30,000 may seem like a big number. But in terms of automotive sales, it’s not, which makes the Polaris Slingshot still a rare breed of machine on the road but with the new changes to the all new 2020 Polaris Slingshot, you may start to see more and more.
Part-car and part-motorcycle, the Polaris Slingshot remains a fan favorite that garners comments every time you drive it because it is impossible to ignore. The first generation or original slingshot debuted in 2015, was a three-wheeled, Batman-looking two-seater that wasn’t fully sure of its mission. But after five years of driving and innovating, the almost all-new 2020 Polaris Slingshot seen here, isn’t just better to be seen in, it’s immensely better to drive.
If you’re not particularly familiar with the Slingshot, you might not even notice that its design has been reworked, as its body shape remains the same. This is a three-wheeled autocycle with two wheels up front and a single, exposed drive wheel out back with the open-cockpit. But when you get into the drivers seat as we have for the last three months you will notice a few things that have changed for the better.
The 2020 Polaris Slingshot has undergone some significant changes as the three-wheeler enters its fifth model year. One of the biggest question marks that lingered coming into our drive review on the 2020 machine was the power issue.
Upon the release of the 2020 Polaris stated that there is over 70% new changes, but the big change centers on the powertrain. The previous GM EcoTec 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which could be lazy with power at times, has been replaced with a new 2.0-liter four that is an in-house design. Along with the change in powertrain the addition of the the five-speed manual gearbox brings about a new automated-manual unit that offers shiftless driving to the Slingshot for the first time.
So now you millenials and other drivers who didnt have mean parents who made you learn to drive a manual can now operate the Slingshot.
But still….. LEARN TO DRIVE A MANUAL. It will do you good.
The new ProStar engine the first four-cylinder by Polaris and it’s offered in two strengths. In the 2020 Slingshot SL it makes 173 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 120 lb-ft of torque. In the Slingshot R the engine is set to deliver 203 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 144 lb-ft. Polaris has not released performance data for the SL but claims the R can reach 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
Hold onto the steering wheel kids. Thats fast for a non sports car.
One thing you will notice when driving the 2020 model versus previous models is that the acceleration is more controlled and smooth when you get on the gas. In previous models, if you weren’t careful, the torque created from the rear wheel when the power was engaged brought about the opportunity for you to smoke the tires as it spun out. While a fun sight to see, not so efficient in driving.
The new model adds push-button ignition and passive entry for the interior redesign. The redesigned center console has more storage and also features a new flat-bottom steering wheel and revised lights. The standard 7-inch Ride Command display also underwent design changes and improvements.
Pricing for the 2020 Slingshot is $26,499 for the SL and $30,999 for the R manual, with the R AutoDrive at $32,699. The 2020 Slingshot goes on sale this spring.