Polaris Releases Special-Edition Roush-Branded Slingshot

Back in December of 2022, Polaris announced the bulk of its 2023 Slingshot lineup, which featured a number of new colors for its three-wheelers along with a variety of accessory upgrades. The latest addition to that three-wheel motorcycle series is a new collaboration with Roush Performance, cleverly dubbed the Slingshot Roush Edition. The special model builds upon Polaris’ successful Slingshot R platform, but adds premium componentry, including Brembo brakes with exclusive slotted rotors, a Slingshot Excursion Top, premium pedal covers, and an exclusive race car–inspired steering wheel.

In other words, you get lots of bold new graphics and tasty branded bits along with a braking upgrade. Mechanically, the Roush Special Edition engine is unchanged from the Slingshot R, packing the same 203 hp, 2.0L ProStar engine with 1,997cc of displacement, attached to a belt drive that spins a big ol’ 20-inch rear wheel with two 18-inch aluminum hoops up front.

But there are a few exclusive additions for the special edition. The Roush Edition boasts Racetrack Red trim paint as well as blacked-out badging and steering wheel color accents to signal the exclusivity of this model. Add to that a special Roush graphics package with semi-discreet logos on the body, but there’s also more obvious Roush branding on the seat and color-matched instrument cluster, with a prominent badge displayed on the glove box. Billet aluminum Sparco covers adorn the pedals, and if you opt for the manual version of this tricked-out Slingshot, the shifter features iconic Roush Block R branding, while on the AutoDrive option, paddle shifters come standard.

For those who don’t know, the AutoDrive semi-automatic transmission system allows you to manually shift gears without the use of a clutch, thus appealing to people who don’t know how to operate or don’t want to bother with a stick.

Related: 2021 Polaris Slingshot Gets Paddle Shifters, Other Updates

Because it’s based on the up-spec R trim, the Slingshot Roush Edition also includes what Polaris calls Technology Package 3: a 7-inch touchscreen display featuring Ride Command with Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and navigation, among other features. Here, the infotainment system also comes standard with Ride Command+, which includes Apple CarPlay, GPS navigation, and weather and traffic overlays. A Stage 2 Audio Kit by Rockford Fosgate is part of the special edition, and brings a 100-watt audio system, automatic volume control, and a plug-and-play expandable amplifier.

Riding above the special-edition Slingshot you’ll see a Slingshot Excursion top, which is normally offered as an option. The soft top can be installed without tools and easily removed while offering improved headroom and tacking on more dynamic race car style cues. The Roush Edition’s front end also gets a more dynamic look thanks to the new Vented Sport Hood (also usually an option) that was announced earlier this year for the other Slingshot models.

And from what we could uncover, there is one performance upgrade to be found on the Special Edition: the inclusion of the four-piston Brembo brakes with slotted front brake rotors, said to be 14 percent larger than the standard front brake rotors.

But other than the eye-catching new colorway, Polaris is also touting the fact that the Roush Edition is the first ever cross-branded Slingshot, and with the Slingshot series’ increasing popularity over the last few years (according to the company’s own market research), we doubt it will be the last. And although Roush is known more for its know-how at the racetrack, Polaris says performance isn’t the reason folks are keen on the Slingshot: It’s style.

“We’re proud to be collaborating with Roush to deliver a special edition like no other,” said Chris Sergeant, Polaris Slingshot vice president. “We wanted to design a ride that authentically reflects Roush’s trusted heritage in performance, but remained true to the wow-factor, adventure-seeking lifestyle only Slingshot provides, and the Slingshot Roush Edition delivers on those promises.”

Polaris is dangling new add-ons as well, for those looking to further personalize their racetrack-inspired ride. Factory accessories available for the Roush Edition include heated and cooled seats, additional storage bags, color-matched rear fender, or an available Stage 3 Audio kit upgrade, which boasts integrated speakers behind each headrest.

The Slingshot Roush Edition ships to dealers in spring 2023, and will be available in Racetrack Red, with the manual transmission version starting at $37,349 and AutoDrive starting at $39,499. For more info, visit polaris.com.