A look at the 2009 Arctic Cat ATV line up

Got a need for a specialized ATV or UTV? Arctic Cat is trying to fill it with its dynamic 2009 model lineup that was unveiled at its hometown 2009 dealer meeting in Thief River Falls, Minn., in early June.The company has several new models featuring more power, and some featuring less power.  Most of its machines ride a little bit lower for 2009, though one purpose-built mud machine rides a lot higher. Cat engineers built more machines for two-passenger riding, and at the same time expanded options for younger riders. They rolled out a new Prowler UTV that’s going to bring sheer joy to performance junkies, and another new working-class Prowler that screams “utility.” Cat’s got a new engine of its own, a 545cc liquid single, that is found in an H1 model, a 2-up TRV and a Prowler, and expanded the Thundercat engine. It also introduced new 150- and 300-class engines shared with KYMCO that are placed in a machine aimed at a new “transitional” market and a new sport quad, respectively.  All totaled, Arctic Cat eliminated 9 machines for 2009, including the 700 Diesel, 400 4x4, two DVX models (400 & 250) and two TRVs (650 & 500), while creating 13 new models. New machines include: • Two new Prowlers, headlined by the Prowler XTZ 1000, featuring the 951cc liquid-cooled twin introduced in last year’s Thundercat, plus a Prowler 550 flatbed, featuring the new 545cc single and a flatbed rear. • Three new TRV (Two Rider Vehicle) models, including a full-featured TRV 1000 Cruiser, plus a TRV 550 and TRV 400. • An exciting, custom-made-for-mudding 700 MudPro, featuring huge tires, a snorkel and 14 inches of ground clearance. • The scaled down Arctic Cat 150 — the first in an emerging class of quads aimed at teenagers 14 years and older.  • Three sporty new DVX models, including a DVX 300, plus new kids DVX 90 and 50 models. • Two other new kids quads, 50cc and 90cc utility machines. Plus, all full-sized Cats except the MudPro get new ergos and ride height this year, taking advantage of the suspension sit-in and lower seat that made the Thundercat ergos so popular in its debut last year. So sit down, Barack, because Arctic Cat appears to have cornered the market on change.Not For Mr. LonelyIn these tough times in the ATV market, only one segment is experiencing growth: multi-passenger vehicles. Whether the seating is front-and-back or side-by-side, ATVs and UTVs that allow drivers to share the experience with a passenger are hot, and Arctic Cat is aiming to capitalize. For traditional ATV riders, Cat is expanding its TRV Cruiser line while tweaking the engine options on the standard TRVs. “We’re one of only three manufacturers offering 2-ups, and now we’re offering the best of the best,” explained Ole Tweet, general manager of Cat’s ATV division and VP of new product development.There are two Cruiser models — a TRV 1000 H2 EFI Cruiser featuring the Thundercat’s big 90-degree twin, and the TRV 700 H1 EFI Cruiser featuring Cat’s 700-class fuel injected single — and both are glorious. They have a long list of standard features that includes a tall windshield connected to a new 2-piece fairing; mirrors; a cup holder; a comfortable 2-up seat with heated hand grips and a comfy backrest for the passenger; heated handlebars; a huge, lockable touring/storage case in back; and classy looking, 12-inch machined aluminum wheels. The 700 even comes standard with a winch.