Part car, part motorcycle, part go-kart, the Polaris Slingshot Car redefines open-road excitement. For those who crave a driving experience that breaks the mold, the Slingshot R model, redesigned for 2020, delivers a potent blend of audacious style and exhilarating performance. As someone immersed in the world of performance vehicles, I’ve discovered that the Slingshot car offers a unique taste of automotive freedom, blurring the lines between car and motorcycle to create something truly special.
The Slingshot Car: A Fusion of Tech and Striking Design
The Slingshot car’s distinctive three-wheel layout – two wheels at the front and a single, wide wheel at the rear – immediately sets it apart. This unconventional design isn’t just for show; it’s fundamental to the Slingshot’s tenacious grip and unique driving dynamics.
Polaris introduced the Slingshot R during Portland’s reliably dry summer months, the perfect conditions to appreciate its open-air nature. Classifying the Slingshot car can be tricky. Polaris, and many states, categorize it as a motorcycle. Legally, this can mean helmet requirements depending on location, but the driving feel is overwhelmingly car-like, perhaps best described as an adult go-kart experience. Technically, it’s a “reverse trike” or “tadpole,” sharing a layout with vehicles like the Can-Am Spyder, but with a significantly lower and more ground-hugging seating position, reminiscent of classic low-slung sports cars, only more extreme.
The 2020 Slingshot car marked a significant evolution for the model line. Built upon a tubular space frame, similar in concept to Ducati motorcycle frames but scaled up for car dimensions, the chassis is encased in aggressively styled, angular bodywork that evokes a modern Batmobile aesthetic. The test model I experienced featured striking red accents against a combination of matte and gloss black paint, enhanced by integrated LED lighting strips. Under the hood, the 2020 Slingshot car transitioned to a Polaris-developed 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated inline four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous GM-sourced units. This new powerplant delivers a robust 203 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, a notable horsepower increase over the older 2.4-liter GM engines (173hp), although a slight decrease in torque from the GM’s 166 lb-ft.
However, the on-paper torque difference is negligible in real-world driving. The engine’s 8,500rpm redline is remarkable for a car engine, approaching supercar levels, while aligning with sporty motorcycle engine characteristics. The Slingshot car also benefits from a weight reduction of over 100 pounds, bringing the total curb weight to just over 1,600 pounds. This improved power-to-weight ratio contributes to its agile and responsive feel. My test Slingshot R featured a 5-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheel via a belt drive. For those preferring automatic operation, Polaris now offers an “Autodrive” automatic transmission option for the Slingshot car.
The cockpit of the Slingshot car is equipped with modern amenities, including power steering, power brakes, and a potent Rockford Fosgate sound system. A central 6.5-inch touchscreen integrates Polaris’s Ride Command system, a user-friendly interface also found on high-end Indian motorcycles. My test vehicle included the optional navigation upgrade, a worthwhile addition for exploring new routes. Analog speedometer and tachometer gauges flank a secondary, configurable LCD screen that can display various vehicle data such as temperature, speed, and trip information.
The Slingshot car’s visual impact is undeniable. Its futuristic appearance often draws comparisons to movie props, with frequent “nice Batmobile” comments from onlookers. Lacking doors and a traditional roof (except for the very limited Grand Touring LE model which still maintains an open-air feel), the Slingshot car prioritizes an immersive, wind-in-your-hair driving experience. While a windshield is typically absent, my R-spec model included an optional tinted windscreen which effectively deflected wind and insects, enhancing comfort. Practicality takes a backseat in the Slingshot car; there’s no conventional trunk, frunk, or space for bulky items like golf clubs. Small storage compartments are located behind the seats for minimal cargo. DOT-approved roll hoops behind each seat provide a degree of safety. Polaris offers a wide array of accessories, from various windscreen options to partial roof solutions and fitted luggage for the rear compartments. A vibrant aftermarket has also emerged for the Slingshot car, offering further customization options including enhanced roofs, interior upgrades, performance parts, and suspension modifications.
Behind the Wheel: The Slingshot Car Driving Experience
The most common reaction to the Slingshot car’s appearance is the “Batmobile” comparison, a testament to its dramatic styling. This vehicle is not for the shy. Driving a Slingshot car guarantees attention, far surpassing that of even flashy motorcycles. Prepare for constant stares, questions, and ride requests – even from strangers. It commands the kind of attention usually reserved for exotic supercars, turning mundane errands into public spectacles. Expect a barrage of thumbs-up gestures and expressions of admiration from fellow road users.
The new Polaris Prostar engine announces its presence with a pronounced intake roar under acceleration, matched by rapid acceleration. The Slingshot car can reach 60mph in under five seconds, and continues to build speed quickly, though top speed is electronically limited to 125mph. It possesses the capability for even higher speeds if unrestrained.
In urban environments, the Slingshot car feels eager and almost restless, hinting at its desire for open roads and winding curves. Seeking to explore its full potential, I took the Slingshot R to a favorite motorcycle testing route – a challenging mix of twisting backroads with varied surfaces, elevation changes, and a multitude of corners. The Slingshot car excelled in this environment, its tires gripping tenaciously as the engine revved towards its 8,500rpm redline. The driving experience was exhilarating, prompting unrestrained enthusiasm and smiles within the helmet. This machine is designed to deliver precisely this kind of engaging, high-spirited driving experience.
The Slingshot car’s interior is intentionally minimalist, prioritizing function and weather resistance over luxury – it lacks heating or air conditioning. However, the stock seats are supportive, adjustable, and surprisingly comfortable. The steering wheel features a sporty D-shape design, common in performance cars. The power steering is well-calibrated, offering good feedback and requiring appropriate effort. The pedal placement is somewhat compact, favoring driving shoes over bulky footwear. The clutch in the manual version is firm with a relatively narrow engagement point, but quickly becomes familiar. While my test vehicle had the 5-speed manual, the available “Autodrive” automatic version offers paddle shifters for manual gear selection without a clutch pedal.
Those seeking a plush, comfortable ride should look elsewhere. The Slingshot car offers a firm, sometimes jarring ride, prioritizing flat handling and direct road feel. This stiffness is essential for minimizing body roll in corners. Despite the firm suspension, longer journeys exceeding 100 miles were surprisingly comfortable once acclimated to the ride characteristics. The suspension is also adjustable, allowing for fine-tuning to suit individual preferences, although time constraints prevented experimentation during my test.
Ultimately, the Slingshot car is about embracing a sense of playful abandon. It’s incredibly quick, with powerful brakes and exceptional grip. Its design is focused on delivering thrilling performance and extracting maximum enjoyment from every drive. Standard features include ABS and traction control, with a cockpit button to disable traction control for those seeking to explore drift-style maneuvers (on closed courses, of course). Driving modes include “Standard” and “Slingshot,” with the latter sharpening throttle response for a more aggressive feel.
The Slingshot car is equally enjoyable on twisty backroads and city streets. However, highway driving presents a different experience. The open cabin and low stance amplify the sensation of speed and exposure, feeling more akin to a very wide motorcycle. The Slingshot car’s low profile becomes particularly apparent in highway traffic, dwarfed by SUVs and even seemingly compact cars like a Prius. Navigating highway congestion requires heightened awareness due to its reduced visibility and motorcycle-like exposure. This reinforces the Slingshot car’s ideal environment: scenic backroads, leisurely boulevard cruises, and coastal drives, rather than daily commuting.
Slingshot Car Safety: Understanding the Nature of the Beast
It’s crucial for prospective Slingshot car owners to fully grasp the vehicle’s classification and inherent safety characteristics. Prior to receiving the Slingshot R, Polaris emphasized the necessity of wearing a full-face motorcycle helmet during operation – a standard practice for experienced motorcyclists. However, legally, a standard driver’s license is sufficient to operate a Slingshot car, even the manual transmission version, and certainly the new automatic, regardless of prior motorcycle experience.
The helmet recommendation is not merely a legal formality. Three-wheeled vehicles can exhibit different stability dynamics compared to four-wheeled cars. The 2020 Slingshot car represents a refined evolution of the original 2015 model, and in my experience, it feels remarkably stable, potentially more so than some modern crossovers. Early Slingshot models faced some handling concerns and recalls, but these issues have been addressed in the current generation. While the ride is firm, the Slingshot car never felt unstable or prone to tipping. Three-wheeled vehicles are not new, with a history dating back to the origins of the automobile, but they remain less common than conventional cars.
At its core, the Slingshot car is legally and conceptually closer to a motorcycle than a car. While it incorporates car-like controls, features such as a steering wheel, ABS brakes, seatbelts, and even traction control, its open design places occupants in a far more exposed position, similar to a motorcycle. It lacks the structural protection of doors, airbags, crumple zones, or a full roll cage found in cars. Occupants are exposed to the elements, requiring eye protection like sunglasses or a helmet, especially without the optional windscreen. Compared to typical cars, the Slingshot car is smaller, lower, and potentially less visible in traffic, despite its eye-catching design.
These points are not criticisms of the Slingshot car, but rather essential considerations for understanding its nature. During my test drive in warm weather, initial drives in casual attire quickly gave way to a more safety-conscious approach, adopting jeans, long sleeves, and gloves. In essence, “gear up and buckle up” becomes the responsible approach to driving a Slingshot car.
The Slingshot car is undeniably a fair-weather vehicle, designed primarily for recreational enjoyment, akin to a dune buggy, ATV, or motorcycle. Its width, however, means it lacks the maneuverability of a motorcycle in tight traffic situations. In the event of a collision, while offering some advantages over a motorcycle, it does not provide the safety cage of a car. Polaris has engineered a remarkably stable three-wheeled vehicle, but it remains distinct from both cars and motorcycles, carrying its own set of operational considerations. Drivers must be aware of the inherent risks and prioritize safety through proper gear, vehicle familiarization, and responsible driving habits, even when the Slingshot car’s performance and fun factor encourage spirited driving.
Conclusion: Embracing the Slingshot Car Experience
The Polaris Slingshot R stands out as the most impractical yet captivating production vehicle I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing. Despite its lack of everyday practicality, it became the vehicle of choice for errands and weekend adventures. The sheer joy of driving the Slingshot car and the attention it attracts become addictive. Its exceptional roadholding ability on twisty roads inspires confidence and delivers exhilarating cornering speeds, surpassing capabilities of many cars and even motorcycles. While lacking the practicality and comfort of a conventional sports car like a Miata, the Slingshot car offers an unparalleled fun factor and a unique driving experience that is hard to resist.
Polaris Slingshot R (Manual Transmission): $30,999 MSRP, $31,868 as tested.
Bullseye:
- Exceptional road grip
- Powerful and engaging engine sound
- Striking, futuristic design
- Modern technology integration
- Instant celebrity status behind the wheel
Wide Of The Mark:
- Not ideal for commuting or those seeking anonymity
- Exposure to weather elements
- Minimal cargo space
- Firm ride quality
Ride Kit:
AGV SportModular Mono helmet: $749.99
Cardo PACKTALK Bold helmet comms system: $339
