In celebration of National Stick Shift Day on July 16, consumers can visit their local Slingshot dealership during the month of July for a free stick shift driving lesson. Actually we thought it was Corn Fritters Day another would-be marketing con, but we don’t ride many fritters.
Only 18% of Americans know how to drive a manual trans, but Polaris – not without self-interest – wants to replace what it claims is an experience in an old, mundane vehicle with – guess what – a ~$21,000 to +$30,000 Slingshot. Each has a GM Ecotec 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder engine rated at 173 horsepower with a five-speed manual transmission.
Slingshot says it wants to provide a new perspective on how much fun mastering the art of shifting – or is that gear chipping while clutch burning? – gear-to-gear can be, in full control of the vehicle, allegedly, by offering lessons in a Slingshot.
Each lesson will enter the survivor in the Summer of Fun sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to Maui, Hawaii and an opportunity to test their newly-acquired skills with a driving – but hopefully not near-death – experience on the Road to Hana.
The classification of Slingshot is state-dependent. About 40 states classify Slingshot as an autocycle, which only requires a driver’s license. The other classification is motorcycle, which requires a motorcycle endorsement. Consumers can go online at www.slingshot.polaris.com/en-us/dealer-locator/ to find their local participating Slingshot dealer.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Polaris Slingshot Celebrates “National Stick Shift Day”
Only 18% of Americans know how to drive a manual trans, but Polaris – not without self-interest – wants to replace what it claims is an experience in an old, mundane vehicle with – guess what – a ~$21,000 to +$30,000 Slingshot. Each has a GM Ecotec 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder engine rated at 173 horsepower with a five-speed manual transmission.
Each lesson will enter the survivor in the Summer of Fun sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to Maui, Hawaii and an opportunity to test their newly-acquired skills with a driving – but hopefully not near-death – experience on the Road to Hana.
The classification of Slingshot is state-dependent. About 40 states classify Slingshot as an autocycle, which only requires a driver’s license. The other classification is motorcycle, which requires a motorcycle endorsement. Consumers can go online at www.slingshot.polaris.com/en-us/dealer-locator/ to find their local participating Slingshot dealer.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.