The new 2016 Wildcat Trail Special Edition model from Arctic Cat.
The new 2016 Wildcat X Special Edition Model from Arctic Cat.
Arctic Cat has announced their 2016 side-by-side lineup which includes a more powerful Wildcat Sport line, special editions for the Wildcat X and Wildcat Trail, and some new tires and pricing for the Wildcat X and 4X models. They also added to their Prowler line with the Prowler HDX 700 SE Hunter Special Edition and the new Prowler HDX 500 XT model. Key features of the 2016 models include:
- Wildcat Sport models: 5% increase in engine power from a new exhaust system; MSRPs $13,599 to $15,999;
- Wildcat X Special Edition: aluminum bumpers, color-matched beadlock wheels and roof, and desert tan colored bodywork. MSRP $19,999
- Wildcat Trail Special Edition: full-sized doors, color-matched aluminum wheels, and an industry-first color combination of true timber camo and orange metallic paint. MSRP $13,599
- Wildcat X and 4X: New Duro PowerGrip tires and new pricing; MSRPs $17,499 and $20,999 respectively.
- Prowler HDX 700 SE Hunter Special Edition: Electric bed lift, painted aluminum wheels, a 5,000-lb. winch, gun scabbard and true timber camo paint; MSRP $15,799
- Prowler HDX 500 XT: Tilting 2-in-1 cargo box that converts to a flatbed for 1,000 lbs. of carrying capacity, side and under hood compartments, three-person capacity, tilt steering, new body styling and an automotive-style hood; MSRP $11,999
The new models will be in dealerships starting in September.
Comment: This is a fairly extensive model year introduction with some new models or changes across all the Arctic Cat side-by-side model lines. Not surprisingly, there was some increased horsepower for some models as the fight for engine power supremacy continues in the high-end recreational market segment. The introduction of the Prowler HDX 500 XT, which is priced $2,500 less than other HDX models and $2,000 less than the Prowler 700 XT, indicates Arctic Cat is trying to expand their offerings in the work utility vehicle segment. While not cheap, the new model hits more of the sweet spot in this segment in terms of pricing as a vehicle priced at $12,000 compared to $14,000 to $14,500 should appeal to a significantly broader range of customers.