As the years go by, we become more and more greedy of new products and technology. And the snowmobile world is no exception. But sometimes, improvements to a model that’s been around for years can make it popular again… and without a doubt, the 2023 Arctic Cat ZR9000 Thundercat is definitely one of those.
A little history…
1993-1997
The first Thundercat was released in 1993, which is when the company entered the big bike competition. The Suzuki three-cylinder 900 CC two-stroke engine was fed by three Mikuni 38-mm carburetors. Everyone will remember the incredible sound of the three calibrated pipes that the high performance model produced. Known to have excellent handling, it was no exception, the independent front suspension stood out from the competition…
1998 – 2002
1998 saw the introduction of the Suzuki 1000 CC three-cylinder engine. At the time, Arctic Cat reported 172 horsepower. This model was also marked by several weight reductions such as composite skis, aluminum pivot arms etc. In 1999, it was introduced with a new chassis, AWS5, and TM flatbed carburetors. This vehicle held the speed record for 18 years in the NSSR association with a speed of 120.893 mph or almost 195 kmh…
2017 – à aujourd’hui
Definitely the biggest changes in the history of the 2023 Arctic Cat ZR9000 Thundercat, born from the association with Yamaha, 1997 was the first year of the car with a 4-stroke engine. The most powerful engine ever produced in a production snowmobile to date. Developing more than 200 horsepower, this turbocharged four-stroke engine offers a nice range of power while maintaining a nice linearity.
Arctic Cat ZR9000 Thundercat
For 2023, the Thundercat will not appear at the top of the list of new products for the new season. In fact, it is simply a replica of 2022 with different colors. This vehicle has aged very well over the years, it’s easy to say that it has reached a nice maturity, both in terms of reliability, build quality and performance. Without a doubt, it remains one of the fastest cars for 2023.
998 CC Turbocharged C-TEC4
In its seventh year of production, Yamaha’s three-cylinder engine continues to dominate the power industry. With more than 200 horsepower, this engine offers a nice smoothness and linearity that sometimes leads us to expect less power. No vibration is felt at all, regardless of the rpm. Even at full throttle above 8700 rpm, it delivers a very pleasant sound quality and never gives the impression of being out of breath.
This engine has proven itself over the years, its construction is robust and its reliability is not in doubt. Pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft, developed specifically for this engine, are fed by three intake manifolds.
The turbo is powered by 9 sensors to properly control the pressure that is propelled through the engine. The turbo is built with ceramic ball bearings to increase durability. The management of the turbo’s rotation is controlled by the wastegate valve located on the exhaust side. When maximum pressure is reached, it opens to relieve the pressure that is sent to the turbo. In order to control the excess pressure when the throttle is released, a second relief valve, called the air bypass valve, is installed in the intake just before the throttle bodies. This valve returns the excess pressure to the intake silencer, thus reducing the “LAG” effect.
The pressurized air is cooled by the air cooler (intercooler) allowing a greater quantity of air molecules per volume to be drawn into the engine. This results in a more constant combustion and always maximum performance.
ADAPT Pulleys
Slimmed down in 2022, they are back for 2023. Lighter in weight, they allow a constant grip on the belt, maximizing performance. Equipped with a ball bearing on the primary pulley shaft (Clutch), it keeps a good tension on the belt at all speeds and improves its life.
Suspension ATAC
Again, nothing new here, but as they say in the business, it’s a JOB! The ATAQ electronic suspension allows three modes of adjustment of the internal resistance of the FOX ZERO IQS shocks. Each mode is configurable directly from the control located on the handlebars and can be modified while riding. The system controls both front shocks as well as the rear shock on the Slide Action
EPS power steering
Another great innovation that lasts over time, the EPS (Electronic Power Steering). Identical to last season, we return in 2023 with the power steering for the 2023 Arctic Cat ZR9000 Thundercat.
On the trail
Every year we look forward to riding this model and seeing how well power and smoothness can coexist. The 200 horsepower mill is simply a symphony to the ear, without being obnoxious, it makes us feel the power of the supercharged 998 with a dull whistling sound mixed with the exhaust note. Again this year, it’s the most powerful in the industry. The clutch pulleys do an excellent job of transferring power to the track without hesitation. Even in a standing start, the lag time is barely noticeable and the power propels the Thundercat very quickly to very high speeds.
Stability and comfort
You know the expression “drives with two fingers”? Well, we could easily apply it to our vehicle. This snowmobile offers outstanding handling, the skis are nailed to the ground in turns and offers a very good grip. With a power steering system, the engineers were able to calibrate the suspension with a lot of pressure on the skis, thus improving the handling effortlessly. And this quality is easily noticeable; it only takes a few miles to get used to this effortless ride. Arctic Cat continues to use carbide rails for good cornering grip, with a small piece of offset rail positioned at the front to reduce the effect of swaying. Again, this principle has been used for years, and works very well…
In short, when it comes to a value on which performance, stability and comfort are at the forefront, there is no doubt the 2023 Arctic Cat ZR 9000 Thundercat will still be at the forefront!
