The current lineup of Arctic Cat performance snowmobiles encompasses no fewer than 25 models including a small number of race replica (RR) models. For 2015, however, the company substantially dialled back the settings of many components to deliver a more civilized ride in a superior trail sled that retains the look and features of a racer.

Available on a limited basis, the 2015 Arctic Cat ZR 6000 RR is one of them. A key component, of course, is the lightweight ProCross chassis. This two-piece tapered aluminum platform is designed for rider-forward control and provides stiff support for the added components.

Photo: Arctic Cat

Naturally, since this sled is a race replica, you'll find top-of-the-line shocks up front, namely Fox Float X Evol units with both compression and rebound adjustability to control the 10” of front travel. These are incredibly flexible shocks that can be fine-tuned once or every mile, depending whether shock tuning is your hobby or not. In the back is the Slide-Action rear suspension with adjustable torsion springs as well as FOX ZERO Pro piggyback shocks with adjustable damping. Here you get 13.5” of travel.

Elsewhere, the 2015 Arctic Cat ZR 6000 RR uses a 15”x129”x1.25” Ripsaw track that features an aggressively angled, “chopped” lug design to deliver excellent handling, acceleration and braking on hard-packed surfaces, the company says.

Meanwhile, the liquid-cooled, 599cc, two-stroke, twin-cylinder 6000 C-TEC2 engine benefits from an electronic oil pump that accurately meters fuel/oil ratios by RPM and by altitude to significantly reduce oil and fuel consumption. Dual-stage injection ensures clean combustion with low emissions.

You’ll be able to keep tabs on engine performance with a quick glance of the easy-to-read deluxe digital gauge. The dual LCD screens give you all the info you need, plus you can customize the gauge to your own preferences.

New for 2015, there's a vented side panel that increases the airflow to the clutches to reduce drive belt temperatures for optimum performance. Speaking of body panels, the entire thing is fitted with bold, race-inspired graphics, helping the ZR 6000 RR make quite a statement with the bright green colour, piggyback shocks, stylish aluminum riser bar, and tall-spindle front end.

Also contributing to the racer look, but certainly not to wind protection, is a dramatically low windscreen (if you can even call it that); consider opting for a larger one to enjoy more comfort and stay longer on the trail, especially on really cold days.

The 2015 Arctic Cat ZR 6000 RR starts at $14,549.