Wildcat XX
We also heard more details about the somewhat elusive Wildcat XX. This side-by-side, pictures of which have been floating around since Cat’s dealer meeting earlier this year, will use Yamaha’s triple-cylinder 998cc powerplant. When we asked if this engine might someday in the future be offered with a turbo, the answer was “perhaps.” The vehicle will have 17.5 inches of travel front and rear and King Shocks on all four corners. It will have KMC 15-inch wheels, 30-inch tires, full doors and race-inspired ROPS.
Collins said the Wildcat XX has a projected release date of next spring, not this fall as rumors had been circulating about. While some (many?) view that release date as disappointing, Collins said the Wildcat XX will be the first vehicle Textron will stamp its name on as a cobranded vehicle with Arctic Cat and “we want to make sure its right.” He added, “People don’t understand that the XX is a ground-up new vehicle” and it will take time to make sure the vehicle is ready to go before it is released.
Another bit of information that caught our attention has to do with powerplants and where future engines for Textron/Arctic Cat vehicles will be coming from. We learned that a couple of years ago Textron bought engine maker Weber Motor Company, based in Germany. Renamed Textron Motors after the acquisition, those are the engines that power Textron’s gas-powered Stampede lineup. And, according to Holleran, that will be he engine of choice for future Stampedes.
However, Collins pointed out that Textron will still produce engines at Cat’s St. Cloud, MN, engine facility, which makes both two- and four-stroke engines.
Engine Technology
Collins also pointed out, “We bring a lot of engine technology with us.” That is, perhaps, why Collins later said, “The sentiment that the Wildcat is underpowered will go away.”
One more bit of information we found interesting is Textron’s aggressive effort to clear Arctic Cat dirt vehicles out of dealerships so the company can start stocking those businesses with Textron-branded side-by-sides, ATVs and, the company hopes, E-Z-Go vehicles. At the time of the Textron event, the Textron/Arctic Cat “No Brainer” sales event had increased sales by 40 percent at Cat dealerships. Makes sense, out with the old, in with the new.
So how can side-by-sides, ATVs and snowmobiles compete for attention in a $14 billion company that manufactures over-the-top cool things like fighter jets, helicopters, smaller passenger jets and amphibious craft?
Collins tackled our question. “Textron Specialized Vehicles is very much a stand alone vehicles business in Textron. We have a P&L we have to live in. Our P&L stands outside of planes and helicopters.”
He continued, “Folks inside Textron Specialized Vehicles are passionate. Complacency is not a part of our nature.”
Collins said Textron will use its resources to invest in present Arctic Cat people and facilities. “We are absolutely committed to Thief River Falls manufacturing infrastructure, tooling and more,” he said. “We will be investing in that to insure we’re building world-class products. We will also invest in people.”
Holleran, the president and CEO, said, “I can’t tell you how thrilled we are to have Arctic Cat a part of the family.” He also said Textron has been looking at Arctic Cat for years and even listened in on its stockholder meetings and watched as the company grew, released new products and competed in the powersports industry.
“We are committed to be a powersports power house,” Collins said.
