slingshot Tech Articles

Polaris Slingshot Evolution (Year & Model Differences)

Oct 2, 2019

 

2015

This is the first production year for the Polaris Slingshot offered in 3 trim levels.

Base: This model came with no windshield or stereo system. The Front Wheels were 17X7 with +42mm Offset and wrapped in Kenda 205/50R17 tires while the Rear Wheel was 18X9.5 with +45mm Offset and wrapped in Kenda 265/35R18 tires.

 

SL: The SL came with a windshield and stereo. The Front Wheels were 18X7.5 with +42mm Offset and wrapped in Kenda 225/45R18 tires while the Rear Wheel was 20X9 with +45mm Offset and wrapped in Kenda 255/35R20 tires.

 

SL LE: The SL LE (Limited Edition) has Nuclear Sunset Orange paint and came with a windshield and stereo. The Front Wheels were 18X7.5 with +42mm Offset and wrapped in Kenda 225/45R18 tires while the Rear Wheel was 20X9 with +45mm Offset and wrapped in Kenda 255/35R20 tires.

 

2016

In 2016 Everything remained the same with the only change being the SL LE was offered in Black Pearl paint and additionally the frame, control arms, and swing arm were powder coated in red also.

 

 

2016.5

2016 saw a ½ year split with a 2nd late production run with color changes and the SL LE was offered in 2 color options. Wheel and tire specs remain the same for all models.

 

2017

With the release of the 2017 model year came new paint colors, new sticker packages, and some interior upgrades. In 2017 Polaris upgraded in the seats in the base and SL models to the Velocity Street Seats which are more comfortable than the hollow rubber seats from the previous years and provided more thigh and lateral support. 2017 also saw the introduction of ride command which came with Rockford Fosgate speakers, a new larger LCD touch screen radio, vehicle info center, and turn by turn navigation which was standard on the SLR but optional on the SL. This was also the year Polaris released the new SLR model.

Wheel and tire specs remain the same for the Base, SL, and SL LE models.

 

 

SLR: The SLR came equipped with the Velocity Street Sport seats which are more comfortable than previous year and provided even more thigh and lateral support than the Velocity Street seats found in the base, SL, and SL LE models. The SLR now came with 2 tone paint.

The front wheels on the SLR are 18X7.5 with +42mm offset and wrapped in Kenda 225/45R18 tires while the rear wheel on the SLR is 20X11 with +45mm offset and wrapped in Kenda 305/30R20 tires

 

2018

For the 2018 model year, Polaris said goodbye to the SL LE model and rebadged it the SL Icon. The SL Icon models were the same as the SL with the exception that you had 4 additional color schemes in addition to the standard red and navy colors that were offered for the 2018 SL. Polaris also introduced the GT LE (Grand Touring Limited Edition). The GT LE came with 2 tone paint like the SLR but added their patented Slingshade roof system that had gullwing doors to allow for easier entry and exit. The GT LE also got the wheel and tire specs from the SL model. The SLR remained unchanged but for 2018, there was an SLR LE model offered which was just an additional 2 tone color option. Wheel and tire specs for the other models remains unchanged.

 

2019

For the 2019 model year Polaris ditched the SLR LE after the first year and rebadged it the SLR Icon. All this meant was that you now had a total of 5 colors to choose from for the SLR model. The SL Icon models were reduced to 3 additional color options (2018 had 4 options) all matching the SLR Icon color options. The easiest way to tell the difference between an SL Icon and a SLR Icon is the 2 tone paint on the hood of the SLR and the rear fin will be badged SLR vs SL. Wheel and tire specs for the other models remains unchanged.

 

 

Paint Codes for all colors used from 2015-2019:

Gray Metallic – 602

Red Pearl – 676

Nuclear Sunset Orange – 493

Black Pearl – 666

Gloss Black – 070

Turbo Silver – 402

Blue Fire/White – 620 & 599

White Pearl – 350

Sunset Red – 520

Navy Blue – 727

Midnight Cherry/Pearl White – 554 & 566

Turbo Silver/Black Pearl – 402 & 666

Orange Madness/Black Pearl – 589 & 666

Electric Blue/Black Pearl – 696 & 666

Ghost Gray/Lime Squeeze – 728 & 630

Monument White (also called matte pearl white) (Icon) – 675

Zion Orange (Icon) – 625

Dragon Green (Icon) – 740

Daytona Yellow (also called CMP Yellow Pearl) (Icon) – 743

Midnight Purple (also called Purple Thunder) (Icon) – 381

Matte Cloud Gray(also called Matte Gray Metallic) – 706

White Lightening – 599

Orion Blue (also called STL Blue) – 765

Afterburner Orange (also called Pearl Meltdown) – 707

Black Crystal/White Pearl – 677 & 566

Envy Green (also called Poison Green Pearl) (Icon) – 77

 

2020

For 2020 Polaris replaced the GM 2.4L Ecotec engine with their proprietary Prostar 2.0L naturally aspirated engine which revs out to 8500rpm. It is also the first time Polaris has a factory option for an automatic transmission.  They also ditched the S model and offered the SL, the new R model, and the GT LE.  The 2020 Slingshot was also given an exterior and interior facelift.  On the exterior the Slingshot was outfitted with a new style of headlights where the primary high and low beams are incorporated into one center mounted light that used to house the high beams on the Gen 1 Slingshots.  Polaris also added new gap fillers between the outer day time running lights and the "whiskers" below.  The roll hoops were revamped but generally look the same.  The interior was also given a massive facelift as well.  The cup holders were moved forward making them a lot more usable from the Gen 1.  The gauge cluster was updated with a sleek new unit sporting an LCD screen between the tach and speedo.  The infotainment system was upgraded to a 7" touch display that will also display all of the Ride Command Elements, turn by turn navigation, and back up camera.  The display was also installed in a vertically to reduce sun glare which was an issue on the first gen.  Like the previous gen, the infotainment system also has a connection for USB and the radio is Bluetooth compatible.  The steering wheel was also given an update by adding buttons that control the driving modes and the infotainment system.  The S and SL front wheels are 18x7.5 with a +42 offset and have 225/45/R18 Kenda tires on them.  The SL and GT LE rear wheels are 20x9 with a +45 offset and have 255/35/R20 Kenda tires on them.  The R shares the same front wheel and tire specs with the SL and GL LE models but the rear wheel is a wider 20x11 wheel with a +45 offset and is wrapped in a 305/30/R20 Kenda tire.

SL: The 178hp 2020 SL is only offered with the autodrive transmission and comes in your choice of Red Pearl or Blue Steel paint.

R:  The 203hp 2020 R is available with either a manual or autodrive transmission and comes in your choice of Stealth Black or Miami Blue paint.

2021

For 2021 Polaris brought the S model back with a set of roll hoops that resemble the ones found on the old Shelby Cobras.  They also still offer the SL and R models as well as the new R LE.  The GT LE was removed from the lineup.  Ride command was given an update that added Apple CarPlay and paddle shifters were added to the automatic transmission models.  However, these are both things you can update the 2020 model years with.  The S and SL front wheels are 18x7.5 with a +42 offset and have 225/45/R18 Kenda tires on them.  The S and SL rear wheels are 20x9 with a +45 offset and have 255/35/R20 Kenda tires on them.  The R and R LE models share the same front wheel and tire specs with the S and SL models but the rear wheel is a wider 20x11 wheel with a +45 offset and is wrapped in a 305/30/R20 Kenda tire.


 2020/2021 Paint Codes

Red Pearl - 676

Blue Steel - 696

Cruiser Black - 266

Stealth Black - 463

Gloss Black Pearl w/ Miami Blue - 666/737

Fairway Green - 596

Stealth Gray Azure Crystal - 834

Polaris Blue - 751

Pearl Meltdown - 707

Electric Lime - 844

White Lightning - 599

Azure Crystal Black - 809


2022

S: It all starts here. The Slingshot S is the ultimate canvas for customization. It's a ride that has everything you need to make the Slingshot experience truly yours. Choose your blank canvas, get in, and let the unlimited possibilities drive you.
Colors come in the following: Ghost Gray

SL:  The Slingshot SL is for those looking to take style to the next level. It delivers enhanced features, including additional style components and premium finishes from tip to tail. Add to that the Rockford Fosgate® 100w audio system—this ride will have you standing out from the crowd at any speed.
Colors come in the following: Red Pearl, Ultra Blue, Moonlight Metallic White, Volt Orange, Miami Blue, Liquid Lime

SLR: The Slingshot SLR is loaded with style and comfort, including a two-tone paint scheme with gloss and matte finishes and premium sport seats for additional support in the corners. The Slingshot RIDE COMMAND system will have you seeking out the most exhilarating routes while the 203 horsepower engine delivers thrills for an unparalleled driving experience.
Colors come in the following: Forged Orange, Forged Red

R: Make your statement from every direction. The Slingshot R will always draw the crowds with its enhanced, bold paint scheme and the best in features and style. The Slingshot R comes with additional horsepower, paddle shifters (AutoDrive), unparalleled finishes and styling, and Technology Package 3 that features turn-by-turn navigation and connected services. Buckle in and settle for nothing but the best.
Colors come in the following: Pacific Teal Fade, Midnight Storm Fade, Liquid Lime Fade, Voltage Orange Fade

LE: Grab the wheel and show off your superior style. The all-new Slingshot Signature LE is nothing like anything before. It comes loaded with features never seen on a Slingshot, like a limited-edition Tri-Tone Paint scheme and new Vented Sport Hood and wheel designs that bring unique and impressive finishes to the open road. Enjoy the modern tech-infused throughout—7" display powered by RIDE COMMAND, GPS navigation, RIDE COMMAND+, stage 3 Rockford Fosgate® audio, Apple CarPlay®, and much, much more.
Colors come in the following: Crimson Forge



Photos and info via Polaris, FlatOutMotorcycles, Slingshot Forums, SlingshotCityRentals, Motor1, RainyCreekPowersports, Motorcycle.com, BusinessInsider, TripAdvisor, CycleTrader, BattleCreekPowersports, MotorRide, AutoBlog, and MotorAuthority.
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