2015 Polaris Slingshot® SL — Three-Wheel Reverse Trike

Description

2015 Polaris Slingshot® SL — Three-Wheel Reverse Trike

OPEN-AIR. WIDE OPEN.

The 2015 Polaris Slingshot® SL is unlike anything else on the road. A three-wheel reverse trike with two wheels up front and one in the rear, the Slingshot blurs the line between sports car and motorcycle — delivering a visceral, open-air driving experience powered by a 173 hp GM EcoTec® 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine. Guided by a steering wheel rather than handlebars, sitting low in bucket seats with 5-point shoulder belts, this is the machine for drivers who want the thrill of the road without the barrier of a roof or doors between them and the world.

The SL trim adds exclusive forged aluminum wheels (18-inch front / 20-inch rear), a Red Pearl paint finish, a blade windscreen, a 6-speaker AM/FM audio system, hard-sided lockable storage, and standard cruise control — making it the fully loaded expression of the original Slingshot lineup.

ENGINE — GM ECOTEC® 2.4L INLINE 4-CYLINDER — 173 HP

The Slingshot SL is propelled by a proven GM EcoTec® 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine — the same dependable platform found in millions of GM passenger vehicles, here optimized for the Slingshot’s sport-focused character. With 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque delivered through a 5-speed manual transmission, the Slingshot accelerates with authority and keeps drivers engaged at every gear.

Engine Highlights:

• 2,384 cc inline 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, liquid-cooled — proven GM EcoTec® architecture renowned for reliability and performance
• 173 hp (129.0 kW) @ 6,200 RPM — strong top-end power for exhilarating open-air acceleration
• 166 lb-ft (225.1 Nm) of torque @ 4,700 RPM — broad, usable mid-range torque for confident everyday driving
• 16 valves (4 per cylinder), DOHC — optimized airflow for efficient high-RPM breathing
• Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) — precise fueling for consistent throttle response across all conditions
• Compression ratio: 10.4:1 — balanced tune for both performance and everyday driveability
• Bore × Stroke: 88 mm × 98 mm (3.46 in × 3.86 in) — understroke configuration favoring strong low-end torque delivery
• Electric start — effortless startup every ride
• Belt primary drive — smooth, low-maintenance power delivery to the single rear wheel

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

SPEED & PERFORMANCE PROFILE

173 hp GM EcoTec® 2.4L — Open-Air Acceleration:

At 173 horsepower in a vehicle weighing just 1,684 lbs dry, the Slingshot SL delivers a power-to-weight ratio that most traditional sports cars cannot match. The EcoTec engine’s broad torque curve — peaking at 166 lb-ft at 4,700 RPM — means strong, usable thrust across nearly the entire rev range, not just at the top end. The result is an exhilarating driving experience that demands attention and rewards skill.

5-Speed Manual Transmission — Driver Engagement:

The Slingshot SL is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission — a deliberate design choice that keeps the driver fully engaged in every gear change. Unlike CVT or semi-automatic alternatives, the manual gearbox puts acceleration and deceleration timing entirely in the driver’s hands, delivering the most tactile and connected Slingshot experience possible. Reverse is included for effortless low-speed maneuvering.

Reverse Trike Configuration — 2 Wheels Forward, 1 Rear:

The Slingshot’s reverse trike layout places two wheels in front and one wheel in the rear — the opposite of the Can-Am Spyder’s configuration. This geometry positions the drive wheel at the rear for maximum traction under acceleration, while the wide dual front track provides exceptional stability and confident cornering behavior. The result is a platform that feels simultaneously like a motorcycle and a sports car — but unlike either.

Steering Wheel Control:

Unlike any other vehicle in the powersports category, the Slingshot is controlled with a steering wheel — not handlebars. This car-like control interface opens the Slingshot to a broader audience of drivers and creates a fundamentally different riding experience, combining automotive driving intuition with open-air motorcycle exposure.

SL TRIM — EXCLUSIVE FEATURES

The SL is the premium trim of the 2015 Slingshot lineup, adding a significant package of performance, comfort, and style upgrades over the base model.

SUSPENSION & CHASSIS

Ride Quality: The Slingshot’s independent double A-arm front suspension delivers precise, communicative steering feel through the steering wheel with 4.4 inches of travel absorbing road imperfections. The rear mono-shock single-sided swingarm provides a planted, stable rear end under acceleration. The wide 77.6-inch track width — wider than many compact cars — contributes to the Slingshot’s confident, planted cornering behavior.

DIMENSIONS & CAPACITIES

TIRES, WHEELS & BRAKES

Braking: The Slingshot SL runs large vented 298 mm (11.7 in.) hydraulic disc brakes at all three wheels — with standard 3-wheel ABS and a linked braking system. The dual front discs match the rear disc in diameter, providing balanced braking force across all three contact patches. At 11.7 inches, these are notably larger rotors than those found on most sport motorcycles, reflecting the Slingshot’s higher mass and performance expectations.

Tire Note: The SL’s 18-inch front and 20-inch rear forged aluminum wheels — exclusive to this trim — are significantly larger than the base model’s setup, contributing to the Slingshot’s aggressive, low-slung visual stance while mounting wide-profile performance tires for maximum contact patch.

TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES

Instrumentation

Comfort & Control

Audio & Connectivity

Storage & Security

Safety Systems

Protection

WHAT MAKES THE SLINGSHOT UNIQUE

The Polaris Slingshot SL occupies a category of one — it is not a car, not a motorcycle, and not a traditional three-wheel vehicle. It is registered and operated as a motorcycle in most U.S. states (helmet requirements vary by state — check local regulations), but it is driven with a steering wheel and seats two in side-by-side bucket seats.

Key differentiators:

• Steering wheel control — the only vehicle in the powersports segment driven this way
• Side-by-side seating — driver and passenger sit next to each other, not in tandem
• 173 hp automotive engine — the most powerful engine in the open three-wheel segment at its introduction
• Reverse trike geometry — 2 wheels forward, 1 rear (vs. Can-Am Spyder’s 2 rear, 1 front Ryker layout)
• Open-air cockpit — no roof, no doors, no windshield — pure exposure to the road environment

• • Automotive-grade ABS brakes — 298 mm discs at all three wheels