A highly potent 1000cc motor propelling a side-by-side sounds like a lot, and that's because it is a lot! Right? In late 2007, Arctic Cat wowed the ATV community by unleashing its astonishing 1000cc motor in the form of the Thundercat 1000 4x4 utility ATV. Obviously, the critics claimed the release was outrageous while others were more than stoked about these huge power gains. No matter how people felt about it, it was in fact the most powerful production ATV on the planet. Since its release, this type of power from a stock ATV has not been replicated-that is until now. It was not long after the Thundercat's release that many in the ATV community, including myself, began predicting that it was just a matter of time before Arctic Cat dropped that 1000cc motor into its well-known side-by-side, the Prowler. You could call me a prophet of sorts, but in my mind, it really just seemed like the likely next step in the race for side-by-side supremacy.
I must admit that this latest Arctic Cat creature has had me extremely curious and intrigued. I've been anxiously awaiting the chance to get my hands on this beast of a Prowler for quite some time now, but not without a handful of huge concerns that have been plaguing my thoughts. For example, by just merely throwing in a larger motor without drastic improvements to the handling of the Prowler, I feared this could yield horrible or even detrimental results. Although the Prowler has always possessed many great qualities, in my opinion it simply cannot handle that type of power and speed without some sort of modifications to its overall handling and improvements in the area of safety. Well, keep reading. You might be surprised!
Features
The overwhelming hype surrounding this new Prowler XTZ is obviously wrapped up in the motor. This new Prowler is propelled by a whopping 951cc, SOHC, four-stroke V-twin and is the most powerful motor in a side-by-side to date. Have you heard that this engine also makes use of "Hemi" technology (which stands for hemispherical-shaped head)? The Hemi technology helps by creating more complete and more efficient combustion for producing high-performance power. And with this new type of power and weight, AC has recalibrated the clutches with different rollers and weights for increased acceleration. This 951cc powerplant is cooled by Arctic Cat's liquid-cooled system with high-capacity radiator and thermostatically controlled cooling fan, which provides consistent engine operating.
AC engineers also chose to have EFI (electronic fuel injection) deliver fuel and air to its most prized motor. EFI should help diminish cold-weather starting problems all while allowing fuel delivery to be accurate and consistent when climbing to and from drastic elevations. And in a time when fuel and cash are hard to come by, this EFI system is claimed to also improve fuel efficiency.
Arctic Cat uses a Duromatic automatic transmission system with a dynamic engine-braking system, basically the same as the past Prowler models. Yes, this beast has low, high, reverse and neutral drive selections. And for tackling more extreme terrains and obstacles, you have the choice of running in 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with diff-lock. For 2009, AC redesigned the diff-lock engage from the pull locker switch to an easy touch switch. And for those looking to get a little work done, this Prowler employs a 2-inch receiver hitch on both the front and the rear. It's rated for towing up to 1500 pounds and up to 600 pounds of hauling capacity for the rear box.