Earlier this month, UBS Investment Research released their Top 10 Predictions for 2014, one of them being that Polaris would release the Slingshot, a three-wheeled vehicle, in the first half of 2014.
Although there has previously been much speculation as to whether Polaris Industries would officially be producing the Slingshot, a press release dated January 3, 2014 discusses the release of a slingshot product line.
“This sales and marekting consolidation frees Mike Jonikas from those responsibilities, allowing him to focus his efforts on growing Polaris’ snowmobile business unit and launching the company’s Slingshot product line,” the press release read. A design patent, which was filed filed on March 21, 2011, gives a clear description of a “three wheeled vehicle” with several accompanying photos.
According to the patent, the slingshot is going to be a three-wheeled reverse-trike design, similar in layout to the Campagna V13R, but would be powered by a 2.4L Ecotec 4-cylinder engine made by GM that produces roughly 200 hp.
The Slingshot, if released will have one rear wheel which is belt driven, a steering wheel instead of handle bars, and have side by side seating for the driver and passenger.
The patent also states that trike is expected to have several other features including, electronic power steering, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and vehicle stability control.
If UBS Investment Research’s prediction is correct, we should see the Slingshot rolling out sometime in the next few months. From the looks of these photos, which were taken from Polaris’ patent filings, the Slingshot looks very close to being ready for production.
Source: USPTO & UBS Investment Research
Comments