Before the 2019 Arctic Cat M 8000 Alpha One has even hit the snow, Arctic Cat is coming right back at us while the momentum is high with their next sled to feature the revolutionary monorail rear suspension. This time it is an even lighter and more agile version; the 2019 M 6000 Alpha One (154). By combining the ultra-easy maneuverability of the ALPHA ONE system with the predictable power of the 6000-Series engine, the M 6000 ALPHA ONE instills total confidence in riders aiming to learn and master backcountry skills.
The Easy Way To Master the Backcountry
The newest M Series snowmobile is based on the continually-evolving Ascender platform and narrow profile bodywork. The lightweight and durable platform featuring narrow running boards, forward foot position and a low driveshaft provides the foundation for its deep snow carving excellence and intuitive rider ergonomics.
It’s matched by the lightweight Arctic Mountain Suspension (AMS) with mountain-specific spindles, geometry and adjustable 35.5-37.5-in. stance for improved sidehilling, reduced drag in the snow and optimal handling both on and off-trail.
The newest M 6000 gets its 125 HP class performance from the 6000-series C-TEC2 599cc engine with a reputation for strong, predictable throttle response and manageable performance. It features innovative Arctic Cat technology like Dual Stage Injection, APV electronic exhaust valves, exhaust pipe temperature sensor, electric oil injection and a new-for-2019 ceramic exhaust, as well as the no compromise convenience of push-button engine reverse. Plus it comes standard with push-button electric start.
That performance stays consistent with the quick acceleration and auto-adjusting design of the TEAM Rapid Response II drive clutch, Rapid Reaction driven clutch and the entire Arctic Drive System. This system automatically compensates for drive belt wear, helping the CVT clutching system to perform exceeding well for a longer period.
Yet it’s the revolutionary new ALPHA ONE rear suspension and track system that resets the M 6000 as the benchmark for easy handling and deep snow maneuverability. There were three goals in designing the single beam; the first was to shave weight. The second was increased and improved maneuverability of the sled, to make it easier to lay down and sidehill. The third was improved traction.
The system consists of a lightweight and rigid single rear suspension beam constructed from extruded aluminum and magnesium. It runs in the middle of a specially designed next-generation, lightweight 154-inch Power Claw track featuring a single row of track windows, a deep snow-specific design with 3-in.paddles and a 3.5-in. pitch, plus unique internal construction.
The result is a track that bends and conforms to the snow, whether the sled is on a side hill, flat surface or climbing in deep powder. With maximum side flex, riders can easily maneuver the ALPHA ONE Mountain Cat to a degree not possible with conventional snowmobiles, carving circles well inside the tightest turns that other machines aren’t capable of. The suspension is light and stiff, allowing the new track to flex and conform to the snow and riding surface. And it still rides down a groomed trail (pretty much) like traditional mountain sleds do.
When you stand on the running board of an ALPHA ONE and begin tipping it to the side, the entire machine tilts many degrees BEFORE the track itself begins to lift off the ground. The entire sled leans (around 20 degrees or so) before the track begins to also tilt. That’s the functional difference between ALPHA ONE and a traditional system, and it’s why ALPHA ONE is so much easier to initiate a lean-over to sidehill. As a plus, it also creates a much larger “sweet spot” for maintaining a leaned-over balance point.
A full 11 pounds lighter than traditional designs, an ALPHA ONE is all but free of trapped ice & snow while being ridden. Where a two-rail suspension traps snow and ice in-between the rails, this single rail design simply lets the snow and ice escape with each rotation of the track. The difference in sled weight can be staggering, with 30-40 pounds not being unusual. The difference will be less in dry powder snow, and will be more in heavy wet snow. Of the 11 pounds of total weight savings, 4.5 pounds came from the actual suspension and 6.5 pounds came from the track.
The same dynamic that makes it more maneuverable – the track’s ability to tilt independently from the rest of the suspension – is also why ALPHA ONE gets better traction. When sidehilling, more of the track is on top of the snow (rather than cutting into the side of the hill). In situations when the sled isn’t laid over, such as climbing or going downhill or on flats, the track’s flexibility to conform to the snow translates into noticeably greater traction.
The larger 10-inch rear idler wheels on ALPHA ONE are more efficient with less loss of power transfer. When measured on a track dyno, an ALPHA ONE delivers an efficiency increase that translates into a several horsepower advantage. This is yet another reason the “little” 6000 Series engine works extremely well in this package.
Other new-for-2019 features include the G2 ProClimb-7 skis that improve balance and flotation, ease steering effort and give more consistent performance in varying snow conditions. The molded-in boot traction adds sure-footed control and usability for expert backcountry riders. Riders will also appreciate the new Stealth Lightweight Brake master cylinder and short-throw brake lever, which provide enhanced braking performance and ideal ergonomics in a more protected design.
Like all 2019 M Series machines, it features new, premium handlebar-mounted controls that are optimized for use while riding, with improved ergonomics, and that transmit visible information on the digital instrument gauge. It includes a new magnetic tether switch to complement the key ignition as well as a new handlebar wiring cover covering that improves cockpit aesthetics.
ALPHA ONE also features a fixed (non-telescoping) and vertical steering post, 11.7-gallon fuel tank, halogen headlight, lightweight aluminum-body Arctic Cat IFP gas shocks, a front-mounted heat exchanger that sets the standard for reduced ice buildup, plus standard ice scratchers.
The 2019 Arctic Cat M 6000 ALPHA ONE comes in Black/Ice Blue and retails for $11,999 (U.S.) Supplies are extremely limited, so contact your local Arctic Cat dealer immediately if you are interested in getting one for this coming season.
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