Polaris is about to release a three-wheeler for the sporting public (UPDATE: it’s now officially out), named the Polaris Slingshot. We’ve already gotten a pretty good look at the Slingshot ahead of its debut, and now just a few hours before its official release we have our first actual photos.
Technically a motorcycle, along the same vein as the Campagna Motors T-REX, riders will need a motorcycle or trike license (where applicable) to operate the Slingshot, despite its car-like form factor, which includes seat belts.
At $20,000 for the base model ($24,000 for the SL model), the Polaris Slingshot is either an expensive toy, or a moderately priced sport car…depending on how you look at it. Helping cloud that distinction is the 2.4L GM Ecotec four-cylinder engine, which is good for 173hp and 166 lbs•ft of torque, and is mated to a five-speed stick-shift gearbox.
Standard on both the base and SL models are anti-locking brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control, whereas the Slingshot SL comes with larger forged wheels (the base model’s are cast) and bigger low-profile tires. As such the SL weight 1684 lbs, to the base model’s 1666 lbs.
Like BRP’s Can-Am Spyder three-wheeler, what remains to be seen is how big the market is for something like the Polaris Slingshot. With the economy slowly recovering, motorcycle sales are starting to pick-up. However, we doubt many motorcyclists will accept the Slingshot as one of their own, with the machine likely to pique the interest of car enthusiasts, much like the KTM X-Bow.
How big that specialty market is remains to be seen, especially with such a hefty price tag. It does look fun to drive though, right?
Source: Polaris; Photos: Adventure Motorsports of NWF (Facebook)
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