistency has not settled in for the first-year Pros just yet.
Walsh Race Craft Suzuki’s Jeremy Lawson has consistently finished inside the top five in every race except for one, giving him a comfortable lead for third in the championship standings. Lawson is still looking for his first overall this season, something that has come within reaching distance several times. Only twenty-eight points down, there is still a possibility Lawson can put himself in a position to contest the title amongst Natalie and Upperman.
Next event (this weekend): Redbud. Two rounds remain before the championship is crowned. For more information, please visit www.atvmotocross.com