deeper dive

2024 Arctic Cat Catalyst Platform Further Details

As we were going to press with this issue, Arctic Cat shared some more details about their all-new 2024 CATALYST platform. Pre-orders are expected to start sometime the first quarter of 2023. So far, they have our attention.

Focusing On A Centralized Design

When developing the CATALYST platform, Arctic Cat engineers kept stringent focus on Centralized Designs to ensure the highperformance platform reacts quicker to the rider’s input and body english. What’s that mean for us riders? We get a platform requiring less effort to corner, carve and throw around — ultimately improving our rider skills.

So, where did engineers focus attention?

• Having a low center of gravity is key and they focused on starting down low in the middle and placing heavier components in a centralized location with lighter components on the exterior.

• At the heart of the narrow, balanced platform, features Arctic Cat’s exclusive laydown engine design, the C-TEC2 600, 2-stroke with 125-class horsepower. More details will come on all the engine changes, but the compact design is lighter with stainless-steel exhaust and the airbox is located up front.

• Introduced on 2022 models, the benefits of the ADAPT CVT System enhance the lightweight centralized design focus of the CATALYST platform. Lighter than previous CVT systems before it, ADAPT has a 5 percent reduction in inertia and its compact width is perfectly paired to the all-new body panels which are narrower and sleeker than the Procross GEN II bodywork.

• The CATALYST platform is loaded with attention to rider balance details the majority of us don’t think about like gas tanks and the fuel they hold. Engineers spent time optimizing the shape of the 10.4-gallon gas tank to keep weight centralized and enhance rider ergonomics, but they went many steps further to maintain constant fuel pick-up and equal out platform balance by decreasing the amount of fuel sloshing for a variety of riding styles and applications.

When you think about all the quick accelerations, firm braking and ride angles a snowmobile is subjected to both on the trail, and off, a traditional flat bottom fuel tank is sloshing its gasoline from side-to-side and front-to-back thousands of times with a fair amount of force.

Drastic Weight Reduction

Arctic Cat kept weight loss at the forefront of the CATALYST design process resulting in a 10 percent weight reduction for new Trail, Crossover and Mountain models.

Where’d they lose it?

• The reduction was accomplished using less plastics and parts, lighter seats, a new intake configuration (with a better seal), use of the ADAPT CVT system, shorter and lighter weight heat exchanger and a new belt drive system with less than half the components of the current chaincase system. The engine is also mounted with a long carbon fiber composite Torque Control Link (TCL) with integrated clutch guard which decreases weight and improves engine vibration dampening.

• We’ve already talked about CATALYST’s new low-thermal conductive running boards — a first in the industry — they are lightweight, strong and durable, but the best part, the material prevents snow from sticking to minimize additional in-the-field ride weight where it matters most.

Durable And Easy Servicing Points

• An ultra-high-strength steel, one-piece chassis with an aluminum tunnel provides extra support and durability where needed without being bulky. The improved weld joints on the chassis mitigate stress, providing a strong, more efficient design that is easier to service.

• Unlike many competitive units, CATALYST features a one-piece tunnel that is easily and quickly replaceable.

• The new drive system is belt-driven — unlike the current chaincase — resulting in fewer parts for significant weight reduction, easier serviceability and maintenance, and enhanced performance. It features an adjustable center distance for multiple gearing options and allows for easy belt replacement.

• The all-new bodywork panels utilize a toolless design making them easy to remove to access key components such as belts, oil reservoir and coolant. The all-new lightweight seats are easily removeable with a quarter turn to access the battery location quickly.

Improved Ergonomics

• CATALYST’s ergonomics make the rider one with the sled. Its narrower design, along with the optimized shape of the gas tank, give the rider more area to maneuver in the rider cockpit.

• The rider will appreciate a new recoil rope routing for easier pulling and less rope wear.

• The running board design decreases vibration to the rider’s feet.

• The ergonomics coupled with the centralized design makes for an agile, easily maneuverable sled minimizing rider fatigue and gives the rider more confidence and control.

ALL-NEW STYLING

• The aggressive exterior leads state-of-the-art, cutting-edge snowmobile design with an agile, sleek, aerodynamic styling featuring a signature LED headlight setting it apart from the competition much like the auto industry.

• Sliding lap joints were used where possible to provide seamless transitions in bodywork for better fit and finish.

Optimized Suspension And Steering For Different Riding Styles

• The suspension and steering focus between models differentiates where needed but keeps commonality where it makes sense, providing a platform that works for all model segments.

• The Trail and Crossover models have the belt case (remember, no more chaincase) rotated rearward, providing added ground clearance and allowing the front and rear suspension to move rearward for optimal sled balance.

• The front suspension has geometry changes including upper A-arms that have been lowered and shortened, new lightweight, yet more durable, ball joints and restyled spindles combining to give the rider a more position-reactive snowmobile that hugs the trail while skis stay flat in the corners.

• Adopted from the snocross track, the Trail and Crossover CATALYST platform models have a ratio steering rack system that feels like power steering, providing a light, but tight feel.

• The Mountain platform has a driver position optimized for floatation and provides a lower center of gravity for improved climbing, carving and descents. With its centralized and constant center of gravity, the platform works in tandem with the rider instead of the rider muscling the sled. The design provides less weight shift to-and-from the skis for a more enjoyable, smooth and agile ride experience. A 36-inch wide ski stance features a longer lower spindle and shortened top of spindle for an increased lower A-arm clearance from the bottom of the ski. This new design provides increased belly pan and track driver clearance through the rough terrain commonly found in the backcountry.

• The mountain platform features centerline vertical steering and was made possible by integrating it with the new intake and exhaust positions within the front bulkhead. The new spindle steering geometry, paired with a vertical steering system, and adjustable ski stance reduces steering effort which creates a less fatiguing, better ride experience in the backcountry.

Improved Cooling

• The CATALYST platform utilizes an all-new heat exchanger design with an optimized fin profile to provide additional surface area to improve cooling performance in low snow conditions.