The ProClimb-based 2014 Arctic Cat M 8000 Sno Pro (formerly known as M 800 Sno Pro) is now 18lb lighter and promises even more performance to mountain enthusiasts -- all in a tough, aggressively styled package.

Mean mountain cat
The 2014 Arctic Cat M 8000 Sno Pro is powered by a liquid-cooled, two-stroke, 794cc, twin-cylinder engine that produces up to 160 hp -- on par with competing engines utilized in the mountain class. It features a lightweight, quick-revving crankshaft, twin spark plugs per cylinder, battery-less EFI, and weight-saving engine reverse technology. This Suzuki-built powerplant has proven reliable so far with a history of minimal mechanical problems.

As a part of the new front-mounted heat exchanger system, which lowers the sled's dry weight by nearly 4lb and helps reduce snow build-up for further weight savings, ice scratchers can be lowered to kick up some ice and thus keep the engine cool to prevent overheating.

Photo: Arctic Cat

Clawing its way like no other
Featuring new Fox Float 3 shocks, the Arctic Race front suspension on the 2014 Arctic Cat M 8000 Sno Pro uses tall, lightweight ski spindles and widely spaced A-arms to provide superior torsion rigidity and strength. By the way, the ski stance is adjustable from 38”-39”. In the back, the springless M suspension features Arctic Cat IFP/Fox Float 2 shocks. Engineers moved the rear skid back toward the tail, allowing the rear suspension to flatten out when launching in deep snow, so expect better handling than with the previous model.

Front travel is 9”, while rear travel is 15.5” with the shorter 153” track, and 16.5” with the longer 162” track. Either way, the PowerClaw has industry-leading 2.6” lugs that can bite into anything for unparalleled deep-snow performance.

Improved ergonomics
The 2014 Arctic Cat M 8000 Sno Pro's new seat has a lower height and reduced length that will make transitioning from side to side easier. It also comes with a small, built-in storage compartment.

Other highlights include a drilled brake rotor that's 12% larger, yet 60% lighter than the previous unit, a deluxe digital/analog gauge (with an altimeter, of course), as well as high/low hand & thumb warmers mounted on a telescoping mountain handlebar (4” of range allowing various riding positions). The standard low-height windshield can be replaced by a larger one, and you can select other options such as hand guards, a front sport bumper, premium shocks, storage bags, and electric start.

The 2014 Arctic Cat M 8000 Sno Pro retails for $13,799. Add $750 for the Sno Pro 162. Competition comes from the Polaris 800 Pro-RMK 155/163, Ski-Doo Summit X 800R, and Yamaha SRViper M-TX 153/162.

Note: The 2015 model is already available.