2011 Arctic Cat Early Release Models

ATV.com Staff
by ATV.com Staff
New Prowler HDX 700 highlights early release lineup

To help whet our appetites for its full 2011 ATV and Prowler lineup, Arctic Cat has released a handful of early release models.

The brand new performance utility Prowler HDX 700 and revamped Prowler 550 XT highlight certainly piqued our interest, while the rest of the early release models offer mostly new colors and modest changes from 2010.

Prowler HDX 700

All new for 2010 is the Arctic Cat Prowler HDX 700 side-by-side.

Setting the HDX 700 apart from the performance utility side-by-side competition is a huge 85-inch wheelbase that provides a whopping 1,500 of payload capacity.

Other features include a new 2-in-1 cargo box with multiple tie-down spots that can hold 1,000 pounds. According to Arctic Cat, the box is wide enough to hold a wooden pallet. If you need to haul something a little wider, the sides of the box can be detached to create a flatbed.

In the cab you’ll find a 40/20/40 sculpted seat that can carry three adults. The dashboard houses a digital gauge package with an all-new dash-mounted shifter.

2011 Arctic Cat Prowler HDX 700

2011 Arctic Cat Prowler HDX 700

The HDX 700 has also been equipped with Arctic Cat’s new Variable Assist Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system, along with a five-position tilt steering column. The EPS system allows steering assistance to the HDX before it even starts to move at idle. According to Arctic Cat, this serves as a huge benefit for conserving the rider’s input energy when in 4WD, especially when the differential lock is engaged. Arctic Cat EPS reduces the torque necessary to steer the HDX when changing direction with a loaded cargo box or navigating tough obstacles along the trail

Power is provided by Arctic Cat’s 695cc, SOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valve, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel injected engine.

Fully independent double A-arm front and rear suspension offers 10 inches of suspension travel and 10 inches of ground clearance. Fox FLOAT Air Assist shocks complete the HDX suspension, combining Fox FLOAT Air Technology with a coil-over spring for increased load capability. According to Arctic Cat, under heavy load conditions, the FLOAT Air Assist allows the vehicle’s load requirement to be easily adjusted by simply adding air pressure to the FLOAT air chamber. During normal conditions the coil takes over as the main spring.

Finally, the HDX 700 comes with a ROPS certified roll over protection system and a two-inch front and rear receiver hitches that can help tow an impressive 2,000 pounds.

The HDX 700 is available in Tungsten Metallic and Advantage Timber Camo.

Prowler 550 XT

Arctic Cat released the Prowler 550 XT last year and some key changes have already been made for 2011.

The most obvious feature is a new Baja racing-inspired, ROPS-certified round tube canopy. This replaces the old Prowler’s boxy looking cage and makes the 550 XT look a lot more sporty. Also new is a digital gauge with seat belt indicator light and 14-inch aluminum wheels. Additionally, the foot throttle was redesigned with a lighter actuator spring.

Power is still provided by a 545cc, SOHC, single cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine. The Duramatic automatic transmission features dynamic engine braking with Low, High, Neutral, and Reverse.

2011 Arctic Cat Prowler 550 XT

2011 Arctic Cat Prowler 550 XT

The Prowler 550 XT is heavy on storage, thanks to a 600-pound payload capacity in the composite tilting cargo bed with a pickup-style tailgate. Under the hood you’ll find a storage compartment that can hold up to 25 pounds and can double as a drainable ice cooler. The 550 XT also comes with two-inch front and rear receiver hitches and 1,500 pounds of towing capacity.

Fully independent double A-arm suspension is found front and rear, supplying 10 inches of travel and 10 inches of ground clearance. Spring preload adjustable shocks are used on all four corners.

The 550 XT is available in Red, Green, and Lime Green bodywork.

450

Outside of the colors, the 2011 450 is pretty much the same as the 2010 450 H1 EFI.

Now available in Advantage Timber Camo, Red, or Lime bodywork, Arctic Cat is hoping the 450 will prove to be the ultimate mid-range performance utility ATV. It’s powered by a 443cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled, single cylinder engine.

2011 Arctic Cat 450

2011 Arctic Cat 450

It features the same narrow, sculpted bodywork from 2010, but the seat has been lowered over an inch thanks to a new seat foam compound.

Other features include a two-inch receiver, five-way pre-load adjustable front and rear shocks, 10 inches of suspension travel, 11 inches of ground clearance, 300 pounds of front/rear rack capacity, and an all-encompassed electronic 2WD/4WD/Differential lock switch.

550, 550 S (EPS), 550 LTD (EPS)

Not much new to report here as the 550 S and 550 LTD were both released as late model 2010 versions that we reviewed in March. Neither has changed for the 2011 model year, though the 550 receives the same lowered seat height as the 450.

Key features include a two-inch receiver, five-way pre-load adjustable front and rear shocks, 10 inches of suspension travel, 11 inches of ground clearance, 300 pounds of front/rear rack capacity, and an all-encompassed electronic 2WD/4WD/Differential lock switch.

2011 Arctic Cat 550 LTD

2011 Arctic Cat 550 LTD

The 550 is available in Advantage Timber Camo bodywork, while the 550 S is offered in Lime and the 550 LTD in Tungsten Metallic painted bodywork. The 550 and 550 S feature 12-inch steel wheels, but the 550 LTD has 12-inch aluminum wheels, a winch, and front and rear bumpers.

700 S (EPS), 700 LTD (EPS)

Like the 550 models, the 700 S and 700 LTD were both released last year as late 2010 models which we reviewed in January. The units are identical in 2011.

Key features include a two-inch receiver, five-way pre-load adjustable front and rear shocks, 10 inches of suspension travel, 11 inches of ground clearance, 300 pounds of front/rear rack capacity, and an all-encompassed electronic 2WD/4WD/Differential lock switch.

2011 Arctic Cat 700 LTD

2011 Arctic Cat 700 LTD

The 700 S is available in Advantage Timber Camo bodywork and features 12-inch steel wheels, while the 700 LTD comes in Tungsten Metallic or Viper Blue painted bodywork and includes 12-inch aluminum wheels, a winch, and front and rear bumpers.

TRV 550 GT (EPS), 700 GT (EPS)

For 2011 Arctic Cat has expanded its TRV lineup with two new GT models that feature its new Electronic Power Steering system.

Features on the TRV include a two-up seat with cushioned seat back for legal trail riding. Improved ergonomics and an easy pin-pull removal system allow you to transform the TRV into a single-rider vehicle. Integrated footrests are designed to provide smooth and secure footing for passengers.

An all-encompassed electronic 2WD/4WD/Differential Lock switch on the right hand control makes going in/out of 4WD or Diff Lock an easier process.

2011 Arctic Cat TRV 700 GT

2011 Arctic Cat TRV 700 GT

Other premium features include zero-maintenance suspension bushings, sealed drive shafts,


6.5-gallon fuel tank, full-length plastic skid plate, two-inch receiver, five-way pre-load adjustable front and rear shocks, 11 inches of ground clearance, and 100 pounds of rack capacity.

The TRV 550 GT (EPS) is available in AC Copper Metalic painted bodywork, while the 700 is offered in Arctic Green Metallic painted bodywork.

Related Reading


2010 Arctic Cat 550 S 4×4 Review


2010 Arctic Cat 700 S 4×4 Review


2010 Arctic Cat Thundercat 1000 H2 Review


2010 Arctic Cat Lineup Unveiled


2010 Arctic Cat Early Release Models


All Things Arctic Cat on ATV.com

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