After unveiling the all-new CATALYST platform during the 2022 Hay Days backed by the 600 C-TEC2 engine, Arctic Cat told all of us to hang tight, as a new big-bore engine would be coming for those who desired something bigger.
Fast forward a year, and Arctic Cat fully delivered on their promise this past weekend at Hay Days, launching the all-new 858 C-TEC2, PLUS, debuted a look at an all-new digital 8-inch gauge powered by the leading navigator company, Garmin! The momentum continues to roll, and now is a great time to be an Arctic Cat fan!
Here’s a bit of back history, lead-up to 2023 Hay Days launch, and an overview of the new 858 stroker engine and G8 gauge. As we progress towards the 2025 model year launch this spring, I’ll continue to share more information and insight on both of these exciting all-new pieces. Enjoy! – Kale
This year (2023), members of the media were invited to Arctic Cat’s engine manufacturing facility in St. Cloud, MN for a download on the new 858 engine and a look at the manufacturing line where it will be built alongside the 600 C-TEC2.
SIDENOTE: For those who are unclear (I met and talked to several of you at Hay Days), Arctic Cat has been designing and building their own 2-stroke C-TEC2 engines since 2013 (600), then adding the 800 for 2018. To clarify further, Yamaha has NOT been supplying ALL engines for Arctic Cat – Yamaha has only supplied the 1049 and 998 C-TEC 4-strokes, and those for Youth 120/200 units.
INTRODUCING THE 858 – PURPOSE-BUILT FOR THE CATALYST PLATFORM
The 858 engine was designed to optimize the CATALYST platform’s centralized design, so the rider can utilize the additional power with more precision and control.
The innovative laydown engine design places the intake and exhaust in front of the engine allowing for the industry’s best mass centralization and lower center of gravity that the rider can feel for incomparable maneuverability.
Improved exhaust valve and fuel system controls for increased performance and reduced emissions.
The design is based on decades of Arctic Cat innovation complemented by the ingenuity of the current team to ensure the engine components fit the CATALYST platform’s design. From working around the centerline steering, to integrating components for weight reduction and increased performance, there were no compromises in building this all-new C-TEC2 engine.
Available across trail, crossover and mountain platforms for Model Year 2025.
OPTIMIZED POWER IN THE INDUSTRY’S EASIEST TO RIDE PACKAGE
A new air intake system is integrated into the platform maximizing airflow to the engine for more power output. Multiple secondary, under-hood inlets prevent snow ingestion and optimize performance in all snow conditions.
The new, patented exhaust valve design is the latest, most advanced in the industry. It stays tight to the piston as it moves and provides smoother exhaust port flow throughout a wider RPM range on both primary and auxiliary ports. It also provides seamless power and cleaner emissions.
Compared to Arctic Cat’s current 800 C-TEC2 engine, the 858 provides 11% more power and torque, providing quicker acceleration and a higher top speed.
MORE POWER – LIGHTER WEIGHT
With its integrated engine mounting design and new exhaust system, the 858 engine is 4% lighter in weight than the current 600 C-TEC2 and provides a lower center of gravity compared to competitive engines.
To keep a lightweight, compact size for the CATALYST platform, Arctic Cat used an 85mm bore while increasing to a 75.6 stroke to achieve more horsepower and deep, bottomless torque that pulls hard and smoothly through the entire RPM range. The result is a power-dense, easy-to-ride package, and hence, the “STROKER” moniker.
KEY FEATURES OF THE NEW ARCTIC CAT 8-INCH G8 DISPLAY
MAIN MENU – Provides simple navigation between Map, Vehicle Information, Media, and Phone applications and much more.
VEHICLE DATA SCREEN – Includes coolant temperature, fuel level, speedometer, odometer, RPMs, reverse indicator, and user customizable data fields.
STATUS BAR – Status bar at the bottom of all screens offering quick navigation, active warnings, and key vehicle information.
TRAIL MAPS – Pre-loaded Snowmobile trail maps for the United States and Canada that include points of interest such as restaurants, gas stations and campgrounds. Map views are layered to include topography, private/public lands, and various other features. Users can also plan and track routes.
GROUP RIDE – Without cellular coverage, users can use the integrated Group Ride Radio to see, text, and track up to 20 riders. Paired with a compatible Bluetooth headset, riders can also communicate with other riders through 2-way voice. Riders without an integrated device can download the free mobile app and join a cellular based Group Ride as well as enjoy all mapping features. *Radio based Group Ride not available in Canada or Europe.
PHONE CONNECTIVITY – Receive smart notifications, access dial pad, view contacts, receive live weather forecasts, look at the radar and play music when paired to a mobile device.
Cat says 11% hp increase relative to the current 800. If you assume the 800 puts out ~165 hp, that says the new engine should dyno around 183-185 hp. Considering both the Ski Doo and Polaris turbo 850’s are around 183 hp each, Cat’s new big bore should be a force to be reckoned with on the snow.
Ive heard whispers the 858 may give a certain 9’R a run for its money. Regardless of hp, cudos to AC on new big-bore and the gauge. Can’t wait to get my Catalyst 600 129 ATAC, and this morning I went to my dealer and put money down on a new 858! Kale, will the gauge retro back to those of us who bought a 24 Catalyst?
180 would be very nice, and what this engine should make, but the 11% more than the 800 puts it around 165-170 hp.
Hopefully the light weight of the catalyst makes it perform. It really needs to be noticeably quicker/faster than doo or poo, to get back the customers who jumped ship after not being able to wait any longer.
More like 172 plus. Worse dyno I’ve seen was 155. Most optimistic, 167. Play the middle.
Can’t wait! Arctic Cat!
The 800 only makes 153-6 HP ‼️ So your looking at around 170hp…..
Does the 600 use the same exhaust valve system as the 858? Will they release a 658 at haydaze next year?
It sounded like the exhaust valve system was redesigned on the 858, meaning it’s different than the 600. They said the number of parts was cut in half.
I’m really excited about the 2025’s, not only because of their new engine, but also the new display. These are huge steps forward.
I stood at the edge of the stage next to the 858-powered Catalyst after the presentation at Hay Days, and that put me at about eyeball level with the engine – or what should’ve been the engine. At that angle, you can see the top half of the recoil assembly and the steering post. The engine is so LOW, you can’t see it. Sometimes, it’s something simple that has the most profound impact on how a person perceives things, and that’s what stood out to me. No wonder the Catalyst handles so well, the heaviest components on a snowmobile can’t get any lower!
Cat is not saying hp numbers at all. There new thing is saying like 180hp class or 165 hp class. There current 800 dynos more closely to the 150 number. So 11 percent more is more like 165-166 which would be not good for them. And probably why they are not saying a number. If this engine is putting out 180 hp they would be saying that, because that’s impressive…my guess is its gonna take a turbo to get this engine to 180. Like the turbo they have patented. But just my guess
Just curious, what will MSRP will be on a 2025 Catalyst 858 RR (hopefully with a 129″ uncoupled skid)?
Is there going to be a gauge kit offered to use the G8 gauge on older Arctic Cats ?
I was told there will be a G8 kit that can be used to retrofit all CATALYST models (basically 2024s). Because there isn’t a designated dash space on any other platforms like the ProCross, I don’t know at this time if a G8 (mounting) Kit will be made for those units. Ill keep the question in mind though and post any info here as I learn of it.
Thanks
Maybe I’m wrong, but I recall Cat saying that the current iteration of the 800 engine was a 165 class engine.
If that’s the case then 180+/- hp is about right.
If the current 800 dynos out around 150 hp, then the new 858 falls in at 165 hp which would be disappointing considering the Ski Doo and Polaris turbos are 180 HP class engines (please, not another “wait til next year” scenario for Cat).
You are comparing a 858 NA to a 850 Turbo. Apples and oranges
The entire class thing was purely marketing people. They claimed “160 class” despite the engine not making 160 hp. Then with no changes to the engine, or its power output, marketing changed their claim to “165 class”
The shootout in old forge (name has changed a couple times over the years, but it was the amsnow shootout for a long time)
Takes sleds from every manufacture (out of dealer stock so they don’t get sent a ringer by one of the factories) dyno tests them at dynotech research, all on the same day, same conditions, same fuel.
They then run them down an instrumented test track, with the same rider, and publish the results. Looking for those results will tell you the real world hp.
for 2021s the 800 cat made 154 hp, 850 doo 162 hp, 840 poo 167 hp
I thought Cat made changes to the 800 in either 2022 or 2023 that bumped up horsepower.
Haven’t seen actual dyno results so I’m at a disadvantage.
Having said that Cat is being coy about the 858 horsepower.
Those numbers make sense. The bigger CC engines put out more power. Cat is late to the game but they’re in the same ballpark now.
Kale, can you come up with any more info, or drawings on the new exhaust valve setup. It looks pretty slick, and I like the description, but its hard to find and tech nerd info on it.
This was all information shared with us at the Media Event. Ill get into the nitty-gritty in the coming weeks with some interviews from engineering.
I’d like to hear more about the fuel injection. They didn’t even mention it in the news release.
More like 172 plus. Worse dyno I’ve seen was 155. Most optimistic, 167. Play the middle.
I’m not being negative either just my opinion. I have a 19 800 cat with a riot tune, and it’s not even close to 165 hp. I love the sled. Cat also said the 998 turbo was 180 class hp its first year. So hopefully I’m wrong and this 858 is a monster so we can shut up the ski doo guys.
The 998 went over 200. So they claimed less. 204 to 211.
How many CEO’s, President’s, and VPs has Arctic Cat had since Textron took over? Hopefully the vision isn’t changing each and every time.
I assume this also means that Heidi has moved on…
Heidi moved on a while ago. They are on ceo #4, but no idea how many different people have been in the job Heidi did. They seem to put somone in charge, just long enough for them to repeat all the mistakes made by the prior person, then replace them as soon as that person has an idea of what is going on.
It has been a clown show since Chris Twomey retired, and that was pre-E-Z-Go(Textron).
I should add that Phil Jandt is one of the very few TSV people that were nice to deal with, and actually sympathetic to the dealer. Very dang few.
Talking to one of the engineers at Haydays he was saying last June he was driving the New 858 against the Polaris 9R in the mountains and it would consistently beat it up the mountain. You can argue Hp all day but its what the total chassis put to the ground that counts. The new exhaust design I believe is a game changer and will make this two stroke have the widest power band ever seen in a two stroke engine. Should help with mileage too. I do not see Textron coming out with another two stroke , like a 700 They like to keep things more simplified and the snowmobile industry numbers don’t support EPA certification of another two stroke. You will see the basic trail, crossover, and mountain chassis’s options , but now with two two stroke options.
If it truly was pulling the 9R up hills they would have it on video for all the word too see …..
Nice looking motor and design. Hope it competes with NA 850’s and they up the anti with a 2 stroke Turbo. However, with the Yamaha leaving AC, then now what will AC offer for a 4stroke? I mean, they will have big shoes to fill as the 998 Turbo is a beast and would have been nice in the new chassis. What’s the plan for the 4 stroke crowd as I am just not into the Weed Wacker motors.
Isn’t the 120 and 200 Yamaha?
Yes. Both engines are supplied by Yamaha.
Comments being made (everywhere) about Arctic Cat’s horsepower on new 858 engine peak my curiosity and tickle my elementary level funny bone. Personally, Ive never ridden a Dyno, but apparently that’s the most popular model out on the trail. Does a Dyno corner better with a 20-inch handlebar riser? 🙂
100% correct!
Kale, I’m assuming you’re joking, didn’t AC advertise HP, and weight while you were there?
Speaking of weight.. any word on the press release with official weight?
Kale, I just won Haydays on a 2016 M8000. There were 3 of them in the Finals. HP & light weight wins races ‼️ I’d like to win on a current model. Like in the past. Problem is the Ctec doesn’t make HP with the injectors in the back of the motor. They make 7-8 more HP when you put them up front ‼️ Problem is the EPA reading is better in the back. They need to work on that. What Wins on Sunday, Sells on Monday ‼️ Iv had many people tell me. That they seen me win on the new model through the years. And went to the dealer and bought that sled.
Come On Kale… Quit the crap…. If that was the case, then why did they make a 858? Hp sells sleds… and right now in the sled business, it is a HP war… Its the reason why the 4 stroke sales of the TCAT sell out every year and skidoo’s 850 is still king on the 2 stroke.
Agree. Go big or go home.
A state of the art engine that spanks the naturally aspirated 850’s from Ski Doo and Polaris is a commendable accomplishment.
But historically Cat has prided itself as the big dog (big cat?) in the neighborhood when it comes to high performance sleds.
Having a naturally aspirated 858 that is competitive with the turbo 850’s would have been a home run. If that was an unrealistic expectation, Cat could have come out with both the naturally aspirated 858 and a turbo 858 so it unquestionably was the leader in the high performance segment.
Now we’ll likely have to wait 2 years for Cat to come out with a turbo version. Who knows what Ski Doo and Polaris will have in showrooms by then.
Did anyone else notice this statement from above…. “, the 858 engine is 4% lighter in weight than the current 600 C-TEC2” Does that mean a new 600 C-TEC in the future?
sometimes when I picture my troy halverson I picture him hammered drunk at a skynard concert with long flowing hair like jesus…
better have a 20 in riser for the dangles with all that power and extra suction cups for the stick on mohawk
That’s hilarious there, Ricky Bobby! ?
But I’m sure that Troy is just catching up after all those years that he had to keep the ‘do high and tight in the Marine Corps.
with Wes Selby’s long flowing locks moving on to SkiDoo… someone had to take the role
short straw
Yeah, what was up with the hair? I made it through the lap dog interview, but I’m not sure what camp this is anymore.
NICE. After all the waiting it better walk the walk.
I agree kale, we dont ride dynos. When I’m out on my 19 800 cross country I ride often leading with 850s, until we hit a lake or if we line up in a field. And at that point the 850s just pull right away. It’s just bragging rights. And its reversed when I’m on the 22 tcat, I pull away. Hp wars are not new and not going away, sled heads wanna be the top dog (or cat).
How about an early build ! Wouldn’t be my first (03 900, 13 RR8) I’m ready, put up or shut up! Cash in hand.
Totally unrelated to this thread, but has there been anything mentioned about what Cat will be offering up for the 2023-2024 season snocross and cross-country circuits?
I wasn’t at Hay Days, but from the industry online rags, it looks like only Ski Doo showed its hand for the upcoming race season.
Same SX as 2018-up… because they only make 60 units. Not the ISR requirement . They can’t make any changes to the sled. You Won’t see any in the winner circle, again ‼️Bummer ‼️
So they have the new Catalyst chassis but won’t be running it this season? Ridiculous!
AC won’t be running CATALYST in snocross, but they did last year in cross-country and won. AC will race CATALYST RXC this winter.
https://www.arcticinsider.com/history-in-making-arctic-cat-catalyst-zr-wins-first-pro-xc-race/
The ZR R-XC will be the sled for cross country. Sno-X maybe next year. If Textron lets them build the ISR requirement I Believe it’s down to 150 units. It used to be 500 at one time.
Great review of the G8 display by Luke Lester over on the Supertrax webpage.
He is very impressed. Bottom line: Cat has gone from 4th in a three horse race to the head of the pack from a gauge / display perspective. Has features / functionality that the other two don’t have.
Basically does everything my NSG1 gauge does now, maybe better color/resolution.
when will we see an action video?
incredible build, attention to detail is top notch.
epic fail… meant to post this on the Dimmerman build.