Arctic Cat Pantera 800 EFI is a quality snowmobile from a trusted brand. This model is made from components and solutions that its predecessors have, and is also used for the first time. The Arctic Cat company has released a device that is balanced in all respects and will satisfy the needs of the most demanding user, including professional sports fans. This is evidenced not only by the stylish and aerodynamic appearance, but also by the advanced technologies used in the chassis and steering mechanism. The three-cylinder Thundercat power plant, which is the latest development of the Arctic Cat company, deserves special attention. The engine displacement is 1000 cubic meters. cm, which indicates high torque and good traction characteristics. In addition, the snowmobile received an improved suspension and rich equipment, which is already included in the basic configuration. All of the components listed, as well as those listed below, are designed to improve ease of use and make the machine more durable.
The features of the Arctic Cat 800 EFI snowmobile chassis also include the Arctic Cat touring suspension system. The cutting-edge design of this suspension features square-section torsion springs derived from the FireCats racing family. The FasTrack rear suspension is notable because it can be configured via a switch for fiberglass overload springs. This component is necessary to adapt to the increased weight due to the heavy loads encountered when transporting two passengers or a sled with cargo containers. But if you drive in single mode (driver only), then you can use the basic mode. Adaptive rear-mounted RydeFX shock absorbers are complemented by dual torque arms to provide durability and suspension stability – for example when negotiating challenging obstacles.
A wide track is installed in the rear, and in front there are massive skis of our own production, made of twin plastic. This material had a beneficial effect on improving grip properties in corners and when driving on slippery and icy roads. In addition, skidding and slipping when performing sharp maneuvers are excluded. The front suspension, as well as the rear, also uses proprietary RydeFX shock absorbers, tuned for a full cycle of operation.
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An ergonomic driving position is a signature feature of the Arctic Cat Panther 800 EFI snowmobile. If necessary, the double seat can be converted into a single seat so that the space freed up in the rear can be used to accommodate small loads. This allows you to increase the load capacity, including due to the towbar - you can connect a sled with a 500-kilogram cargo container to it. If desired, you can load much more. It is also possible to transport personal belongings and items in the trunk under the front seat. You can also place a small bag with spare parts in it.
The remote start system is a convenient technology that allows you to turn on the engine without inserting the ignition key into a special socket. The ignition key is a remote control key fob. When you press the corresponding button (on the key), the engine will instantly start - this will be clear from the pleasant sound of idle speed. To make the remote start safer, the developer installed two special systems on the sled, one of which uses a sensor on the speedometer. The control system works in such a way that the track makes no more than two revolutions without the key in the ignition. If necessary, the system will turn off the engine if the driver is not present. The second special system is another sensor that allows you to turn off the engine at idle if the hood is open and the ignition key is missing from the connector.
Testers confirmed the high level of endurance of the Panther 800 EFI snowmobile. The car is one of the most convenient options in the tourism sector. This is not surprising, given the fact that the snowmobile combines ease of operation and maintenance. This is confirmed by factory tests, as well as tests by qualified pilots. According to test driver Larry Kaduce, the car is easy to drive thanks to the EFI electronic system. At the same time, the tester admits that the car is not exactly sporty, but it handles reliably at moderate speeds.
Manufacturers
Arctic Cat was founded in early 1961. Its founder was Edgar Hitten. From the very beginning, the company specialized in the production of snowmobiles and was called Polar Manufacturing. A year later it received the name Arctic Enterprises, and only in 1996 the name that is now known throughout the world.
Currently, the company, in addition to its main plant in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, has production centers in South Dakota and Australia. In addition, there are about 40 official distributors dispersed around the world and more than a thousand official dealers in North America.
Specifications
- Model year – 2003
- Class – tourist model
- Engine – two-cylinder, displacement 785 cubic meters
- Power – 140 horsepower
- Cooling – liquid
- Fuel system – carburetor
- Start - electric starter, ignition - 3D
- Exhaust – APV, exhaust pipe and resonator
- Skis, pcs. – 2
- Brakes – hydraulic, disc
- Front suspension - AWS V, double wishbone, A-rack
- Front Shocks/Front Suspension Travel – Ryde FX/254mm
- Rear suspension – FastTrackLTS, with adjustable torsion spring
- Caterpillar dimensions, mm: Length/Width/height of the grouser – 381/3454/25.4 mm
- Snowmobile dimensions, mm: Length/Width/Height: 3378/1219/
- Layout – double
- Track between skis – 1092 mm
- Dry weight – 271 kg
- Fuel tank (capacity, l.) – 50 liters
- Hood and ski material – plastic
- High windshield – yes
- Headlight - halogen, LED Basic options: speedometer, tachometer, reverse, electric starter, fuel level and temperature indicator.
Arctic Cat Snowmobile Features
The Arctic Cat dealer network is poorly developed in Russia, which can become a problem for owners when searching for spare parts. But on the other hand, these snowmobiles do not break down as often as their Chinese counterparts. Each “Arctic cat” has its own characteristics, depending on the modification, but there are a number of distinctive features inherent in all snowballs of the American brand.
Engine and transmission
The most widely represented in our country is the line of utilitarian all-terrain vehicles Bearcat and tourist “Panthers”.
The Bearcat 2000 XT has an air-cooled, two-stroke, twin-cylinder engine. The model with the index 5000, like the Panther 7000, received a four-stroke engine. In general, all later models have powerful liquid-cooled power units.
Arctic Cat Bearcat models 2000 xt and above have a CVT automatic transmission with a speed sensor. To change gears, a new generation Arctic Drive belt drive is used. The same one is installed on the Pantera 7000 and on the new utilitarian models of the NORSEMAN line, which replaced the “bear”. There is a reverse gear that is activated by pressing a button.
Dimensions
The dimensions of an all-terrain vehicle depend on the specific type and purpose. Tourist and utilitarian cars have the greatest weight. Mountain and cross-country all-terrain vehicles weigh less, have reinforced suspension, narrower tracks and high lugs. In addition, crossovers, mountain and sports trucks do not have a windshield.
Arctic Cat snowbikes are designed to adjust the distance between the skis. In mountain models you can also change the position of the steering wheel.
Suspension and brakes
To get an idea of the suspension of Artiket snowmobiles, let’s consider, as an example, several models of different classes:
| Model | NORSEMAN X 8000 | Pantera 7000 xt ltd | ZR 9000 THUNDERCAT IACT | M 8000 165 Hard Core Alpha One |
| Class | utilitarian | tourist | cross | mountain |
| Front suspension type | Arctic Race | Arctic Mountain Suspension | ||
| Stroke (cm) | 24.1 | 22.8 | 25.4 | 17.78 |
| Rear suspension | XTRA-ACTION with torsion springs | SLIDE-ACTION with adjustable springs and fiberglass safety springs | ALPHA-ONE | |
| Stroke (cm) | 34.3 | 33 | 34.3 | 39.37 |
| Shock absorbers | IFP 1.5 | IFP 1.5, stability stabilizer | FOX 1.5 ZERO iQS | Fox Float 3 QS3 |
Arctic Cats have a standard braking system that includes a disc brake and hydraulic drive.
Basic equipment
Bircat 2000 is the most popular snowmobile produced by Artik Kat. Its standard package includes:
- windshield;
- halogen headlights;
- electric starter;
- reverse;
- heated grips and gas trigger;
- durable bumpers.
Most utilitarian and tourist models have similar characteristics. The 5000 XT modification has rear-view mirrors and a digital instrument panel.
The design of the Panther 7000 snowmobile allows the installation of a flashing light, hand protection, a spotlight and a winch. At the same time, the basic package includes a connector for charging external devices, saddlebags, a digital instrument panel and heated seats.
Engine
The car is equipped with an 800 cc 2-cylinder unit that runs on AI-92 gasoline. The power output of the engine is 140 horsepower. This is enough to make the Arctic Cat Panther 800 EFI snowmobile suitable for participation in sports competitions. The engine is equipped with an electronic injection system, which makes it possible to sharply press the gas without worrying about technical problems. Instant response to pressing the accelerator is accompanied by an instant start from a standstill. This aggressive acceleration will satisfy the needs of professional racers who need to get to the front of the line to be among the first at the finish line.
The power plant is driven by a chain, which, in turn, is responsible for the performance of the 136-inch track. The braking part comes in the form of a powerful Wilwood hydraulic system. These brakes require only a small amount of force to provide effective emergency braking before the next obstacle. Brake discs operate without overheating and are designed for a long service life.
Review
The power unit of the 7000 C-TEC4 is a 1049 cm3 4-stroke engine with three cylinders, which is positioned as a mid-range internal combustion engine. Thanks to the EFI electronic fuel injection system, the engine provides optimal net power output, and the modern control system effectively uses regenerative braking technology.
Other characteristics
The snowmobile is equipped with a digital instrument panel, which includes:
- Speedometer;
- Tachometer;
- Odometer;
- Fuel level sensor;
- Oil level indicator;
- Coolant level indicator;
- Watch;
- Battery charge;
- Altimeter.
The standard equipment of the Panther 7000 includes, among other things:
- 12 V socket for charging your phone and other devices;
- Adjustable backrest for a comfortable ride;
- Handle warmers;
- Halogen headlights;
- High quality mirrors;
- Passenger footrests;
- Passenger hand warmers;
- Windshield.
The XT and Limited 2021 models have additional accessories (tuning of older models is also possible):
- Side and rear cases;
- Additional gasoline tank of 16 liters;
- Sports front bumper;
- Glasses holder;
- Signaling;
- Heated driver and passenger seats;
- Sno Pro brake mechanism;
- Tow hitch.
Reviews
- Alexey, Leningrad region. Not a bad snowmobile for its price. I bought it last year for 200 thousand. I liked the powerful engine - its output is 140 horses. The car was produced in 2003, in good maintained condition. The previous owner did the pre-sale preparation, so I didn't have to deal with any extra hassle. Low fuel consumption and a large fuel tank set you up for driving at a sporty pace - you can put the pedal to the floor without worrying about running out of gasoline, even on long trips. The vehicle does not have any impressive dimensions, which makes it possible to move in hard-to-reach areas or make quick turns. The kit includes an electric starter, and if it fails (this has not happened yet), you can use the manual start, and then the car will start in any case. The snowmobile rides smoothly not only on a compacted road, but also on loose snow, as well as various obstacles. Among the serious disadvantages, I note labor-intensive maintenance in the field, and the need to visit a service station from time to time.
- Boris, Tver region. The Arctic Cat 800 EFI snowmobile was purchased for family recreation and entertainment. I have the 2003 model year version and still use it. My son has already grown up; by the way, he learned to drive a car very quickly, even when he was little. With age, the snowmobile began to increasingly cause problems, which most often occur in the chassis, as well as in the steering mechanism. Once I had to replace the caterpillar track, which was worn out and torn when I once again ran over a stone that was “hidden” under a deep snowdrift. In general, the car is well suited for off-road driving, and for this it is equipped with wide skis that improve directional stability. We are not going to sell the Arctic Cat yet, since we are already accustomed to it, and we know well the pros and cons of this snowmobile. In addition, over more than ten years of operation, I have collected a lot of spare parts in my garage, and specifically for this model. So there shouldn't be any problems with repairs. Some parts can be stored in the trunk under the front seat, and small cargo can also be secured if the passenger seat is removed. There is also a tow bar that allows you to connect the sled together with a load.
- Kirill, Nizhny Novgorod region. Not a bad car for everyday driving in forested areas, in the presence of obstacles that must be quickly avoided at high speed. The Arctic Cat 800 EFI snowmobile is well designed specifically for this type of riding. But the device consumes a lot of fuel, and is very demanding on its quality. It’s better not to fill up cheap AI-92, otherwise the engine will turn sour at idle. To unlock the potential of the internal combustion engine, you need to refuel at least AI-95. And use only high-quality original engine oil. I also didn’t like the seat, which can only be used comfortably by one person, that is, the driver. It is uncomfortable for the passenger to sit, even despite the presence of a passenger backrest. The seat is very slippery and not suitable for fast driving. But it is safer for the driver to hold onto the steering wheel, so at speeds above 100 km/h it is better for the passenger not to sit down. The snowmobile is made of high-quality materials; I was pleased with the fit of the parts and the aggressive appearance.
Price
The cost of the new 2021 Arctic Cat Pantera 7000 snowmobile in the basic configuration is $13,099 (when purchased from an official manufacturer, excluding delivery to Russia, customs duties and other fees). The 2021 Pantera LTD model costs 14,399 USD on the official website. An improved version of the snowmobile, the XT Limited, will cost the buyer $15,499.
Buying a snowmobile in Russia will be somewhat more expensive. The official Arctic Cat dealer in the CIS countries offers the following prices for the Pantera 7000 XT LTD model:
- 2017 year of manufacture – from 1,280,000 rubles (on credit from 32,925 rubles/month);
- Year of manufacture 2018 – from 1,380,000 rubles (on credit from 35,498 rubles/month).
Used equipment from this brand will not cost much less than a new original from a showroom. This is due to the fact that production of the Panther 7000 began relatively recently, the characteristics are updated regularly, and the cost of the vehicle does not allow Arctic Cat products to be widely distributed throughout the Russian Federation. As a result, used Arctic Cat 7000 snowmobiles are very rarely found for sale.
