You have to go back to 2020 to find the latest version of the legendary Bearcat. At that time, it was equipped with a 20-inch track and an articulated suspension. It was a pure, hardcore work snowmobile, designed for heavy-duty tasks. Over the years, it has been equipped with various engines, such as the fan-cooled 570, the turbocharged 660cc 4-stroke, the 1100cc 4-stroke, and of course the 1049cc 4-stroke, following the agreement with Yamaha. Starting in 2020, the Bearcat name was retired to make way for the Norseman. A utility-sport model capable of combining work with touring, which performed equally well off-road and on trails.
2027 marks the return of the legendary Bearcat, but in the same vein as the Norseman—that is, a snowmobile that resembles a work-trail hybrid more than a purely utility snowmobile. Of course, it will be capable of performing various tasks such as transporting goods, accessing isolated or unpaved areas, and certainly many actual work tasks.
The 858 C-TEC 2 Engine
The 858 engine seems increasingly refined to us. It is a two-stroke engine developed by Arctic Cat specifically for the Catalyst platform and produces approximately 160 horsepower. The tuning improves year after year, and clearly, this engine delivers the power, both in terms of pure acceleration and mid-range torque.
The engine still relies on the principle of intake and exhaust on the same side, a concept already seen over 23 years ago on the famous F7 when it debuted in 2003. The principle remains a two-stage injection system. When the piston descends and reaches bottom dead center, a first injection of fuel occurs directly above the piston. And as the piston rises, a second injection passes through an opening in the piston to deliver the mixture beneath it. When the piston begins its descent, this mixture is then directed through the transfer ports to settle above the piston in the cylinder. The air-fuel mixture is thus ready to be compressed by the rising piston before ignition in the combustion chamber.
Power steering for a utility snowmobile!
One of the major new features of the 2027 Arctic Cat Bearcat is undoubtedly the introduction of power steering. In our opinion, this is a major addition for a sport-utility snowmobile.
When maneuvering at low speeds in deep snow or while pulling a load, steering a work snowmobile can quickly become very strenuous. Power steering significantly lightens the rider’s workload by reducing the force required at the handlebars. The result is a snowmobile that’s much easier to maneuver, more precise, and above all, much less tiring to use during long workdays or tours.
On two-stroke models, the power steering stands out for being much more responsive than the system found on the Thunder Cat, for example. Just a few degrees of handlebar rotation are enough to achieve a pronounced turning angle at the skis. In contrast, the Thunder Cat requires a much more pronounced handlebar movement to reach its maximum steering angle.
The Bearcat’s suspension…
As for suspension, the famous AWS front suspension, used for several seasons now, remains. The ski track width ranges from 38 to 40 inches, suggesting a more utilitarian or trail-oriented use when set to maximum width. We rely on the G2 ProClimb 7 skis, also used on mountain snowmobiles, which offer excellent flotation.
At the rear, we continue with the Extra-Action suspension, also well-known for several seasons. This can be locked in the low position to provide maximum traction. It’s also possible to leave the pivoting section floating, which makes it easier to climb out of the snow when backing up in deep snow.
The package is rounded out with a 15-inch-wide by 154-inch-long Cobra track, equipped with 1.6-inch studs, and Arctic Cat IFP 1.5 shock absorbers are used in all positions.
The Garmin G8 Digital Display: The Standard Adopted by Arctic Cat
Sometimes, it’s much simpler to form partnerships than to try to reinvent the wheel. That’s exactly what Arctic Cat did by partnering with Garmin to develop its smart navigation system. Garmin has a global reputation in the field of portable GPS and navigation systems. With nearly 37 years in the market, the company has developed expertise in this technology that is hard to match. When you look at the new G8 display offered by Arctic Cat, you quickly notice the quality of the product.
Information Data…
In basic use, just like with a conventional dashboard, it displays all the essential information: speed, engine RPM, temperature, fuel level, and several other important data points. Everything is presented through a very polished, clear, and visually appealing interface.
Garmin G8 Navigation…
The screen also provides access to the built-in mapping feature. This function gives you access to the trail network and allows you to create and share your route with a group of up to 15 snowmobiles. Positioning works using satellite data or the cellular network, depending on the coverage available in your current location.
The G8 also lets you connect to your home Wi-Fi network or your cell phone to download the latest software updates, ensuring you always have the most current version available.
Connecting to your cell phone…
Connectivity with your smartphone is also available. Simply download the Garmin Tread app to connect your phone directly to the screen via Bluetooth. Once connected, you can view your text messages, emails, and various other notifications from your phone.
Weather conditions!
Finally, the G8 even lets you check the weather directly from the screen, based on your location.
Other features…
Among the Bearcat’s other features is a tall windshield that offers good wind protection. A handlebar bar that gives you excellent control during maneuvers in deep snow.
At the rear, the ATACH system, unique to Arctic Cat, offers three mounting positions. This system allows you to securely attach your tools or any other compatible accessory. Once installed, this equipment remains firmly secured for all your travels.
Testing the Arctic Cat Bearcat LT 858 on the trail…
What we were most looking forward to during the technical unveiling of this new version of the Arctic Cat Bearcat 858 was ultimately confirmed during our tests. The Bearcat clearly follows in the same lineage as the Arctic Cat Norseman—that of a true sport-utility vehicle that allows you to combine work, touring, and even off-trail riding with a single snowmobile.
The sport-utility category is probably the most suitable for power steering. Maneuvers at low speeds are greatly facilitated, which helps reduce fatigue after a long day.
This new version of power steering requires a real adjustment period. The maximum steering angle at the handlebars is much shorter—37 degrees, instead of the 62 degrees on the Thundercat. In practical terms, this means that moving the handlebars by about an inch results in a much greater movement of the skis. You must therefore exercise caution during high-speed maneuvers, since even a slight movement of the handlebars can cause a more pronounced steering response. This characteristic also leads us to make more corrections at first. Over time, however, you eventually get used to it. That said, this behavior still requires a certain amount of attention from the driver.
The principle of “good at everything, but excellent at nothing” applies quite well to the Bearcat LT 858; on the trail, you get a vehicle that performs well, but which still exhibits a bit more ski lift in turns, particularly due to its ski spacing.
The snowmobile is also a bit trickier to turn, as the long track tends to push the machine straight ahead.
As for the engine, there’s no doubt: the 858 twin-cylinder does an excellent job. This engine has now reached a fine level of maturity. The small improvements made over the years make it a high-performance engine, capable of competing with other engines of comparable displacement in the industry. It will take some time, however, to get used to seeing a Bearcat reach such high speeds. Acceleration is spirited and responsive, even if there is a slight vibration at the handlebars—a minor point to address.
For work, the Bearcat isn’t perfect, but it will handle most of your tasks. Standard equipment includes a sturdy rear bumper with a tie-down system for towing various loads in a utility setting. The rear articulated suspension is very flexible, which maximizes efficiency when maneuvering in reverse through deep snow. It’s easy to notice the snowmobile’s ability to climb back up the snow, aided by the strong traction of the Cobra track equipped with 1.6-inch studs over a length of 154 inches.
In short, the 2027 Arctic Cat Bearcat LT 858 remains a very wise choice for anyone looking for a snowmobile capable of fulfilling multiple roles: work, touring, and even some off-trail expeditions.
