I’ll admit it. I really like consideration. I gown in vibrant colours, communicate loudly, chortle louder, and would be the first one to hop on the dance ground, even when mentioned dance ground is a desk prime. However I’ve all the time thought driving a Polaris Slingshot brings the flawed sort of consideration. I’ve wished nothing to do with it because it got here onto the scene in 2015.
But right here I’m, cruising alongside the ocean in a two-tone teal and orange 2023 Polaris Slingshot R, grinning like a maniac, doing small burnouts at cease lights and usually having a grand previous time.
You’ll have seen the Polaris Slingshot cruising down by the seaside or in vacationer cities akin to Las Vegas or Miami. A cross between a automobile and a bike, this three-wheeled monstrosity has all of the subtlety of the Intercourse Pistols at a debutante ball. Designed with sufficient angles to make my tenth grade geometry trainer weep, it sports activities two wheels up entrance and one within the rear. It’s low to the bottom, roofless, and doorless.
Most states classify it as an “autocycle” and solely a driver’s license is required to get behind the wheel. Nonetheless, helmet legal guidelines differ from state to state, so you’ll want to examine your native legal guidelines earlier than going out for a pleasure journey.
2023 Polaris Slingshot R
2023 Polaris Slingshot R
2023 Polaris Slingshot R
And I do imply “pleasure journey.” Each Slingshot comes with a Polaris-built 2.0-liter inline-4 engine, however my top-of-the-line Slingshot R tester is tuned to 203 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque. Lesser fashions have 178 ponies and 120 lb-ft of twist, however the rattling factor solely weighs round 1,650 kilos. Missing energy it isn’t, even in decrease trims.
The Slingshot is rear-wheel drive, and an obtainable 5-speed handbook transmission sends energy to that lone 305/30R20 Kenda tire—by a belt, thoughts you. You may get a 5-speed automated handbook with paddle shifters, however as we discovered in a drive of the 2020 Slingshot, you wouldn’t wish to. In addition to, if there have been any car through which you desire a totally engaged driving expertise, that is it.
For this drive, I’m joined by my pal Jen, who I additionally dragged alongside after I drove the Vanderhall Venice, an identical three-wheeled toy. We strap in, drawing the seat belts from their anchors inboard of the seats (as a result of there aren’t any B-pillars), and don our Polaris-mandated full-face helmets. California says an open face DOT helmet is ok, however with solely half a windshield it’s good to have a bit extra safety. Jen and I can’t hear one another, however the Rockford Fosgate audio system is bumping sufficient to push the tunes previous our helmets and into our ears.
We take off from a beach-side lodge in Huntington Seaside, California, to seize some espresso and straight away get a thumbs up from a pair strolling their canine. On the subsequent gentle, I get a wave from a dude in a traditional Meyers Manx buggy and on the following block a vacationer snaps a fast picture. All this and we haven’t even reached Starbucks but.
2023 Polaris Slingshot R
Lastly caffeinated, we head out to Pacific Coast Freeway. This factor rips when pulling away from a cease, screaming as much as the 8,500-rpm readline. That isn’t a typo, people. Regardless that I do know the phrase isn’t appropriate as utilized to this car, I simply wish to scream, “V-TEC simply kicked in, yo!” The shifter displays good, clear throws and the clutch engages cleanly and easily. It’s loud as #%!&, however I don’t actually care. I’m having a blast.
Nonetheless, I nonetheless really feel like a little bit of a poseur. I’m not in a sports activities automobile, and I’m not using a bike. I’m on this bizarre in-between world that I don’t prefer to inhabit. Nonetheless, I can’t deny the grin plastered on my face.
I’m fairly comfy too. The seats have heating and cooling and each work nice. They should as there isn’t any further HVAC system. A 7.0-inch touchscreen runs the Polaris Experience Command infotainment system. It’s not probably the most sturdy system I’ve ever skilled, however Apple CarPlay is right here in the event you don’t wish to use the in-dash navigation system or Bluetooth connectivity. There’s even a back-up digicam.
2023 Polaris Slingshot R
Storage is at a premium within the Slingshot, however my tester comes with two lockable cubbies built-in behind the seats which can be sufficiently big to suit our helmets. The glovebox can be big. There’s a small middle console and slightly rubberized cubby ahead of the gearshift which have room to your cellphone and keys. Each occupants have loads of legroom, and the passenger may hold a small backpack with them, however you gained’t wish to use it for a lot of in a single day journeys except you pack very calmly.
We get onto the freeway and I really feel secure, nicely largely. There isn’t a rearview mirror and it is a bit onerous to see what’s within the passenger facet blind spot, even by the facet mirrors. Nonetheless, it tracks straight and feels steady. Earlier than I do know it I’m doing 90 mph, a bit too fast for a public highway, however scorching rattling, I really feel good. To curb my pace I set the cruise management. It’s not an adaptive system, however it’s nice to have the ability to set it nearer to the pace restrict and keep away from the fuzz.
Jen can’t keep for the entire journey, however she has opinions from the best seat. The facet seize bar isn’t in the best place for her and he or she needs for a entrance seize bar as nicely. Nonetheless, her greatest criticism is that she by no means feels safe as a passenger. There aren’t any doorways and within the turns she seems like she’s two inches from simply falling out of the rattling factor. For many who desire a bit extra safety, the Vanderhall Venice with its greater beltline can be a greater buy.
2023 Polaris Slingshot R
2023 Polaris Slingshot R
I drop her off and proceed my drive, heading as much as the hills. Right here is the place the Slingshot exhibits its weak spot. On lengthy sweepers it’s a blast, however when the turns get tighter, the one rear wheel has a tough time sustaining grip. It has stability and traction management to assist, however I’m not driving almost as shortly as I’d in a small sports activities automobile, and I think about people on actual bikes would cross me in a heartbeat. A number of days to study the bounds of the rear wheel are so as for individuals who purchase one. The flip facet of this lack of grip is a few epic burnouts. I recommend attempting a couple of.
Polaris supplies Consolation and Slingshot (learn: Sport) drive modes. With the automated, it can tighten up gear modifications, however since I’m already rowing my very own, what I really feel is a little more steering heft. The journey itself is fairly stiff and that doesn’t change between modes. It’s not bone-jarring, however I’d discover this tough to drive for hours on finish. Your tolerance might differ.
2023 Polaris Slingshot R
I come to an intersection within the hills and discover that I’m at Cook dinner’s Nook within the city of Trabuco Canyon, one of the well-liked biker bars in Southern California. “Screw it,” I believe. “I’ll in all probability be laughed out of city, however I’m going to see what these people take into consideration this factor.”
Y’all, they adore it.
From Harley riders to crotch-rocket aficionados, all of them wish to chat about it and take a journey. They’re impressed by the handbook transmission and the 200-plus horsepower they usually love, I imply love, the best way it appears. I’m nonetheless not satisfied, however these robust biker guys and gals don’t have anything however compliments for the little toy. Heck, upon leaving one biker approaching Cook dinner’s Nook even provides me a low-key two-fingered wave. OMG, am I cool on this factor? I believe I’m cool!
2023 Polaris Slingshot R
A base Slingshot S runs about $21,500, though costs are a bit greater in California. If you wish to add extra coloration choices and the stereo system, step as much as the SL for $27,500. The SLR provides the efficiency tune to the engine and an even bigger rear tire for $30,400, and my prime tester in R trim provides navigation, Apple CarPlay, two-tone paint, and Brembo brakes for $34,000. If you’d like the automated transmission—and also you don’t—count on to pay an additional $1,850 besides within the R trim the place a further $2,150 will get you the slushbox with paddle shifters.
Consumers may also go for one in all 4 accent packages that embrace such niceties as a bikini prime—one thing I’d undoubtedly wish to hold the solar at bay—included storage baggage, a RAM cellphone mount, and upgraded inside lighting.
I didn’t actually count on to take pleasure in my time within the Polaris Slingshot, however I’m strolling away with that feeling you get once you’ve had a extremely enjoyable day. It’s not a nook carver, it’s not pleasant for lengthy drives, and you’ll’t actually chat along with your passenger with out an intercom system, however none of that basically issues. The Polaris Slingshot makes individuals smile, and extra importantly, it makes me smile. In a world that not often brings pleasure, the Slingshot delivers. Generally that’s sufficient.
—by Emme Corridor
Polaris offered lodging for Motor Authority to deliver you this firsthand report.
