If the name Slingshot (slingshot French) obviously reflects a sense of precision and power, it refers mainly to the Y-shape of this weapon born in the late nineteenth century. Sounded end of 2013, the Polaris Slingshot, 3-wheeled "competitor" of Can-Am Spyder, will be available in Europe in November, 2015. Difficult to accurately describe the look of the Slingshot as its lines move away from vehicles we usually come across on our roads. Batmobile for some escaped character in the Transformers movie for others, opinions differ depending on the sensitivity and each of references.
The front panel includes three lenticular lights. The mini windshield deflects the air but does not stop suicide mosquitoes. Glasses therefore recommended! The driver seat adjusts in depth, it allows all sizes to feel comfortable and ensure a good "feel" the pedals. This ensures the toothed belt final drive of Polaris Slingshot.
First, second, third the staging of the five-speed and speed is perfect pass without downtime. The ABS braking is to match the dynamic performance of the machine with 298 mm disc brakes that combine power and progressiveness. Carrying capacity remains limited despite the presence of a deep glovebox (with USB) and two large storage space hidden behind the seats. The Slingshot is classic pedal with accelerator right, brake and clutch in the middle left. With dimensions of 265/35 R18, rear tire lacks a bit of width and watch less impressive than we had hoped.
The tank holds 37 liters of gasoline. Unfortunately, the screw cap does not lock. Above the headrests, these arches ensure the safety of the driver and passenger in the event of rollover. The passenger enjoys a grab handle for not being "balanced" in turns. This reversing camera facilitates maneuvering. The rear visibility is limited on the Polaris Slingshot. Meter, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, clock, rear view camera the dashboard Polaris Slingshot is complete.
3-spoke steering wheel is adjustable in height.
If the development and assembly of the Slingshot is provided by Polaris, the American brand has partnered with General Motors to give life to his new baby. The famous engine thus ensures the supply of the 4-cylinder in-line, 4-stroke water-cooled DC 2384. It develops 175 horsepower and maximum torque of 225 Nm at 4 700 r / min. The engine up in the towers with strength and appears quite demonstrative effect despite a "kick in the ass" more discreet than I fantasized it. The wind, engine noise, the smells, it makes us live tricycle road with no filter and that is its charm. The impression of driving a kart XXL is omnipresent, the chassis can take the paths by line, direction changes are instantaneous and if any deviations to the acceleration remind us of the presence of a single rear wheel, the Slingshot s' apprehends primarily as a classic tray. Despite the width of its front end, the Slingshot is handled with the fingertips and without effort. The turning radius content also contributes to the excellent maneuverability of the craft that seemed more clumsy it statically.
Warranty and Price
- 2-year P / MO unlimited km
- € 29,990
Ensure Buy
Technical sheet
Engine: 4T 4-cylinder, water-cooled, DOHC
Engine Size: 88x98 = 2384 cm3
Max power: 173 hp at 6200 rev / min
Torque: 225 nm to 4700 rev / min
Operation: electric starter
Power: injection
Clutch: dry
Transmission: 5-speed + reverse
Frame: Tubular
Front suspension. Ø, deb. mm
Ar suspension. :, Deb. mm
Brake BC. : Ø 298 mm ventilated discs,
Brake ar. : Ø 298 mm ventilated discs,
Pneu BC. : 205/50 R17 Kenda; ar. : 265/35 R18 Kenda
Fuel tank: 37 liters
Length: 3800 mm
Seat height: mm
Dry weight: 755 kg
Standard equipment
Glove box
ABS
ESC
Storage space behind the front seat
Storage behind back seat
USB socket
Windshield
Reversing camera
Clock
Odometer
Tachometer
Adjustable seat depth
Height adjustable steering wheel
Hand brake
LED lights
Transmission 5-speed
Reverse gear
Sounded end of 2013, the Polaris Slingshot, 3-wheeled "competitor" of Can-Am Spyder, will be available in Europe in November 2015. Certified as L5e tricycles, the Slingshot is available with a simple self permits (+ training 7:00 ). In except that the helmet is not mandatory, the driving position itself as that of a car with two front seats, steering wheel and seat belts. A curiosity that we present exclusively.
Difficult to hide my emotion when those responsible for Polaris France handed me the keys to the Polaris Slingshot. Try these vehicles is still a privilege, especially when you're the first and only all-European journalist presses to ask your sitting posture in this toy awaited by an entire profession. So you will understand my excitement and enthusiasm when to press the button to wake charged 4-cylinder in-line 2.4-liter that lies under the immense and disturbing cover of Polaris Slingshot.
The Slingshot puts points on the Y
If the name Slingshot (slingshot French) obviously reflects a sense of precision and power, it refers mainly to the Y-shape of this weapon born in the late nineteenth century. With two wheels in front and one rear wheel, the Slingshot immediately think of the Can-Am Spyder trike appeared in 2008. Yet if the two concepts seem close at first glance, the two devices have finally little in common. Can-Am overlaps like a motorcycle and pilot with a handlebar, Polaris has two seats side by side and moves with the wheel. Another major difference helmet is not mandatory aboard the Slingshot.
A question may then arise at this stage of our trial. why this type of vehicle testing on a website dedicated to quads? Just because Polaris, the world leader quad, embarks on a new path and that this initiative should be encouraged. The Slingshot is approved as a tricycle L5e (yes, like a scooter Piaggio MP3 for example), this strange machine is available with a B license over seven hours of training if necessary. Considering that the product clearly approximates the automotive world, the American manufacturer also trying to blow this training requirement in France. For the record, the Slingshot is approved (almost everywhere) in the United States like a motorcycle, so it requires the use of helmets and proper driving license.
When Batman meets Transformers
Difficult to accurately describe the look of the Slingshot as its lines move away from vehicles we usually come across on our roads. Batmobile for some escaped robot Transformers movie for others, opinions differ depending on the sensitivity and each of references. One thing is sure, the physical Polaris leaves no one indifferent and his drawing power is incredible. Novelty or stylistic prowess real effect? Difficult to judge at the moment, but it is clear that the effect "Wow" is present.
A huge delta-shaped hood, carved edges of the sickle, a large mustache ready to devour the asphalt and fleeing back to digest all this. The plumage is attractive and makes you want to know a little more about measurements of the beast. With a width of 1971 mm and a length of 3800 mm, the slingshot is more compact than a Porsche Carrera 911 for example (width 1808 mm, length 4499 mm). Question power, there is no comparison since the German develops 370 horses against 175 horsepower, but beware, the Slingshot weighs half with 755 kilos on the scales. The match weight / power ratio between a classic sports series and this new tricycle is more balanced.
A general under the hood
If the development and assembly of the Slingshot is provided by Polaris, the American brand has partnered with General Motors to give life to his new baby. The famous engine thus ensures the supply of the 4-cylinder in-line 4-stroke, water-cooled, 384 cm3 of charge of 2 cause huge carbon fiber timing belt force to the rear tire Kenda. With its dimensions (265/35 R18), the latter also lack some size and watch less impressive than we had hoped. This disappointment is combined with some shrinkage finishing details with regard to the standing of the craft. In particular retain the grain a bit rude of some interior plastics and some rough adjustments. Everything else exudes quality and sportiness with a neat body paint, wraparound seats, strong safety belts, ramps LEDs beautiful at the rear of the vehicle and a dashboard (digital and analog) Full even including a reversing camera.
In hindsight, I inevitably lack the time to get on board of this machine that challenges the conventions. Devoid of doors and roof, the Slingshot is easily accessible despite sitting as close to the floor of cows. The seat adjusts in depth, it allows all sizes to feel comfortable and ensure a good "feel" the pedals. Clutch left, brake in the middle, right accelerator, the classic for this machine equipped with traditional manual five-speed transmission with reverse. Key in the ignition, quarter turn right, injection boots and extinction lights tells me that I can finally push the button electric starter.
Kart to play
The first meters made a senator train highlight the flexibility of the engine (maximum torque of 225 Nm at 4 700 r / min) and effectiveness of the progressive power steering. Despite the width of its front end, the Slingshot is handled with the fingertips and without effort. The turning radius content also contributes to the excellent maneuverability of the craft that seemed more clumsy it statically. Reaching the end of a long road dented, not really suited to the philosophy of the craft, the long and winding roads wet Corrèze finally stand before my (three) wheels. Pressing the ESC to avoid playing the Philippe Candeloro and here I am about to press firmly on the accelerator. Despite the electronic aids, the rear end happily patina acceleration and sensations are immediately appointment.
First, second, third, the staging of the box is perfect pass and reports no downtime. The engine up in the towers with strength and appears quite demonstrative effect despite a "kick in the ass" more discreet than I imagined. However, no real disappointment as being at ground multiplies the thrills and speed effect. The first enfilades allow me to appreciate the quality of the front that displays a formidable rigor despite some softness felt in the steering wheel three legs (adjustable in height). The impression of driving a kart XXL is omnipresent, chassis for taking the trajectories by line and make quick changes of direction. And if some drifts acceleration remind us of the presence of a single rear wheel, the Slingshot is apprehended primarily as a classic tray. The ABS braking is also in keeping dynamic benefits Slingshot with 298 mm disc brakes that combine power and progressiveness. A flat anyway, this pre-production model required me to pump at least once on the middle pedal to fully enjoy the braking. A purge of the system should put everything in order as brand managers. Comfort level, all logically firm but very good quality shock absorbers avoids unpleasant returns in the back and legs. The vibrations in turn are almost nonexistent.
The third wheel of the coach
After a few minutes of driving, I began to take stock of Slingshot and pleasure felt at the wheel grows gradually as my braking distances shorter. The wind, the thud and rewarding the engine, the scents, the soil a few centimeters butt , This tricycle makes us live the road with no filter and that is its charm. Obviously, this freedom necessarily a price, starting with that of exclusivity. Indeed, the Slingshot is lived only in good weather (no roof) and two people. Then carrying capacity remains limited despite the presence of a deep glovebox (with USB) and two large storage space hidden behind the seats. Finally, the price asked for rolling different is not trivial, even if the purchase of such a vehicle necessarily beyond the stage of reason.
The Slingshot decently so can not be considered a primary vehicle. It comes in addition to a car or a motorcycle to enjoy new sensations and make green with envy all who cross your path. In just a test now, I can not count the number of cuckoos, winks and smiles that I got. The sound system thoroughly (excellent sound for that matter) and cap on his head (mini windshield deflects the air but does not stop suicide mosquitoes), I became the main attraction of the city of Reygades and its surroundings. Stronger than a dating site the new Slingshot? Surely!
Conclusion
After Can-Am Polaris ATV is the second manufacturer to embark on the segment of road tricycles. Intimate enemies long, the two manufacturers of recreational leisure gear again find themselves on the same ring, but with fighters with very different characteristics. The Spyder is clearly typed motorcycle (handlebars, helmets, saddle, passenger behind) and Slingshot resumes automotive codes (driving, no mandatory helmet, driver and passenger side by side). In the final, the new Polaris instead of playing in the KTM X-BOW and other Campagna T-Rex, although the comparison with the Spyder seems inevitable. Exhilarating to drive, and sexy as hell necessarily atypical, the Slingshot will first be marketed in the Polaris Network (quad brand leader in France and in the world). The French subsidiary expects to sell between 100 and 200 units in the first year of commercialization. This short essay has not allowed us to measure consumption and pure performance of Slingshot. A good opportunity to pay a new tranche of fun soon.
Amazing look
Accuracy of the front
Rear player
One of a kind
The pleasure of driving along the ground and in the open air
Maneuverability
Very efficient braking (if fault corrected pumping)
The astonished gaze of passers-by and motorists
Engine flexibility
Aspect limited practices
Some plastics back
Unimpressive rear wheel width
We still would like more thrills in the towers
Cap which not lock
Engine: 8/10
Chassis: 8/10
Esthetique: 10/10
Equipment: 7/10
Vitesse max:
Acceleration 0-100 m:
Turning diameter:
Conso. average :
Autonomy: nc
Final Rating: 8.3 / 10
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