Polaris Slingshot finally sees the light

The Polaris Slingshot roadster has finally been unveiled, and it looks set to be more than a capable machine with a 2.4-litre GM-sourced engine pumping out 173hp (at 6200rpm) and 225Nm (at 4700rpm) in a sporty driving experience that’s been described as “surfing on asphalt”.

The front-mounted 2384cc engine – which has a 7000rpm rev limiter -- is paired with a manual five-speed transmission, and the final drive is a 36mm carbon fibre belt that feeds an 18-inch cast rear wheel for the base model, and a 20-inch forged wheel for the up-spec SL version. The SL also has lower-profile 18-inch rubber at the front, compared to 17-inch for the standard machine.

Combined with a kerb weight of 782kg (the SL is 790kg), the Slingshot produces around 0.22hp/kg and 0.28Nm/kg – figures which compare favourably to the Can-Am Spyder three-wheeler.

But the Slingshot is a massive departure from the more traditional trike stance of the Can-Am, with the side-by-seating and open cockpit providing a more car-like posture, and with features like adjustable seating, tilt steering, roll ‘hoops’, lockable storage bins, a glove box and seat belts it moves even further away from its North American powersports rival.

The Slingshot’s steel frame is supported by an aluminium swingarm, while there’s double wishbone suspension, gas-charged shocks and rack-and-pinion steering.

The low stance of the Slingshot isn’t just a catchphrase, as the bottom of the frame is just five inches off the ground. The wheelbase is 2667mm, and the ground clearance is just 127mm.

There’s a centrally mounted media console in the open air cockpit, which has an 11cm LCD screen, as well as Bluetooth integration, reversing camera, and a six-speaker audio system. The turn signals and rear lights are LED, while the front has projector-beam headlights.

Safety aids include anti-lock braking, traction control, and stability control.

In America, the base Slingshot will retail for $19,999, and the SL for $23,999. We'll know soon whether the Slingshot will be coming to Australia, where it would have to be certified for use as a motorcycle like the Spyder.