Polaris Slingshot 3-Wheeler

There are a number of so-called ‘reverse trikes’ or 3-wheelers on the market, including the classically styled Morgan Three Wheeler, the sports car-like Grinnall Scorpion III, F1 car-like Scorpion Prodigy P6, the more motorcycle-like T-REX and the electric-powered Epic EV Torq. At the same time there are also a few yet-to-be-realised projects from major manufacturers, like the Volkswagen GX3 and the Peugeot 20Cup.

And now there’s the Polaris Slingshot. Polaris are better known for their range of quads, snowmobiles and off-road vehicles, as well as their Victory and Indian line of motorcycles. But now, not content with offering vehicles with two wheels, vehicles with four wheels, and vehicles with tracks, they’re splitting the difference and offering a 3-wheeler too.

The Polaris Slingshot is a two-seater with an open cockpit and a motorcycle-like driving experience. It’s powered by a 2.4 litre Ecotec engine connected to a 5-speed manual transmission (with reverse) which drives the single rear wheel via a carbon fiber reinforced belt.

The engine produces 173 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm and 166 ft-lbs of torque @ 4,700 rpm and is cradled within a high-strength steel spaceframe chassis. To reduce weight, the suspension wishbones, rear swingarm and roll-over hoops are all formed from aluminium. The bodywork is formed from lightweight polymer panels.

Curb weight for the base Polaris Slingshot is 1,725 lbs (782 kgs). Or 1,743 lbs (790 kgs) for the Slingshot SL – which comes with larger 18-inch wheels, a rear-view reversing camera, an infotainment console with Bluetooth connectivity, six speakers and a USB port, and distinctive red paintwork. Both models come with ABS brakes, electronic stability control and traction control as standard. Good news for those who don’t appreciate unwanted electronic intervention is that the traction control can be turned on or off with a simple switch.

As the Polaris Slingshot is technically classed as a motorcycle, depending on local legislation it may require a motorcycle endorsement on your license to legally drive it. In addition, helmets are also probably a good idea – even if it’s just to keep your teeth and eyes free from bugs.

In terms of practicality, the Polaris Slingshot scores pretty low. Obviously. But there are some handy lockable and surprisingly spacious storage units behind each seat, the lockable glovebox is handy for smaller items. Comfort wise the Slingshot has adjustable seats upholstered in a waterproof material, as well as a steering wheel which is adjustable for tilt.

Pricing for the Polaris Slingshot is fairly competitive. The base model starts at $19,000, while the SL starts at $24,000. Accessories include a double-bubble windshield kit, infotainment system (standard on the SL), custom iPhone cases and mounts, full vehicle or cockpit covers and an interior LED lighting kit.