The Polaris Slingshot has been
updated for the 2020 model year and while initially we expected the updates to
be purely visual, they are more comprehensive than that. Most notably, the 2020
Slingshot comes outfitted with a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder
engine developed in-house by Polaris and dubbed the ‘Prostar.’ No details have
been provided about who builds this engine but speaking with CNET during a
round of press drives with the new three-wheeler, officials said the engine
block is machined in Germany alongside “some Mercedes-AMG V8 hardware.”
For entry-level Slingshot SL
models, this engine delivers 180 hp and 162 Nm of torque sent
through the single rear wheel. Higher-spec Slingshot R models enjoy 203 hp and 195 Nm)which is 30 hp more and 29 Nm less than provided
by the outgoing GM-sourced 2.4-liter four-cylinder. However, it’s noted that
the smaller 2.0-liter engine revs much higher (to 8,500 rpm no less) and is
much smoother.
The 2020 Slingshot comes as
standard with a manual transmission but new for the latest model year is the
availability is an automated manual that handles shifting on its own. Elsewhere,
significant advancements have been made in the cabin. There are new seats, a
redesigned steering wheel, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
complete with a reversing camera. On the outside, the most notable changes
include slimmer headlights and daytime running lights as well as tweaked
fenders.
Prices for the 2020 Polaris
Slingshot SL with the automatic transmission start at US$ 26,499 while the
Slingshot R is available from US$ 30,999 with the manual and US$ 32,699 with the auto
‘box.
