I’ll admit it. I like consideration. I gown in vibrant colours, communicate loudly, giggle louder, and would be the first one to hop on the dance flooring, even when stated dance flooring is a desk prime. However I’ve at all times thought driving a Polaris Slingshot brings the mistaken sort of consideration. I’ve needed 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 similar to Las Vegas or Miami. A cross between a automotive and a motorbike, 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 range from state to state, so make sure you 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’s not, even in decrease trims. 

The Slingshot is rear-wheel drive, and an obtainable 5-speed guide transmission sends energy to that lone 305/30R20 Kenda tire—by way of a belt, thoughts you. You will get a 5-speed automated guide with paddle shifters, however as we realized in a drive of the 2020 Slingshot, you wouldn’t wish to. Apart from, if there have been any automobile wherein you need a absolutely engaged driving expertise, that is it.

For this drive, I’m joined by my pal Jen, who I additionally dragged alongside once I drove the Vanderhall Venice, an analogous 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 resort in Huntington Seashore, California, to seize some espresso and immediately get a thumbs up from a pair strolling their canine. On the subsequent gentle, I get a wave from a dude in a basic Meyers Manx buggy and on the subsequent block a vacationer snaps a fast photograph. 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’s not a typo, of us. Despite the fact that I do know the phrase isn’t appropriate as utilized to this automobile, 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 automotive, and I’m not using a motorbike. 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 a further HVAC system. A 7.0-inch touchscreen runs the Polaris Trip Command infotainment system. It’s not essentially the most strong system I’ve ever skilled, however Apple CarPlay is right here should 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 are sufficiently big to suit our helmets. The glovebox can also be big. There’s a small middle console and just a little rubberized cubby ahead of the gearshift which have room in your telephone and keys. Each occupants have loads of legroom, and the passenger may maintain a small backpack with them, however you received’t wish to use it for a lot of in a single day journeys until you pack very evenly.

We get onto the freeway and I really feel protected, effectively largely. There is no such thing as a rearview mirror and it is a bit exhausting to see what’s within the passenger aspect blind spot, even by way of the aspect mirrors. Nonetheless, it tracks straight and feels secure. Earlier than I do know it I’m doing 90 mph, a bit too fast for a public street, however sizzling rattling, I really feel good. To curb my velocity 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 velocity restrict and keep away from the fuzz. 

Jen can’t keep for the entire journey, however she has opinions from the suitable seat. The aspect seize bar isn’t in the suitable place for her and she or he needs for a entrance seize bar as effectively. Nonetheless, her largest grievance 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 need a bit extra safety, the Vanderhall Venice with its greater beltline could 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 reveals its weak spot. On lengthy sweepers it’s a blast, however when the turns get tighter, the only rear wheel has a tough time sustaining grip. It has stability and traction management to assist, however I’m not driving practically as rapidly as I might in a small sports activities automotive, and I think about of us on actual bikes would move me in a heartbeat. A couple of days to study the bounds of the rear wheel are so as for many who purchase one. The flip aspect of this lack of grip is a few epic burnouts. I counsel attempting a couple of.

Polaris offers 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 would discover this difficult to drive for hours on finish. Your tolerance could range.

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, some of the standard 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 of us take into consideration this factor.”

Y’all, they like 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 guide transmission and the 200-plus horsepower and so they love, I imply love, the way in which it appears to be like. I’m nonetheless not satisfied, however these powerful 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 colour choices and the stereo system, step as much as the SL for $27,500. The SLR provides the efficiency tune to the engine and a much 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. In order for you 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 certainly one of 4 accent packages that embody such niceties as a bikini prime—one thing I’d undoubtedly wish to maintain the solar at bay—integrated storage luggage, a RAM telephone mount, and upgraded inside lighting. 

I didn’t actually count on to get pleasure from my time within the Polaris Slingshot, however I’m strolling away with that feeling you get while 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 folks 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 supplied lodging for Motor Authority to deliver you this firsthand report.