Last Updated on December 8, 2023

The snowmobile industry is constantly evolving, with new and innovative designs being introduced every year. However, one snowmobile in particular has been generating a lot of buzz and anticipation among enthusiasts. The Arctic Cat Catalyst has been the most highly anticipated snowmobile in recent years, with many wondering what new features and designs the engineers at Arctic Cat have come up with.

One of the most notable features of the Catalyst is its "lay down" engine design, which places the crankshaft lower and more rearward than other snowmobiles in the industry. This design change has a significant impact on how the snowmobile responds to rider inputs, making for a more dynamic and engaging riding experience. Additionally, the Catalyst comes standard with a belt drive that is highly durable and can withstand even the harshest racing conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • The Arctic Cat Catalyst is the most highly anticipated snowmobile in recent years, with many enthusiasts curious about its new features and designs.
  • The Catalyst's "lay down" engine design and durable belt drive are among the most notable features that make it stand out from other snowmobiles in the industry.
  • The Catalyst also boasts a modern ergonomic package that includes a firm but comfortable seat, impeccable handlebar positioning, and a functional storage container.

Anticipation and Expectations

The Arctic Cat Catalyst snowmobile has been one of the most anticipated releases in the industry. The engineers at Arctic Cat are known for producing high-performance snowmobiles, and the Catalyst is no exception. The lay-down engine design of the Catalyst is not new, but it changes the way the snowmobile responds to the rider's inputs, making it a unique experience.

The Catalyst is currently only available with a 600 engine, but it is not the same 600 engine that has been used before. The new 600 engine has the 800 crank, making it a powerful engine with a strong mid-range and excellent top-end performance. The sled also comes standard with a belt drive that can survive the harshest racing conditions.

The one-piece tunnel of the Catalyst is made of lightweight composite materials that are durable and can handle cold temperatures without becoming brittle. The running boards are made of the same material and have toe holds, which are also made of composite materials. The rear bolt of the skid frame and the running boards are held by the same piece, making it easy to produce different models without having to create a new tunnel for each sled.

The front end of the Catalyst looks similar to the procross chassis, but there are some differences in the spacing between the lower arm mount on the spindle and the ski bolt. The spindle is also a beautiful sculpted piece that enhances the sled's appearance. The handling of the Catalyst is precise, predictable, and light, making it an excellent sled to ride.

The ergonomic package of the Catalyst is modern and comfortable, with a firm but comfortable seat and impeccable handlebar positioning. The windshield is low but functional, and there are multiple options available for different riding preferences. The sled also has a standard dual-screen gauge and a cubby hole storage container for goggles and other items.

Overall, the Arctic Cat Catalyst is an all-new snowmobile that looks edgy and has legitimate technology and design features that enhance the riding experience. It is a sled that just works, and Arctic Cat has produced something that riders will enjoy.

Catalyst Design

The Arctic Cat Catalyst has been one of the most anticipated snowmobiles in the industry. The lay-down engine design of the Catalyst is one of the main secrets to why this snowmobile works so well. The hole at the end of the crankshaft is closed through the clutch into the crankshaft, and it is extremely low compared to pretty much any other snowmobile in the industry right now. The crank on this sled is about 25 millimeters lower and 25 millimeters more rearward than a similar setup on the Pro Cross chassis.

The Catalyst comes standard with a belt drive that can survive the harshest racing conditions. The running boards are super durable plastic material that can handle cold temperatures and not become brittle. The composite material also comes up into the toe holds, where there used to be heavier metal materials. The top tunnel is now all one piece without having to produce a different tunnel for each type of sled. The piece that holds the skid frame and the rear bolt of the skid frame in this is the same piece that runs down and holds the running boards. It's all one, and this piece changes depending on which skid you're using.

The front end of the Catalyst looks similar to the ProCross chassis, but there are some differences geometrically. The spindle is the most sculpted in the industry. The Catalyst has an ergonomic package that's as modern, if not more so, than any other sled out there right now. The seat is firm but still comfortable, and the handlebar positioning is impeccable. The windshield is low but functional, and there are multiple windshield options available.

Overall, the Arctic Cat Catalyst is an all-new snowmobile that looks edgy and has legitimate technology and design features that are making the riding experience better. It is a sled that just works, and Arctic Cat has produced something that they needed to do and get it right.

Engine and Performance

The Arctic Cat Catalyst is one of the most highly anticipated snowmobiles in the industry, and it lives up to the hype with its impressive engine and performance features. The lay-down engine design, which is not new to Arctic Cat, is one of the main secrets to why this snowmobile works so well. The hole at the end of the crankshaft is closed through the clutch into the crankshaft, and it is extremely low compared to other snowmobiles in the industry. This design change affects how the snowmobile responds to body inputs, such as throttle and braking inputs, and steering inputs.

The Catalyst's engine is powered by a 600, which is not the same 600 used in previous seasons. The new 600 has the 800 crank, resulting in an engine with wicked bottom end, strong mid-range, and excellent top-end performance. The Catalyst is only available with a 600 for now, but if you can put up with a really excellent 600, you won't be disappointed.

The Catalyst comes standard with a belt drive that can survive the harshest racing conditions, and the composite material used in the running boards and toe holds is super durable and lightweight. The front end of the Catalyst is similar to the procross chassis, but there are some differences in the spacing and positioning of the lower arm mount, spindle, and ball joint. The spindle is the most sculpted in the industry and adds to the sled's overall aesthetic appeal.

The Catalyst's ergonomic package is modern and comfortable, with a firm but comfortable seat, nice and wide with a cutout in the front. The handlebar positioning is impeccable, and the windshield, available in multiple options, is functional and looks good. The Catalyst also features a standard dual screen gauge and a cubby hole storage container with a proper plastic lid.

Overall, the Catalyst is an all-new snowmobile that looks edgy and has legitimate technology and design features that make the riding experience better. It's a sled that just works, and Arctic Cat has produced something that's exactly what they needed to do.

Belt Drive

The Arctic Cat Catalyst features a belt drive that comes standard across the entire lineup. This belt drive is designed to withstand even the harshest racing conditions. Arctic Cat has tested the belt drive for thousands of miles without any failures, making it a reliable choice for snowmobilers.

The Catalyst also features a one-piece tunnel design that is bent down to a specific point. The running boards are made of a durable plastic material that can handle cold temperatures without becoming brittle. The composite material is also used in the toe holds, reducing the weight of the sled.

The front end of the Catalyst may look similar to the ProCross chassis, but there are some differences in the design. The spacing between the lower arm mount on the spindle and the ski bolt has been increased, while the distance between the ball joint and the mount has decreased. The spindle itself is sculpted and has a beautiful design.

The Catalyst's ergonomic package is modern and comfortable, with a firm yet comfortable seat and handlebar positioning that is impeccable. The windshield is available in multiple options, including low, medium, and high, all of which are functional and look good.

Overall, the Arctic Cat Catalyst is an all-new snowmobile that features legitimate technology and design features that enhance the riding experience. The belt drive, one-piece tunnel design, and ergonomic package make it a reliable and comfortable option for snowmobilers.

Tunnel and Running Boards

The Arctic Cat Catalyst snowmobile boasts a one-piece tunnel that is bent down to a certain point. The running boards are made of super durable plastic material that can withstand cold temperatures without becoming brittle. The composite material is also used in the toe holds, replacing heavier metal materials. This lightweight material is riveted to the side of the tunnel and bends downward to fit different models, simplifying the tunnel design. The top tunnel is now all one piece, eliminating the need for a different tunnel for each type of sled. The piece that holds the skid frame and the rear bolt of the skid frame is the same piece that runs down and holds the running boards, making it all one piece. This piece changes depending on which skid is used.

The front end of the Catalyst snowmobile looks similar to the ProCross chassis, but there are some differences. The spacing between the lower arm mount on the spindle and the actual ski bolt is increased, while the distance between the ball joint and the mount has decreased. The spindle is sculpted and adds to the sled's aesthetic appeal. The handling is amazing, with the outside ski locking in and steering being predictable, precise, and light.

The Catalyst snowmobile has an ergonomic package that is as modern, if not more so, than any other sled out there. The seat is firm but comfortable and wide, with a cutout in the front for added comfort when hanging off the side. The handlebar positioning is impeccable, and the windshield options are functional and available in low, medium, and high options. The gauges are standard dual screen gauges, and there is a cubby hole storage container with a proper plastic lid.

Overall, the Catalyst snowmobile is an all-new snowmobile that boasts legitimate technology and design features that make the riding experience better. It is a sled that just works, and Arctic Cat has produced something that looks edgy and is exactly what they needed to do.

Front End and Spindle

The Arctic Cat Catalyst is one of the most anticipated snowmobiles in the industry. The Catalyst features a laydown engine design, which places the crankshaft hole at a lower position compared to other snowmobiles in the industry. This design enhances the snowmobile's performance and responsiveness to body inputs such as throttle, braking, and steering.

The Catalyst's crankshaft is positioned 25 millimeters lower and 25 millimeters more rearward than a similar setup on the pro cross chassis. The laydown engine design is not new to Arctic Cat, as they have been using it for years. However, it is an interesting change that significantly affects the riding experience.

The Catalyst is currently only available with a 600 engine. However, this is not the same 600 engine used in the previous season. The new 600 engine has an 800 crank, resulting in a powerful engine with a strong mid-range and excellent top-end performance.

The Catalyst also features a standard belt drive that can withstand the harshest racing conditions. The running boards and toe holds are made of lightweight composite materials that can handle cold temperatures without becoming brittle.

The front end of the Catalyst looks similar to the procross chassis, but there are differences in the spacing between the lower arm mount on the spindle and the ski bolt, as well as the distance between the ball joint and the mount. The spindle is one of the most sculpted in the industry and is a beautiful setup. The handling of the Catalyst is precise, predictable, and light, making it an excellent snowmobile to ride.

The Catalyst has an ergonomic package that is modern and comparable to any other sled on the market. The seat is firm but comfortable, and the handlebar positioning is impeccable. The windshield is available in multiple options, including low, medium, and high, all of which are functional and look good. The Catalyst also features standard gauges and a storage container with a proper plastic lid.

Overall, the Arctic Cat Catalyst is an all-new snowmobile that looks edgy and features legitimate technology and design features that enhance the riding experience. The laydown engine design, belt drive, and lightweight composite materials make this snowmobile a must-have for snowmobiling enthusiasts.

Ergonomics and Riding Position

The Arctic Cat Catalyst snowmobile has been designed with a focus on ergonomics and riding position. The sled features a lay-down engine design that places the crankshaft hole lower than most other snowmobiles on the market. This design change results in a snowmobile that responds differently to body inputs, such as throttle and braking inputs, and steering inputs. The lay-down engine design has been used by Arctic Cat for years and is a key factor in how the Catalyst handles.

The Catalyst is available with a 600 engine that features an 800 crank, resulting in a strong bottom end, mid-range, and top-end power. The sled's belt drive is standard across the lineup and can withstand harsh racing conditions. The running boards and toe holds are made of lightweight composite materials that are durable and can handle cold temperatures without becoming brittle.

The sled's tunnel is a one-piece design that is bent down to a point. The running boards are the same across all Catalyst models and are made of a super durable plastic material. The tunnel's top piece is all one piece, and the piece that holds the skid frame is the same piece that runs down and holds the running boards. This design simplifies the tunnel and eliminates the need to produce a different tunnel for each type of sled.

The front end of the Catalyst features a spindle that is sculpted and has a beautiful design. The sled's riding position and ergonomic package is modern and comparable to any other sled on the market. The seat is firm but comfortable, and the handlebar positioning is impeccable. The windshield is available in multiple options, including low, medium, and high, and all are functional and look good.

Overall, the Arctic Cat Catalyst snowmobile is an all-new sled that features legitimate technology and design features that enhance the riding experience. The sled's ergonomic package is fantastic, and the lay-down engine design is a key factor in how the Catalyst handles.

Additional Features

The Arctic Cat Catalyst has a lot of new and exciting features that make it one of the most anticipated snowmobiles in the industry. One of the most impressive features is the lay-down engine design, which changes the way the snowmobile responds to body inputs such as throttle, braking, and steering. The Catalyst's engine is about 25 millimeters lower and 25 millimeters more rearward than a similar setup on the pro cross chassis, making it extremely low compared to pretty much any other snowmobile in the industry.

Another important feature of the Catalyst is the belt drive, which comes standard across the whole lineup. This belt drive can survive the harshest racing conditions, making it a reliable choice for cross-country racing. Arctic Cat has put thousands of miles on belt drives with no failures. Additionally, the Catalyst has a one-piece tunnel that is bent down to a certain point, making it super durable and lightweight.

The Catalyst's front end looks similar to the pro cross chassis, but there are some differences that make it handle amazingly well. The spindle is the most sculpted in the industry, making it a beautiful setup that also works really well. The riding position and ergonomic package are also modern and comfortable, with a firm but comfortable seat, nice and wide with a cutout in the front for leg locking, and impeccable handlebar positioning.

Overall, the Arctic Cat Catalyst is an all-new snowmobile that looks edgy and has legitimate technology and design features that make the riding experience better. It's a sled that just works and is sure to impress snowmobile enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The Arctic Cat Catalyst snowmobile has been highly anticipated in the industry, and for good reason. You should research snowmobile prices as well to see how this compares with others. The lay down engine design, with the crankshaft hole positioned low in the sled, is a major factor in the snowmobile's excellent performance. The Catalyst's 600 engine, which has the 800 crank in it, provides a wicked bottom end, strong mid-range, and impressive top-end power.

The Catalyst's one-piece tunnel, durable plastic running boards, and lightweight composite materials make it a durable and lightweight snowmobile. The spindle is beautifully sculpted and the handling is precise and predictable. The ergonomic package is modern and comfortable, with a firm and wide seat, comfortable handlebar positioning, and multiple windshield options.

Overall, the Arctic Cat Catalyst is an all-new snowmobile that features legitimate technology and design features that enhance the riding experience including safety. Arctic Cat has produced a sled that looks edgy, performs well, and just works.