This past month we at HOMBRE were among the first to test drive the brand new 2021 Slingshot. The exciting model improves an already solid vehicle with trend-setting innovations. A big part of the brand’s success is due to Polaris Slingshot‘s Vice President, Christopher Sergeant, and his team. We had the opportunity to chat with Chris and hear his take on the changes for this new version, what it takes to stand out from the crowd, and his advice on how to rise up and get to an enviable position at a leading automotive company.

HOMBRE: How is the 2021 Polaris Slingshot release going so far?
Christopher Sergeant: Quite well! Pumped to get the model 2021 out on the streets. It’s a continuation of model year ’20, which was big for Slingshot. We introduced our own engine, as well as AutoDrive. A lot happened in 2020, and our customers came back to us and told us, hey, this is something we can do socially distanced. It’s pretty awesome. It makes people feel an adrenaline rush, connect, and express their personality, all in one.

2021-Slingshot-S

H: As a part of the experience, I got to see a lot of the new features. But for those that don’t know, what are the latest developments in the 2021 Slingshot model?
CS: For 2021, there’s three themes of developments. The first is the drive, the second is the style, and third is the audio. And we have pretty massive improvements across the vehicle lineup in each of those areas.
With the drive, we added the number one most asked for feature in paddle shifters and a manual mode for our AutoDrive transmission. Paddle shifters can be used to change the gear on AutoDrive, or take full control in manual mode. We also enhanced the calibration, which vastly improves AutoDrive and manual mode.
For style, we introduced new trim models. For example the color shifting green with an asymmetric design is something only Slingshot can pull off. We reintroduced the S, a blank canvas base model that starts at just under twenty thousand dollars. We also introduced new accessories in style, with seventy three accessories and over thirty colors per accessory.
Last is the sound, with the all-new stage two audio. That comes stock with the SL and the R models. That’s double the volume output of last year. And then we offer stage three audio, which takes you up to 200 watts in total for a system – which really improves clarity.

HOMBRE’s Kaylie Kuhn, among the fist to test drive the new 2021 Polaris Slingshot

H: Who would you say is your ideal customer?
CS: One of the awesome things about Slingshot is that we don’t have any shapes, colors, or easily identifiable markers of a Slingshot owner. The Slingshot customer – everyone knows one. It’s that super confident, stand-out individual. They may not be the center of the party but they love being at the party. They love being noticed. Once they step into a Slingshot and experience it, they recognize that the road is not just a means of getting from point A to B, but the journey itself is an experience and something to be desired. It’s individuals that love to experience the road and the environment, with the exposure of a motorcycle but the comfort of the car. They’re edgy and stylish, with a stand-out attitude. The person that is willing to be noticed, and happy to talk about it.

H: What would you say are the benefits of owning a Slingshot?
CS: First and foremost you’re going to get more attention on the road than any other vehicle. All of our customers say the number one and two reasons for purchasing a Slingshot is the way it looks, and the attention you get. Also, experiencing the road in an open cockpit. You experience things differently than in a car, just like a motorcycle. You hear things, you smell things. It’s all the relaxation of a car and the excitement of a motorcycle. And, you do it in a side-by-side manner. You get to look and make eye contact, as well as experience everything with someone, an experience you wouldn’t get on a tandem vehicle such as a motorcycle.

Polaris Slingshot Malibu, CA 2020

H: What can you tell us about the safety features of the vehicle?
CS: The Slingshot is federally regulated as a motorcycle, and as such we don’t have standard automotive features like an airbag. What it does have is a pretty advanced pedigree of technological solutions such as antilock, brakes, and stability control. It is highly engineered – to the point where it has a higher stick in a curve than most sports cars. It’s a rear-wheel drive machine, which means stability is very important to us. It’s designed to keep you planted firmly on the road and let you experience the thrills you want to experience.

H: On a personal level, how did you come into this company?
CS: I always viewed motorcycling as one of my passions. I thought I’d love to work for a motorcycle company, and then Polaris called me into their motorcycle branch. I had the opportunity to take over the Slingshot branch about a year and a half ago, and was super excited about it. It’s a very fun brand, with a passionate, engaged customer base. I came in early 2019, and then worked with the team to launch the Slingshot 2020. 

H: You personally have risen to a high level within Polaris, to what do you attribute that growth within the company?
CS: I wouldn’t be where I am without a very strong team. We have a bunch of fantastic, good people at Polaris . It’s a lot of teamwork, making good calls, and giving credit to those who deserve it. I started off my career in the Navy, and learned leadership on submarines, as well as a lot about service. Then I was fortunate enough to go to business school and work for a consulting company. I got to see a broad breadth of business and leadership styles in that chapter of my life, and brought that with me to Polaris.

H: What would you say are the keys to success for an automotive company such as Polaris, especially with Slingshot?
CS: With Polaris, our strength is in our values. It’s riders first, it’s the customer’s intricacy, it’s understanding what we do well and who we do it for. Riders are at the forefront of almost all of our decisions, especially around products. What can we do for riders, and what do they want? That’s what we do. Slingshot is due in part because of that.

H: What would you say are the pillars of the Slingshot brand?
LR: It was a vehicle we created six years ago because we thought it was awesome, a fantastic experience people would love. And they did! We listened to what they wanted improvements on, and made improvements there and have continued making them this year. The brand pillars of Slingshot are rooted in our customer needs and adventurous spirit. Our rider communities in different markets are so, so passionate. From Miami to Houston to Chicago to Philly, and so on, we have a growing, vibrant community of riders. There’s Slingshot takeovers happening everywhere. We like to joke that three slingshots makes a parade, because of the attention you get from a passersby.

H: Are there active clubs and social gatherings happening this coming year for Slingshot?
CS: Yes, our riders have formed their own clubs since there is no Polaris sponsored club. Every major metro area has one, and they’re frequently connected to our dealers in those areas. There’s usually a monthly ride somewhere, which basically entails riders gathering together at a certain point in time in their vehicles and riding a pre-planned route. It’s about getting out and experiencing the road with each other. There’s all sorts of different experiences for everyone.

H: Lastly, why should someone buy a 2021 Slingshot?
CS: 2021 is the latest and greatest. We have a vehicle for everyone at every price point, and we also have a transmission option for everyone. Whether you’re a manual die-hard purist, or you’re open to the idea of AutoDrive, or you don’t know how to drive a manual and just want the experience on the road. Our sales force is ready to welcome you into the Polaris  family. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a returning customer. Slingshot is like no other vehicle on the road. Thirty percent of our riders use the vehicle for daily commuting, because it’s a more interesting vehicle. It’s an experience like no other.