Polaris Slingshot: X-Bow looks, Morgan stance
American motorcycle and ATV maker springs a surprise with ‘reverse trike’ Slingshot“It’s Like Surfing Ashphalt”. So says Polaris of its new three-wheeled roadster, with the open cockpit design set to allow for side-by-side seating – a departure from the tandem arrangement in the much maligned Can-Am Spyder.
Polaris has released a short 15-second video (below) and teaser image of the Slingshot, which will be unveiled in full on July 27. But before that, the guerrilla marketing will continue with more snippets and videos on July 7, 14 and 21.
As is the case with a drip-feed marketing campaign, details are sketchy, but the Slingshot definitely has side-by-side seating, which makes complete sense in a vehicle that’s as much car as motorcycle. Also, there’s a steering wheel instead of handlebars, it has roll bars, and the bodywork looks quite sharp. Our intel also tells us that the engine is mounted longitudinally and the Slingshot is belt driven. The steering is rack and pinion.
Reports suggest a 2.4-litre GM Ecotec engine – such as found under the bonnet of Holden's Malibu – will power the Slingshot, but with the arsenal at Polaris’ disposal, there could even be an electric version. Either way, Polaris surely won’t make the same mistake as BRP did with the Can-Am Spyder and take it to market with power that isn’t commensurate with the hefty weight. BRP has only just addressed those concerns with a more powerful triple, replacing the dated twin-cylinder unit.
Motoring website Jalopnik is likening the Slingshot to a “new iteration of the Campagna T-Rex”. Not such a bad thing, our Bikesales mates tell us...
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
