New Ascender platform with Next-Gen Mountain body panels: The Ascender platform brings a whole new way to attack the mountain. Running boards are 1 in. narrower than previous designs and the overall profile is 10% narrower for improved side-hill performance, improved venting and ease of laying the sled over in deep snow. The revised bellypan shape allows the rider’s feet to move 2 inches further forward for even greater ergonomic options for riding. The drive shaft dropped 1.125 inches allows for a 9.7º lowered approach angle providing more maneuverability and the ability to get up and stay up on the snow. Improved fit and finish with easy on/off one-piece body panels allow easy access to the engine compartment and brings a distinctive Arctic Cat styling.
8000 C-TEC2 Engine with DSI: Introducing the most efficient and responsive 8000 engine from Arctic Cat. Fresh from our plant in St. Cloud, Minnesota, this 2-stroke engine features noticeably faster throttle response and acceleration compared with our previous 800, plus up to 30% reduction in oil consumption below 7000 rpm, 36% increase in low-end torque and 18% increase in midrange torque. Delivering a rare combination of increased power, reduced emissions, and ultra-low oil consumption, the overall crispness sets new standards for performance and rideability in the 160-hp class.
1.125" Dropped Driveshaft: Like the 2017 Mountain Cat, this 2018 M 8000 Sno Pro is fitted with the 1.125" dropped driveshaft. The increased track-to-tunnel clearance of 3" allows us to use 8-tooth drive sprockets on this model, giving you a flatter approach angle with more floatability and maneuverability. In addition, you’ll also notice a huge difference in your sled handling. This update delivers a more efficient power transfer to the snow, letting you enjoy more horsepower when climbing, carving, sidehilling and boondocking.
Arctic Mountain Front Suspension with: FOX FLOAT 3 Shocks
Lightweight, forged-aluminum spindles have less surface area than the previous design, reducing drag and improving performance in deep snow. Also, dual-phase high strength alloy-steel A-arms are lighter than previous designs. FOX FLOAT 3 air shocks are improved for 2018 with improved ride and handling – with more supple compression in the initial stroke travel – thanks to increased volume on the ski shocks via a new body cap and shorter negative spring.: FLOAT-ACTION Rear Suspension with Front Arctic Cat IFP and Rear
FOX FLOAT 3: Thanks to increased shock length from 16 in. to 17 in. on the rear arm shock, the FOX FLOAT 3 air shock provides smother compression in the initial stroke travel. The FLOAT-ACTION rear suspension’s unique tri-hub rear axle system provides a better ride quality in all conditions.
Arctic Drive System with TEAM Drive and Driven Clutches: The Arctic Drive System features TEAM Rapid Response II drive and Rapid Reaction BOSS driven clutch combination for smooth shifting, optimal performance, maximum durability; great serviceability; and reduced weight. The new Rapid Response II drive clutch features a roller bearing on the shaft that enables an autoadjusting belt tension design and delivers consistent performance without manual adjustments. It also features a 12.5 percent lower effective starting ratio (while maintaining the top ratio) for smoother engagement and reduced belt wear at drive-away speed, with more evenly distributed force for lower belt pressure. It’s a design that’s unique to Arctic Cat.
153-in. & 162-in. Power Claw Track with 3-in. Lugs: This lightweight, single-ply track with a 3" pitch sets the standard for deep snow performance. Stagger-set, curved-forward paddle towers won’t fold over. The new industry-leading 3" lug grips the powder like no other. Available in 153" and 162" lengths.
Deluxe Digital Gauge with Altimeter: This dual configurable LCD screen gauge allows to you check all the vital information about your snowmobile and more. 15 different readings to be exact. There’s an odometer, speedometer, altimeter, max RPM, 2 trip meters, engine hours, low oil light, coolant temperature, exhaust temperature, intake air temperature, battery voltage, fuel level, clock and reverse indicator.
ProClimb - 7 Skis: The ProClimb-7 mountain ski is 7" at the tip, tapering to 6.5" at the center. The wider skis enhance your carving abilities and prevent unintended downhill braking. A wider ski damper featuring a longer axle and bolt increases lateral adjustability.
Lightweight Mountain Seat: In the backcountry, the less weight the better. So we’ve designed this seat to be low and short. That also makes it easier to hop from one side of your sled to the other when carving through challenging terrain.
Lightweight Brake Disc: For improved performance, we’ve made the rotor 12% larger, yet 60% lighter. That translates to more confidence behind the handlebars.
Vertical steering post, 4.5" riser with adjustable mountain handlebar: Want to counter-steer on steep hills? This 4.5" vertical post provides a more natural handlebar turning arc when you’re riding standing up.
Engine
Type: 2-stroke
Displacement (cc): 794
Cooling: Liquid
Cylinders: 2
Bore x Stroke (mm): 85 x 70
Lubrication: Electronic Injection
Ignition: Digitally Controlled CDI
Engine Stator Output: 325 Watts
Fuel Delivery: Dual stage injection
Exhaust: APV with tuned pipe, pipe sensor and stainless steel muffler
Fuel Capacity gal. (l): 11.7 (44.29)
Oil System Capacity qt. (l): 3.6 (3.41)
Coolant System Capacity qt. (l): 5 (4.73)
Minimum Octane: 91
Suspension
Front Suspension: Arctic Mountain Suspension (AMS)
Ski Shocks: FOX FLOAT 3
Front Travel in. (cm): 7 (17.78)
Rear Suspension: FLOAT-ACTION Rear Suspension
Front Track Shock: Arctic Cat IFP 1.5
Rear Track Shock: FOX FLOAT 3
Rear Travel in. (cm): 15.5 (39.37)
Dimensions
Chassis Overall Length in. (cm): 132.3 (336.04)
Chassis Overall Width in. (cm): 41.5-45.5 (105.41-115.57)
Chassis Overall Height in. (cm): 50 (127)
Track Type: Power Claw
Track Width in. (cm): 15 (38.1)
Track Length in. (cm): 153 (388.62)
Lug in. (cm): 3.00 (7.62)
Pitch in. (cm): 3.0 (7.62)
Ski Stance in. (cm): 34.5-38.5 (87.63-97.79) Adjustable
Ski Type / Width in. (cm): ProClimb - 7 (17.78)
Runner Type: Single runner w/carbide
Instrumentation
Type of Gauge: Deluxe Digital
Speedometer: Digital
Tachometer: Digital
Odometer: Digital
Fuel: Digital
Oil: Indicator Light
Coolant: Digital/Indicator Light
Clock: Digital
Altimeter: Digital
Hours: Digital
Feature Specifications
12V Outlet: Standard
Electric Start: Standard on SE models
Front Bumper: Sport
Goggle Holder: Accessory
Hand & Thumb Warmers: Standard
Hand Guards: Accessory
Front-Mount Heat Exchanger: Standard
Headlights: Dual halogen 2-bulb
Ice Scratchers: Standard
Lightweight Brake Disc: Standard
Mirrors: Accessory
Mountain Strap: Standard
Rear Rack: Accessory
Rear Storage: Mountain Storage Bag
Seat: Lightweight Mountain
Side Panel Wind Deflectors: Accessory
Sno Pro Brake Lever: Accessory
Steering: Vertical steering post, 4.5 in. (11.43 cm) riser with adjustable mountain handlebar