We got the opportunity to test the new Wildcat X from Arctic Cat last week in Randsburg, CA. Other than the cold temperatures and strong winds we experienced the event was a huge success. The town of Randsburg made for great scenery wile out testing the capabilities of the new X.
From First look the WIldcat X doesn’t appear any different that a standard Wild Cat. You will notice the two new color combinations available for the X model, a bright red and bright green graphics package that make the car look stellar just sitting still.
Upon looking over the car you will notice four changes to the car. First, Arctic Cat chose to use a 23 position adjustable Fox shock this year instead of the Walker Evans 2.0s that came standard in previous years. Second, the car is outfitted with 27 Maxxis Big Horn 2.0 tires. It’s great to see them get away from the durro on this model. Third, a change in the sway bar makes it simpler to use and has less moving parts. Fourth, the last and definitely not least, there is a new clutch cover that has Team Industries written on the side of it.
Once in the drivers seat and behind the wheel we were ready to see what this thing could do! We were not disappointed to say the least! The new X is an awesome machine and now has the motor to go along with the suspension it has always had.
Arctic Cat did not make any geometry changes to the suspension or steering on the X model over previous versions. There were also no changes in the brake setup or knuckles. They focused their efforts in the motor department. They did not start from the ground up with a new platform but worked with what they had. The first thing you’ll notice is that they went away from the wet clutch and installed a Team Industries Dry clutch and new crank shaft. This combination takes 6 pounds of rotating mass out of the assembly and makes the car a ton more responsive. In addition there X model also uses a new belt that is completely different in dimensions and compound.
Along with the clutch improvements Arctic Cat also spent quite a bit of time in the top end of the motor. The top end saw new pistons, cylinders, cams with larger lift, etc. Now boasting over 90 horsepower this increase was well noticed. It resulted in a 15% increase in horsepower all wile still using the single throttle body seen on all Wildcat models. The downfall if you will call it that is the X model must run on at least 91 octane fuel.
In the dirt, this car is a beast! It’s snappy, responsive, and fast! Attacking anything put in it’s path was no match to the combination of horsepower and suspension of the WildCat X. The car is flat out amazing. Sliding through corners is a brease with the power needed to break the back end loose of the car. Before long, you’ll think you’re Robby Gordon or BJ Baldwin in a trophy truck chasing down your buddies nerfing them through the rough sections pushing them out of the way. With the snappy throttle you can now make those miles of whoops fun as you can start timing them and jumping in and out of them and really control the attitude of the car with the horsepower.
In our opinion it is by far the most fun we have ever had in a stock UTV. Every single person thinking about buying a new UTV should take the time to test drive a WildCat X before they make their decision! Arctic Cat has something to be proud of with this car and has made a statement that they are here to stay and are a threat to be reckoned with!