Polaris unveil new three-wheeler – The Polaris Slingshot
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Established in 1954, Polaris this week celebrates its 60th anniversary and as part of this momentous occasion unleashed the radical new Slingshot.
The three-wheeled Slingshot is powered by a 2.4 litre DOHC four-cylinder engine delivering 173 horsepower. Boasting optimised weight distribution, sport-tuned double wishbone suspension, coil-over gas filled shocks and sway bar, the Slingshot has been made to charge corners at top speeds. The combination of an open cockpit and truly dynamic performance is claimed to make the Slingshot one of the most exhilarating driving experiences…. on the planet.
The pilot commands the distinctive machine with a power-assisted steering wheel and five speed manual transmission and the pilot sits only 125mm off the ground.
Other features of this extreme machine include lateral weather proof seating, electronic stability control, traction control and ABS brakes.
“The Slingshot is a segment defining product and just another example of Polaris’ constant innovation and product leadership,” says Polaris Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Peter Alexander.
“The drive to create models and think outside the box means that models such as the Slingshot are created.”
In the past 12 months Polaris has launched new and innovative adrenalin pumping products including the RZR XP 1000 and Sportsman ACE. The RZR XP 1000 is the most powerful SXS (side-by-side) performance machine in the world, while the Sportsman ACE offers a unique single cab design giving users a whole new Off-Road Experience. The ACE combines the size and nimble handling of the Sportsman All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), and the confidence and comfort of the RANGER and RZR SXS.
“With the launch of the Sportsman ACE earlier this year it became Polaris’ 15th local model to offer ROPS as standard. Interesting to note that given the uniqueness of the ACE the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has yet to establish a proper classification for the segment that the model sits in.
“With the launch of Slingshot, should it come to Australia, we fear the confusion of classifying another unique model could prove even more problematic,” Alexander continued.
“The whole definition table needs to be thrown out as we continue to define what the market will be, not how it was. Watching the debate of FCAI classification will be a real giggle from our perspective. No matter how they class it, the ongoing problem will be that the sales figures are unaudited, so who will ever really know how many sell.”
“We are interested to hear feedback from our consumers about our latest jaw dropping release as we believe there will be a high demand in our local markets for the Slingshot,” says Alexander.
“We will work with regulators in regards to what it will take to bring the unique Slingshot to our marketplace.”
