When it comes to rides, our tastes are just as different as in our music, food, and everything else. The same could be said about motorcycles. Some folks want to buy a bike that will simply drive to work every day. Other more meticulous individuals find themselves spending hours upon hours sifting through hundreds of options. If you are looking for a unique ride, then the Slingshot is definitely worth considering, especially if you want something unique besides the leaping cat or the slanting “H”, among many others.
A moment ago, we saluted the 2020 Slingshot line-up, which featured a game-changing AutoDrive transmission, a feature that significantly improved sales. For the 2021 model, the brand worked on customizing and upgrading the Slingshot to something even better while maintaining the signature appearance—there's many reasons to love the new 2021 Slingshot lineup. Polaris created a motorcycle that looks and feels like you are driving a powerful sports car. Specifically, it gives you the experience of riding a Porsche 914. Only slightly lower.
To build on the momentum created by the predecessors, the 2021 Slingshot models are packed with enhanced audio integration features and upgraded AutoDrive transmission, just to mention a few. On the whole, the best Polaris Slingshot to drive in 2021 is the Slingshot R Limited Edition, and we will tell you why.
This Polaris Slingshot will give you the experience of riding a Porsche 914. Only slightly lower.
What You Ought To Know About The 2021 Polaris Slingshot R Limited Edition
The 2021 slingshot R is part of the year’s line-up, which consists of four models; the S model, which costs $19,999 and the SL model, which is priced at $24,999, and of course, the Slingshot R and R Limited Edition, which will cost you $32,799, according to the official Polaris website. By and large, the 2021 Slingshot line-up comes with a lot of our favorite features. The R model has so far stood apart from the rest of these models in a number of ways, and the price difference does kind of put it into perspective.
New and exclusive to 2021, the Slingshot R Limited Edition is a unique three-wheeler that is both eye-catching and feels great on the road. Now that’s a two-in-one. Three, when you take the speed into consideration. Despite that the Slingshot R Limited Edition is pricier than the S and SL models, this price is justifiable when you look at the amount of time and effort the brand took to add the extra details. So, that’s a great price to pay for something that’s this unique.
Exterior And Design
In regards to its design, there is one thing that we should make clear. The Polaris Slingshot is not a car, but rather it is considered to be a motorcycle. It is registered as a motorcycle and also insured as such.
The number one feature that turns the R Limited Edition model into the one-of-a-kind vehicle is the Neon Fade asymmetrical paint combined with its graphics. It’s clear that Polaris wanted the R Limited Edition to be special. The vehicle has an overall height of 51.9 in (1,318 mm), and it measures 149.6 inches and 77.9 inches in length and width in turn.
Weighing at 1,749 lb., the Slingshot R Limited Edition drives on lightweight forged wheels with a wheelbase of 105 inches and comes with blacked-out badging, which brings out its distinctiveness. No wonder it is called the “Ultimate Update”.
The Polaris Slingshot R Engine Whips Out 203 Horsepower
All the 2021 Polaris Slingshots come are equipped with a Prostar 2.0L 4 Cylinder engine. The major difference is that the Slingshot R and R Limited Edition both have a peak power of 203 HP and 144 ft-lbs of torque, which is slightly more than the S’s and SL’s 178 HP and 120 ft-lbs torque.
When it comes to swiftness, the Slingshot R Limited Edition can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in as little as 4.9 seconds.
The 2021 Polaris Slingshot R Is Available With Autodrive Trans Or A Manual 5-Speed
Since the slingshot first came into production in 2015, it was only available with a 5-speed manual transmission until 2020, when the Autodrive transmission was introduced.
The 2021 Slingshot models are now available with an upgraded AutoDrive transmission with paddle shifters or the active 5-speed manual transmission.
Interior And Ride Command System
The upgraded interior has made the inside of this slingshot just as attractive as the exterior. The seats are styled and cleverly padded to keep you comfy, even during the longest trips.
One of our favorite interior features is the premium interior light kit, which is fully customizable to users. Thanks to the partnership between Polaris and XKGlow, you can now customize your new slingshot with up to six LEDs, all of which will be controlled with the Slingshot LED app, allowing you to change the colors to match anything.
Besides the premium lighting, the Slingshot’s interior features an upgraded sound system: the Rockford Fosgate audio system. Here, Polaris restyled the speaker pods to fit in the new 100-watt speakers into the car. Now, the tweeter sounds will be coming from the dash. The best part about this Rockford sound system, especially in the slingshot, is that it gives a very clear and well-balanced sound quality, regardless of the speed. If you are a serious audiophile who wants more sound, the audio system lets you amplify the sound by adding rear speakers.
Driving the slingshot R Limited Edition will surely be much fun to drive, and even more, it won’t leave a deep dent in your wallet.