Polaris reveals the Slingshot
Polaris have recently introduced the new Slingshot - a three-wheeled monster designed for a rather extreme on-road experience. While their off-road vehicles and snowmobiles combine recreational driving along with utility, their latest offering doesn't accomplish much in terms of practicality - and it's positioned exactly like that.
Polaris, who previously brought us great things like Indian Motorcycles and Global Electric Motorcars, now claim that the Slingshot is all about "head turning exhilaration". It has been developed as a motorcycle and the manufacturers expect it to be treated as such. For starters, the Slingshot is not slotted as an automobile. This allows the manufacturer to do away with airbags, bumpers, crash protection and other automotive safety staples made compulsory by US laws. It's a two seater which runs two wheels up front and one in the rear. Then, there is the open cockpit and the low seating which literally allows the driver and co-passenger (or should we say, pillion rider) to get one-on-one with the road and the elements.
It's powered by a 2.4-litre dual-overhead cam engine that is claimed to make 173PS and comes with a 5-speed manual transmission. With a dry weight of less than 772 kg, a very low center of gravity, along with 'sport tuned' double wishbone suspension, and really low to the ground stance, it's going to have quite an on-road presence.
The Polaris Slingshot will make its debut in the US and Canada before winter this year and will come in two trims. The base Slingshot, at $19,999 (a little above Rs 12 lakh) features titanium metallic paint, 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels upfront, and an 18-inch wheel in the rear. The premium Slingshot SL, at around Rs 2 lakh more, features red pearl paint, larger 18-inch forged aluminum wheels up front and a 20-inch wheel in the rear, and a blade windscreen for wind protection.
We, at OVERDRIVE, remain skeptical about its merits though. Someone at the office very lovingly referred to it as a "hammock on wheels". It sure looks like a startling amount of fun. And potential for road rash. Polaris specifically warn that it must be driven with precaution.
THE ALL-NEW POLARIS® SLINGSHOT HAS BEEN UNLEASHED
| A REVOLUTIONARY 3-WHEEL ROADSTER THAT DELIVERS HEAD TURNING EXHILARATION MINNEAPOLIS, MN (July 28, 2014) Polaris® celebrated 60 years of innovation by introducing the highly anticipated Polaris Slingshot, an awe-inspiring 3-wheel roadster that represents the future of on-road driving exhilaration. "Slingshot was designed to deliver head turning exhilaration on two dimensions," said Mike Jonikas, Vice President of Slingshot. "First is the exhilaration that you can see, hear, and feel while riding in Slingshot. Second is the exhilaration you feel when people turn their heads to stare at Slingshot's unique and exotic styling." SLINGSHOT HEAD TURNING EXHILARATION Slingshot is an entirely new on-road driving and riding experience. The open air cockpit of Slingshot hits you with a 360 degree rush of sight, sound, and smell. With side by side seating, both driver and passenger experience a front row shot of adrenaline. Its wide stance and sport-tuned suspension will make you want to charge every corner and never let off. With a low to the ground vehicle stance, you can feel the rush of pavement under your seat and in your chest. Slingshot is lightweight and powerful, making for heart pounding acceleration. Just punch it and you are there. SLINGSHOT EXHILARATING DESIGN Slingshot is powered by a 2.4 liter dual-overhead cam engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. It features a high strength steel spaceframe, a lightweight aluminum swingarm, and a carbon fiber reinforced drive belt. With a dry weight of less than 1,700 lbs., a very low center of gravity, and an engine that produces 173 horsepower, Slingshot delivers heart pounding acceleration and astonishing cornering power. Slingshot has advanced motorcycle features such as electronic stability and traction control, 3-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, LED taillights, forged aluminum roll hoops, and 3-point seat belts. Slingshot can also be personalized with premium accessories that are designed for your vehicle: larger tires with forged aluminum wheels, media console, windscreens, and vehicle covers. SLINGSHOT TRIM LEVELS Slingshot is offered in two distinct trim levels. The base Slingshot, with a U.S. MSRP of only ,999, features titanium metallic paint, 17 inch lightweight alloy wheels upfront, and an 18 inch wheel in the rear. The premium model called Slingshot SL, with a U.S. MSRP of only ,999, features red pearl paint, larger 18 inch forged aluminum wheels upfront and a 20 inch wheel in the rear, and a blade windscreen for wind protection. It also features our media console with a 4.3" LCD screen, back-up camera, Bluetooth® integration, and a 6-speaker audio system. Both trim models will be available this fall at Polaris Slingshot dealerships across the United States and Canada. Learn more at www.PolarisSlingshot.com. NOTE: Slingshot is a 3-wheeled motorcycle. It is not an automobile, it does not have airbags, and it does not meet automotive safety standards. Three-wheel vehicles may handle differently than other vehicles, especially in wet conditions. Always wear helmets and fasten seat belts. Driver may need a valid motorcycle endorsement. Don't drink and drive. ABOUT POLARIS® INDUSTRIES Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2013 sales of .8 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER® and RZR® side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles. Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian Motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, Aixam Mega S.A.S., and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Polaris Engineered parts, accessories and apparel, Klim branded apparel and ORV accessories under the Kolpin and Cycle Country brands. | |
