We're hoping this story doesn't fall prey to closed eyes-closed because Arctic Cat faithful have their eyes closed dreaming about the new Wildcat that is supposed to be released this fall.
In fact, we're wondering if us talking about the Prowler XTZ 1000 will kind of be like, "If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around, does it make a noise?" But in this case it's "Will anyone pay attention to the Prowler XTZ 1000 if all they can think about is the new Wildcat?"
We're not sure, but humor us anyway. Besides, there are so few facts out about 
the new Wildcat that we're not sure what size engine it will have. We know it looks cool and will have an "extremely capable suspension," as Arctic Cat CEO Claude Jordan said.
But back to the Prowler XTZ 1000. During our two-day ride at the Oregon Dunes last February, Arctic Cat provided us with a new 2011 Prowler to test drive. Cat also provided one of its 700 ATVs with Electronic Power Steering (EPS). We spent most of our riding time driving the Prowler but we did try the ATV out in some twisty sand trails to see how the EPS works (awesome) as well as on some open dunes (and a little water just for good measure).
Focused On The Prowler
Our focus, though, was the Prowler and its newest feature, EPS. Cat definitely took its lumps for coming to the electronic power steering party late. But now that Cat is at the big powersports party, how does its EPS measure up to the other players? The short answer is simple: excellent.
Cat's twist to electronic power steering is a variable assist system that is driven by an electronic control unit (ECU) that measures steering input force versus tire resistance and vehicle speed. This measurement, which is continual, then gives the 
right amount of assistance to the steering column through an electric motor. This assistance is particularly valuable when the Prowler is in 4WD and especially when the diff lock is engaged.
Arctic Cat's EPS reduces the torque necessary to steer the XTZ when changing direction with a loaded cargo box or navigating tough obstacles likes rocks, deep mud or logs. We didn't experience any of those obstacles at the Oregon Dunes and sand is fairly easy to turn on but we did manage to find a few places where we could experience Cat's EPS, most notably some twisty trails in the trees and grassy areas. Cat's EPS gets high marks from us.
Also getting high marks is the 951cc, SOHC four-stroke V-twin engine, dubbed the H2 by Cat. The engine, which is built in Cat's St. Cloud, MN, facility, felt strong and that's saying something considering we were riding on power-robbing sand without any special sand tires, just the stock tires. We could rocket up the dunes with the XTZ and race back down without any troubles. We especially liked the bottom-end power, which came in handy when we were maneuvering through the trails in trees and along (and sometimes through) the numerous lakes where you couldn't go full bore but had toofeather the throttle a fair amount.
Cat does a good job of getting the 1000's power to the ground to, thanks to its Duramatic automatic transmission. The engine braking is a nice touch, too, especially when coming down some of the steeper dunes when we didn't dare go wide open.
It was fun to test the Prowler on the sand and we're anxious to see how it performs in someplace like Moab or on mountain trails with some of the obstacles like rocks and logs.
2011 Arctic Cat Prowler XTZ 1000 EPS
Engine: SOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valve, V-twin, liquid-cooled EFI
Displacement: 951cc
Fuel System: EFI
Cooling: Liquid
Fuel Capacity: 8.2 gallons
Transmission: Automatic CVT with EBS, Hi/Lo range, reverse
Drive System: 2WD/4WD, electric diff lock
Front Suspension: Double A-arm, 10 inches travel
Rear Suspension: Double A-arm, 10 inches travel
Brakes: Hydraulic disc front and rear
Wheels: Aluminum
Front Tires: 27x9R14
Rear Tires: 27x11R14
Wheelbase: 75 in.
Length: 118.75 in.
Width: 61.5 in.
Height: 79 in.
Ground Clearance: 10 in.
Weight: 1,313 lbs.
MSRP: $15,599
