2018 Polaris Slingshot | Why Buy?
Is this even a car?
– Detroit, Michigan
The Polaris Slingshot is an enthusiastic oddball of a vehicle. Blending a three-wheeled stance with superbike-like body work, it blurs the line between open-roof roadster and traditional motorcycle. For customers that are unwilling to accept the higher risk inherent in riding a motorcycle, or for those that are no longer physically able to handle a Honda CBR or Suzuki GSX-R, it’s a vehicle worth considering.
All Slingshots are powered by a GM-sourced 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. Sending that power to a very wide rear tire is a 5-speed manual transmission, also borrowed from the General. The result is an open-roof, highly stable trike that can scoot to 60 in around five seconds, do a rather ludicrous one-wheeled burnout, and put a big smile on its driver’s face.
But there are drawbacks. The cabin isn’t especially luxurious, the seats aren’t long-distance comfortable, and the ride borders on punishing. But if you’re a motorcycle lover looking for life’s next toy, the Slingshot, idiosyncrasies and all, might just be your speed.
Polaris Slingshot
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