"This new Prowler is propelled...
"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."
Pure Power
If power is what you desire, Arctic Cat has answered your call with this 1000cc Hemi-powered motor.
As I mentioned in the opening paragraphs, it would just be downright wrong for Arctic Cat to release this machine without the proper revamps to the suspension. Thankfully, AC was ahead of the game on this one. The stance and suspension were race-bred and performance calibrated with additional "ride-in" to work with the beefed-up torque and speeds of the Prowler XTZ. To better explain AC's theory on "ride-in" suspension, the XTZ will squat 2 inches while providing 10 inches of ground clearance and 10 inches of suspension travel. The engineering staff improved suspension geometry and added gas-charged monotube shocks for higher performance and less fade throughout a long day of pounding.
If you make it faster, you'll need to improve its stopping ability as well. That's why Arctic Cat threw in the new outboard-mounted disc brakes for the XTZ model. We'd also like to praise AC for adding an automotive-style parking brake, which makes engaging and disengaging a breeze. If you remember the old foot-style parking brake, you'll for sure be happy with this change. For putting the power to the ground, the engineers chose to go with a 26x9-14 front tire and a 26x11-14 on the rear. The interesting part is that AC has produced about half of these with Goodyear MTRs while many of the others in production come mounted up with Maxxis 4-Speed tires, which is what we tested on. As a bonus feature, the XTZ uses trick cast-aluminum 14-inch wheels that seem to be tough and drastically enhance its overall look.
In order to increase the creature comforts, this new Prowler uses comfortable dual bucket seats and seat belts that now have a shoulder strap. The center console possesses two drink holders as well as easily accessible dual 12-volt accessory plugs. The cab offers exuberant amounts of space for both driver and passenger even with a full canopy. Storage is not a problem on this UTV, as it makes use of several storage compartments like a dash-mounted tray shelf, a glove box with a door and the accessible molded tool kit located under the passenger-side seat. And to top it off, lift the hood and you'll find a storage compartment capable of storing 25 more pounds of necessities and doubles as a cooler for drinks and ice.
Arctic Cat then took things a step further with the addition of several cool mods. First off, it chose to go with a trick race-style steering wheel and premium foot pedals for improving both functionality and style. The hood has a trick scoop styled into it, which definitely helps make this UTV appear even more aggressive. And one thing I'm very proud about is the rearview mirror that comes stock right from the factory.
Both foot rails and bed rails...
Both foot rails and bed rails come in stock form with this Prowler XTZ.
Seat Time
I know, I know, enough already about the details. When the time finally arrived, Arctic Cat representatives handed off the key and let me have at it. Yes, she cranked up with ease thanks to the EFI, and into gear I went. As soon as I was clear for takeoff, I punched it to see what this beast had under the hood. Wow, this machine has every bit of balls that you'd imagine it would have and then some. I quickly sought out a long, flat stretch of trail so I could let it all hang out and finally find out what everyone wants to know, How fast is it? I punched it again and stayed in it; within a few short seconds I was rolling at a grand total of about 67 mph. Honestly, I think it had a few extra mph in her, but my straight was coming to an abrupt end, so I let off the gas and made a mad dash for the brakes. Now my heart was pumping and the adrenaline was flowing. This is by far the most powerful and fastest UTV on the market for sure!