Polaris Slingshot: A Three-Wheeled Roadster

Taking aim at track-day roadsters like the Ariel Atom, Polaris has just taken wraps off of its latest vehicle, the Slingshot. But instead of being a street-legal automobile, it’s actually classified as a motorcycle. This three-wheeled roadster is designed to let driver and passenger sit side by side, just inches from the ground.

Powered by a 173 horsepower, 2.4-liter DOHC engine and shifted with a 5-speed manual transmission, the Slingshot should offer ample power, given its curb weight of just over 1,700 lbs. Polaris has yet to reveal acceleration times or a top speed for the Slingshot.

The vehicle is constructed from high-strength steel, and is designed to offer motorcycle-like cornering ability, aided by a lightweight aluminum rear swingarm, rack and pinion steering with electronic power assist, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.

You’ll be able to choose from two main versions of the Slingshot – the base model ($19,999 USD), which comes with 17-inch alloy wheels in the front and an 18-incher in back, or the Slingshot SL ($23,999 USD), which has 18s up front and a big 20 in back. The SL also comes with a windscreen, as well as the tech package, which includes a 4.3″ screen, Bluetooth, a 6-speaker audio system and a backup camera.

Polaris expects to have the Slingshot in dealers this Fall.