2020 Polaris Slingshot R First Look Review
It may look like the current model, but the new Polaris Slingshot certainly doesn’t drive like it.
Polaris has been a longstanding name in the world of powersports, since its inception in 1954. The company has developed a line of ATV, UTV, snowmobiles and motorcycles that have strong brand recognition. Models like the RZR side-by-side have almost become the ubiquitous choice in their segment.
However, in 2015 Polaris decided to enter a new segment, by creating a three-wheeled autocycle. They dubbed it Slingshot, an apt name for the open-air roadster.
I recall driving the original Slingshot, albeit very briefly. It earned its name within seconds of taking the wheel, as it felt like I was the one being slung through the air. After about 15 minutes I had had enough and parked it. The Slingshot was crude, unrefined and fatiguing to drive, though, I recall it’s large, single rear wheel did excellent burnouts.
Now, for 2020, Polaris has unveiled a new Slingshot, though, to the untrained eye it looks quite a lot like the outgoing model. The company claims that this new model is constructed with 70% new parts, and the spec sheet showcases some big leaps forward in refining the original Slingshot experience, including all-new powertrain choices, interior tech and options packages.
This new model features a revised cabin, with higher quality materials and new tech. While the majority of the interior features swathes of unpainted plastic, a function of being largely weather-proof, the touch points — the steering wheel, seats and shifter — do look and feel better.
Those deeply bolstered bucket seats, in particular, are heavily padded and very comfortable. The multi-function steering wheel — now able to control the radio, cruise control and new-for-2020 drive mode selector — is a much nicer instrument with which to steer the Slingshot.
That improved wheel offers excellent road feedback, despite controlling an electric power steering system. Many car manufacturers could take notes from Polaris on designing such an engaging EPS system.
The more finely-tuned steering system is paired to a suspension system largely similar to the outgoing model. There are independent, double wishbones up front, and a single-sided swingarm out back, with a coil-over spring-and-shock setup at all three wheels. On this Slingshot R model, those wheels are 18-inches up front, with a 225 section-width tire, and a 19-inch wheel out back, wrapped in 305 wide rubber.
All of this proves effective on Slingshot. The ride quality is firm, but not harsh. The Slingshot is able to absorb road imperfections and mid-corner bumps in a way that almost makes you forget that just three wheels are feeling those bumps. Well, almost. The single rear wheel still demands respect from the driver.
This test vehicle was the Slingshot R model, priced from $30,999, which now features a bespoke 2.0-liter Polaris Prostar inline-four cylinder engine. While the base model makes due with 178 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque, the sportier R variant gets a hotter version which produces 203 horsepower, 144 lb-ft of torque, and has a redline of 8,500 rpm. This new engine is the real revelation of the Slingshot. It feels like an old school Honda engine, with peak torque above 6,000 rpm. However, unlike that old school Honda, the Slingshot is so light that it never feels down on power, it wants to go fast all the time.
This perhaps explains how the Slingshot can do 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. It can also go 125 mph, but by 90 it feels as if the wind is going to blow your head clean off your shoulders. So just keep that stat handy in your back pocket for bragging rights, rather than as a call to action.
The funny thing about it all is that the performance figures fall to the wayside with the Slingshot. Polaris has offered a more refined, and more capable package, but you don’t really notice it. Instead, the overarching theme is the experience of piloting a wacky looking three wheeler that, even at 45 mph, feels like you’re going about a thousand miles per second. It’s garish, rakish, and still fatiguing to drive. But while I drove the original Slingshot for 15 minutes before giving up, this time I managed to cling on for an hour or so. Oh, and it still does amazing burnouts.
Want to see more Slingshot goodness? Follow Jake on Instagram, it’s all cars all the time.
