We recently got a chance to get an exclusive look at the new 2021 Polaris Slingshot and whip it through the legendary canyon roads of Malibu, CA. Coming off the launch of their highly-touted and redesigned 2020 Slingshot, the Polaris team came through with some new upgrades and enhancements that make the driving experience even better.
The 2020 model with their new AutoDrive transmission proved to be a true revolution bringing Slingshot to the masses so that anyone who knew how to drive an automatic car could drive a Slingshot. And the proof was in the pudding as it nearly doubled their business during peak season and saw 80% of its dealers grow or remain flat in year-over-year sales comparisons. In addition, of those who purchased, over 80% were new customers to Polaris.
“In January, we promised our new 2020 Slingshot would be a game changer for consumers and dealers,” said Chris Sergeant, Polaris Slingshot Vice President. “Based on the tremendous success we have seen this year, there is no question we delivered on that promise. We elevated the experience in every meaningful way and created a more accessible offering for people to enjoy the next-level driving experience only a Slingshot can deliver.”
But they didn’t stop there.
“Listening to our owners, we left no stone unturned to fully refine, update and enhance our product lineup for 2021. New features like Apple CarPlay and paddle shifters for AutoDrive were among the top requests,” said Sergeant. “We also took cues from our owners to expand our accessories for 2021, and now have our largest offering ever – providing owners with countless ways to accessorize and personalize their Slingshot with parts that will take their ride to a whole new level.”
Focusing on the drive, style, and sound, Slingshot’s 2021 lineup is headlined by an upgraded AutoDrive transmission, now with paddle shifters, a new Rockford Fosgate audio system, Apple CarPlay integration, new trim levels, and Slingshot’s largest offering of accessory upgrades ever.
THE DRIVE
Paddle shifters! This is the cherry on top of AutoDrive and the new addition gives the Slingshot a more sports car-like feel and ability to control the shifting to suit your driving style. The AutoDrive transmission was also retuned and improves shifting at low and high speeds in both drive modes and provides smoother, faster, and more consistent shifts, allowing drivers to feel more confident and connected when piloting their Slingshots. The steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are an upgrade that’s available to 2020 and 2021 Slingshot models with AutoDrive. Hill hold is another feature that comes standard which improves slow speed drivability and increases your confidence on any hill. Both the AutoDrive calibration and Hill hold are updatable upgrades for 2020 Slingshots.
They’ve also assembled the Excursion Series and Drive Series which are accessorized models tailored for drivers. Excursion is an upgraded comfort and storage package for longer adventures. It includes a new storage bag collection, tall wind deflector, Slingshade top and heated and cooled seats. Drive was created to maximize the most of every drive. It includes paddle shifters, heated and cooled seats and a dead pedal to give AutoDrive owners a spot to rest their left foot. Additionally, S and SL drivers can add close to 15% more power to their Slingshots with a stage 1 tune.
THE STYLE
Unmistakable, there’s nothing like a Slingshot. For many owners, the vehicle is a platform for self-expression through customization. In 2021, Slingshot introduces new trim levels reintroducing the S Trim and adding the new R Limited Edition, also expanding color accents, and all-new customizable interior lighting system.
The R Limited Edition is at the top of the line, and stands out from the crowd with its limited-edition, asymmetrical designed Neon Fade paint, blacked-out badging, and lightweight aluminum matte black wheels. Available in a manual or AutoDrive transmission, the R Limited Edition includes paddle shifters with AutoDrive, new Rockford Fosgate audio system with redesigned speaker pods and Rockford tweeters in the dash, Ride Command with Apple CarPlay and turn-by-turn navigation, and vehicle hill hold.
Slingshot’s S model, available with two package options, has been designed for drivers seeking the essentials, but with an eye towards customization. The standard S, starting at $19,999, is available in manual or AutoDrive and offers the perfect canvas for drivers looking to create a Slingshot with their own personality and style. Drivers looking to beef up their S can add Technology Package 1, which includes the new 100-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with a 2.7-inch display, redesigned speaker pods and Rockford Fosgate tweeters in the dash. The package also upgrades the S models with the vehicle security package and a standard ripper series clear wind deflector to improve driver and passenger comfort.
Adding seven new color accents, Slingshot owners now have even more options to add a pop of color to the exterior of their Slingshot. The new colors are available to accent the front grille, front upper and lower fender, roll hoop, belt guards, exterior muscles stripes, rear fender, and rear fender decal.
The Slingshot Design Series is an assortment of colorful parts to match anyone’s personality and includes a color matched Slingshade, a painted front grille, upper and lower accent pieces, front wing guards, rear fender with decal, belt guard, lower hoop accent, interior and exterior accent kits, and Slingshot’s black badge kit.
Inside the cockpit, they have added an all-new customizable premium interior light kit. In partnership with XKGlow, owners can outfit the interior of their Slingshot with six LED lights and an LED light pod in various locations. Using the mobile Slingshot LED app, owners can simultaneously set two different light zones to any color including color matching from your phone’s camera and pairing the lights with their music to choreograph the lights while the music plays.
THE SOUND
And coordinating to the music is now available in a Rockford Fosgate system with an optional stage 3 roll hoop audio kit, drivers are sure to be heard just as easily as they are seen. With 100 watts, redesigned speaker pods, Rockford Fosgate tweeters built in the dash, and expandable plug and play Rockford Fosgate amplifier, drivers will have no problem hearing crystal-clear sound at any speed, in any driving condition. In addition, the new Rockford Fosgate audio system makes it easy to double the output by adding rear speakers via a convenient plug and play kit.
An industry-first for side-by-side three-wheel vehicles, Apple CarPlay will come standard on R and R Limited Edition trims and available as an upgrade on SL. Apple CarPlay seamlessly integrates iPhone devices with the Slingshot’s built-in Ride Command infotainment system. Drivers and passengers can make phone calls with a Bluetooth headset, access music, send and receive messages, get directions, and more while staying focused on the road. Additionally, 2020 Slingshot owners can update their Ride Command with Apple CarPlay.
With all these now available, Slingshot curated an accessories package to bring it all to life in the Concert Series. The Slingshot Concert Series delivers everything drivers and passengers want and love from a live show directly to the cockpit. An all-new plug and play Stage 3 roll hoop audio kit by Rockford Fosgate packs even more energy, delivering even more volume to the city streets. Paired with the new premium interior light kit by XKGlow, drivers are sure to be the center of attention as music blasts in sync with the dramatic light show.
THE 2021 Slingshot Lineup
Pricing and color availability for the 2021 model lineup are as follows:
-
- S is available in White Lightning in both a manual ($19,999) and AutoDrive ($21,699)
- S with Technology Package 1 is available in White Lightning in both a manual ($22,299) and AutoDrive ($23,999)
- SL is available in Midnight Blue or Red Pearl in both a manual ($24,999) and AutoDrive ($26,699)
- R is available in Stealth Blue and Sunrise Orange, in both manual ($31,299) and AutoDrive ($33,299)
- R Limited Edition features an exclusive, custom-inspired Neon Fade paint, and is available in both a manual ($32,799) and AutoDrive ($34,799) transmission
Shipping to dealers now, consumers can learn more about the 2021 lineup at PolarisSlingshot.com.
Follow Slingshot on social media: Facebook.com/PolarisSlingshot, @Slingshot on Twitter and @PolarisSlingshot on Instagram. For information on Slingshot rental locations, visit Adventures.Polaris.com.
