Arctic Cat is swinging for the fences with its lineup of 2012 snowmobiles. Leading the charge are the new ProCross and ProClimb chassis' which are roughly based on the proven Sno Pro race sled.

Race-bred and proven--that's the overriding mantra for the 2012 breed of Arctic Cats. Using the 2008 Sno Pro race sled as a baseline for R&D, the 2012 sleds have a familiar look with some significant changes compared to the racer.

The front A-arms mount to the chassis at a 30-degree angle, directing load into the chassis. The shock towers are designed to direct load into the spars of the pyramidal supports.

On the mountain sleds, the one-piece forged aluminum spindle is shorter than the race chassis spindle. And for those wondering why such a tall spindle is needed, it lowers the forces on the upper A-arm and opens up the airbox channel, giving the intake system a larger volume of air to work with. Cat is using Fox Float 2 shocks on the front of the M800 Sno Pro and M1100 Sno Pro models, and Float Evol shocks on the HCR models.

On the ProClimb chassis, the inside corner coolers are history. The cooling system is mounted to the underside of the tunnel. The M800 and M1100 models have full-length heat exchangers with windows in the top side of the tunnel for added cooling. The HCR has a shorter cooling system that ends near the rear suspension's rear arm mount. The tunnel itself has a tapered-box design, making the top of the tunnel an inch narrower than the width at the running boards.

The ACT Diamond Drive is gone. In its place is the new Arctic Drive System (ADS). It uses a chain and sprocket system with a new 10.75-inch secondary clutch. the drop case, cover and oil tank are all made of lightweight magnesium, with an automatic chain tensioner system inside the drop case.

A new Torque Control Link holds the center distance between the two clutches, creating a constant parallel drives system for improved belt life and efficiency. Self-aligning bearings on both ends of the jackshaft allow for movement.

A vertical-post steering system is available exclusively on the M800 Sno Pro and M800 HCR. The M800 base model and all four-stroke M1100 models use the standard steering system shared with the trail models, which is a laid-down steering post system. The M800 Sno Pro and M800 HCR also have Cat's unique telescoping steering post, which is mounted higher on the 2012s compared to a previous-gen M8. 

Other new features and quick specs for 2012 Arctic Cat mountain sleds:

All-new rubber-overmold handlebar with new molded sidehill strap.

New Hayes Brakes braking system. 12 percent larger rotor, also thinner for 6 percent weight reduction, mounted on trackshaft. 

Adjustable gauge mount for stand-up riding visibility.

Rider position moved 3 inches forward compared to 2011 M8.

Rear suspension mounts have moved 3 inches forward, shortening wheelbase.

2012 M800 Sno Pro is same weight as 2011 M8 Sno Pro.

Noise reduction system incorporated inside hood intake plenum.

1100 Turbo is rated at 177hp at 7,850 rpm; 121 lb-ft of torque at 7,300 rpm. Dry sump oil system, intercooled charge system, EFI, wastegated turbo.