Polaris Slingshot
Polaris Slingshot | |
---|---|
![]() Polaris Slingshot in Queens, New York, U.S. | |
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Polaris Industries |
Production | 2014–present |
Body and chassis | |
Layout | FR layout |
Powertrain | |
Engine | |
Transmission | |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 105 in (2,667 mm) |
Length | 149.6 in (3,800 mm) |
Width | 77.6 in (1,971 mm) |
Height | 51.9 in (1,320 mm) |
Curb weight | 1,743 lb (791 kg) |
The Polaris Slingshot is a three-wheeled motor vehicle.[1] The first edition of the model was introduced in 2014 as a 2015 model.
Specifications
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a9/Polaris_Slingshot_interior_view.gk.jpg/220px-Polaris_Slingshot_interior_view.gk.jpg)
The Slingshot is manufactured by Polaris Industries, in the United States (Alabama), which claims that "It's a three-wheeled motorcycle!" It has a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, side-by-side bucket seats,[2] and does not lean. It has no roof, doors, or side windows and the whole interior is waterproof so it can be hosed down and drained out using drain holes in the floor.[3] The standard Slingshot has two 17-inch (430 mm) front wheels and a single 18-inch (460 mm) wheel in the rear of the vehicle, while the Slingshot SL and SL LE Edition have two 18-inch (460 mm) forged aluminum front wheels with a 20-inch (510 mm) rear wheel. All models have a double-wishbone front suspension with an anti-roll bar. An optional 5-speed automatic transmission became available in April 2018. A small windshield is an optional extra on the base model, and fitted as standard on the SL model.[1] There is also an optional fiberglass wind and sun cover, which Polaris calls a "Slingshade", that features inset polycarbonate windows and snaps onto the Slingshot's tube frame, acting somewhat like a hardtop roof.[4] The steering wheel, gear stick, and brake, clutch, and throttle pedals have a conventional automobile layout.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/Polaris_Slingshots_W147_St_%26_Bwy_2020_jeh.jpg/220px-Polaris_Slingshots_W147_St_%26_Bwy_2020_jeh.jpg)
Classification
Depending on jurisdiction, the Slingshot may be registered as a motorcycle or as an autocycle. It's classified as an Autocycle in 44 states.[5] Three-point seat belts are fitted; however, it has no airbags or crumple zone, and in certain jurisdictions the driver and passenger must wear motorcycle helmets.[6]
Performance
The Slingshot weighs 1,743 lb (791 kg) and is powered by a 2.4 liter inline four-cylinder GM Ecotec gasoline engine.[7] It produces 173 hp (129 kW) at 6200 rpm and 166 lb-ft (225 N•m) of torque at 4700 rpm.[8] This engine was formerly used by General Motors in the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky sports cars, as well as the Chevrolet Cobalt.
For the 2020 model year, Polaris redesigned the Slingshot with an in-house designed 2.0-liter I-4 engine (forgoing the 2.4L GM engine). The new motor makes 200 hp (149 kW) and redlines at 8500 RPM. It can be fitted to either a conventional 5-speed manual, or, for the first time ever on the Slingshot, an AutoDrive 5-speed automated manual transmission, which is the first time an automatic transmission has been made available on the Slingshot. This transmission is essentially the same standard 5-speed synchromesh-equipped manual gearbox, but the clutch and shifting are hydraulically-actuated, and computer-controlled. The interior was also redesigned and the exterior updated.
See also
- Campagna T-Rex, another 3-wheeled vehicle
- List of motorized trikes
References
- ^ a b "Polaris Slingshot: First Drive". Autoblog. Retrieved 20 Jan 2015. "this is most certainly not a car, and it's also not a motorcycle by any stretch of the imagination"
- ^ The Polaris Slingshot Is Your Amazing New Three-Wheeled Track Machine
- ^ "2015 Polaris Slingshot Top Speed and Specs". Motorcycle Cruiser. Retrieved 2018-04-19.
- ^ Fogelson, Jason. "2018 Polaris Slingshot SL Test Ride And Review: Exchanging Sneers For Grins". Forbes. Retrieved 2018-04-17.
- ^ License Requirements, Polaris.com
- ^ Brandt, Eric. "Polaris Slingshot Grand Touring LE Adds Luxury to the Three-Wheeler". The Drive. Retrieved 2018-04-18.
- ^ Stein, Jonathan L. (February 2, 2015). "Near-A-Car". Autoweek. 65 (3): 15–16. Retrieved February 5, 2015.
- ^ "2018 Polaris Slingshot SLR review: Three wheels to freedom!". Autoweek. Retrieved 2018-04-17.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)