Arctic Cat Wildcat Sport: History, Specs, Models and Reviews

Arctic Cat expands its high-performance ROV line for 2015 with the addition of three new Wildcat Sport models with 60-inch wide dimensions that slot in-between the

Arctic Cat introduced the Wildcat Sport for the 2015 model year, creating a 60-inch-wide sport UTV that fit between the compact, 50-inch Wildcat Trail and the larger 1,000cc Wildcat 1000.

The two-seat Wildcat Sport combined an Arctic Cat-designed 700cc parallel-twin engine with a relatively compact chassis, 12.2 inches of front suspension travel and 12.6 inches at the rear. It was aimed at riders who wanted more suspension capability and stability than the Wildcat Trail without stepping up to the size of the original Wildcat 1000.

Arctic Cat initially offered three versions: the standard Wildcat Sport, the painted Wildcat Sport XT and the premium Wildcat Sport Limited EPS. This page preserves the specifications and model information while also connecting the Wildcat Sport to UTV Guide’s original trail, dune and Moab testing.

Where the Wildcat Sport Fit in the Lineup

The Wildcat Sport shared its basic 700cc powerplant and compact architecture with the Wildcat Trail, but its 60-inch stance and longer-travel suspension gave it a noticeably different mission. It was better suited to rough, open trails where additional width and suspension travel were advantages.

• Wildcat Trail: 50 inches wide for width-restricted trails
• Wildcat Sport: 60 inches wide with increased suspension travel
• Wildcat 1000: 64 inches wide with a larger 951cc V-twin engine

The Sport measured 110.5 inches long with an 84.6-inch wheelbase. Its occupants sat relatively low in the chassis, helping reduce the sensation of body movement and contributing to a low center of gravity.

700cc Parallel-Twin Engine and Drivetrain

Power came from a liquid-cooled, four-stroke 700cc parallel-twin engine with electronic fuel injection, four valves per cylinder and a single overhead camshaft. Arctic Cat rated the engine at more than 60 horsepower.

The engine was paired with a TEAM Rapid Response CVT featuring high and low ranges, reverse and park. The driver could select two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive or engage the locking front differential.

Wildcat Sport Suspension and Chassis

Double A-arm suspension was used at both ends, providing 12.2 inches of front travel and 12.6 inches at the rear. The 60-inch width gave the Sport additional stability compared with the narrower Wildcat Trail, while a rear sway bar helped control body roll.

Arctic Cat advertised 13 inches of ground clearance for the original Wildcat Sport. Dual-piston hydraulic front brake calipers provided stopping power, while 26-inch Carlisle Trail Pro tires were mounted on 12-inch wheels.

2015 Arctic Cat Wildcat Sport Models

Wildcat Sport

The standard Wildcat Sport was the value-oriented model. It came with JRi ECX-1 piggyback shocks, 12-inch steel wheels and a choice of Lime Green or Red bodywork. Unlike the Limited, the base Sport did not include electronic power steering.

Wildcat Sport XT

The Wildcat Sport XT added automotive-style painted bodywork, color-matched suspension arms and 12-inch machined cast-aluminum wheels. It retained the adjustable JRi ECX-1 shocks and was offered in Viper Blue or Vibrant Red Metallic.

Wildcat Sport Limited EPS

The Wildcat Sport Limited EPS was the premium version. Its upgrades included variable-assist electronic power steering, Elka Stage 5 shocks, full aluminum doors, cast-aluminum wheels and an underhood storage compartment.

The Elka shocks provided independently adjustable high- and low-speed compression damping along with rebound adjustment. The Limited was offered in White Metallic or Matte Black.

Interior and Utility Features

The Wildcat Sport featured high-back bucket seats with upper-body support, infinitely adjustable tilt steering, a center-console shifter, digital instrumentation and a passenger handhold. Hinged doors with automotive-style handles simplified entry and exit.

Although designed primarily for recreation, the Sport also included a rear cargo box rated for 300 pounds, a two-inch receiver hitch and a claimed 1,500-pound towing capacity.

Arctic Cat Wildcat Sport Specifications

Original 2015 Wildcat Sport Pricing

• Wildcat Sport: $13,399
• Wildcat Sport XT: $13,999
• Wildcat Sport Limited EPS: $15,699

These prices are the original manufacturer’s suggested retail prices and are included for historical reference.

Wildcat Sport Reviews and Trail Testing

UTV Guide tested the Wildcat Sport in several different environments. Our original Arctic Cat Wildcat Sport review covers its general trail performance, while the Wildcat Sport dune review examines how the 700 handled sand.

We also drove the Sport on Behind the Rocks during an Arctic Cat media ride at the 2016 Rally on the Rocks. That challenging Moab route provided a useful look at the Sport’s suspension, compact dimensions and rock-crawling capability.

Wildcat Sport’s Place in Arctic Cat History

The Wildcat Sport arrived when manufacturers were expanding beyond the original 50- and 64-inch sport UTV categories. Its 60-inch chassis offered an appealing middle ground for riders who wanted trail maneuverability with more stability and suspension travel than a 50-inch machine.

For the rest of the original full-size family, see our Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000 history and model guide. The narrower platform is covered separately in the Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail guide.