Released just hours ago, this video is the next best thing to a test drive of the all-new Polaris Slingshot. It’s being called 2014’s most surprising, radical, innovative…trike, ATV, roadster, sports coupe, 3 wheeled wonder, car-motorcycle hybrid vehicle to be released for public consumption in years. Probably inspired in part by the Morgan 3 Wheeler (which looks more like a WWII styled motorcycle & fused sidecar)…but comparing the Morgan to the Polaris Slingshot is more akin to placing Barney Rubble next to a hybrid of Darth Vader and the Predator creature (’87 Schwarzenegger film)…nostalgic vs. futuristic.
Polaris is already famous for making ATVs motorcycles, and snowmobiles …but the Slingshot will ultimately be compared to other similar competitive vehicles like BRP’s Can-Am Spyder, KTM X-Bow, Campagna T-Rex …and the already mentioned Morgan 3 Wheeler. A clear and definite asset in those comparisons is the Slingshot’s price range: $19,999 to $23,999 …putting it much closer in financial reach than the price tags of the other competitors. Also built in to that price is a two-year unlimited-mileage warranty…with an option to extend three more years, for a total of five.
Powering the Polaris Slingshot is a GM 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine…located in front of the craft. It has a 5-speed manual transmission that produces 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque to the single rear wheel …via its carbon-reinforced drive belt. Polaris has yet to reveal performance specs…because that the norm in the motorcycle maker realm…where speed is highly dependent on the rider skills & experience. But the Slingshot weighs in at a mere 1,700 pounds, so your speed expectations should be unbridled. Stature of the Sling shot measures 150 inches long, 77.6 inches wide and 51.9 inches tall…and rides on a wheelbase of 105-inches with a 69-inch front track that sits just 5 inches off the ground…so slicing through the wind at a fast clip should be even easier…especially since there’s no roof and a modest windshield. With all those speed inducing stats, you might be worried about stopping. Well, 11.8-inch vented disc brakes all the way around should have no trouble stopping you on a dime.
