We’re in Vegas tonight for Arctic Cat’s 2015 dealer convention where the TRF-based company’s pulling the sheets off its latest offroad lineup for the eyes of nearly 2000 dealers and media.
There’s big news out of the Cat trailer this season including the introduction of a new-from-the-ground-up ATV in three trim levels. The XR, XR XT EPS and XR Limited available with the 500, 550 and 700 mills.
The XR line boasts all-new bodywork as well as a SpeedRack II composite rack system with a rubberized anti-slip TPE surface that integrates Cat’s new slide-and-lock SpeedLock and SpeedBuckle attachment system.
Its engine has been mounted further forward in the chassis, which provides more room in the foot well and a narrower saddle position now puts the rider’s feet approximately 2-inches closer together providing a much more natural seated stance.
One new element we feel will make a significant improvement to ride quality is the addition of an integrated rear sway bar. Couple this with the XR’s slightly wider chassis and we suspect cornering to be flat and much more controlled through winding sections of trail and body roll to be reduced dramatically.
Rising fuel costs appear to have been top-of-mind as the XR’s engine advancements include a new closed loop EFI system featuring a catalyst exhaust that delivers 25% better fuel economy and lower emissions.
This has been a big night and we have more to share so stay tuned for more from Arctic Cat’s 2015 offroad line.
