• Sometimes you just get curious. This is a Polaris Slingshot, which starts at $20,999. Jonathan Gitlin
  • As a three-wheeler, it counts as a motorcycle when it comes to things like crash testing. But it's powered by a 2.4L GM Ecotec engine. Jonathan Gitlin
  • If you liked the flying Peugeot in the Blade Runner sequel, you'll like this angle. Jonathan Gitlin
  • I'm less enamored with the way it looks head-on. Jonathan Gitlin
  • The Slingshot SLR gets fancy Sparco bits on the interior. The cockpit is weatherized, but I can't imagine too many of them get regularly ridden in the rain. Jonathan Gitlin
  • The Slingshot SLR gets 18" wheels at the front, and 298mm brake disks. Jonathan Gitlin
  • The single rear wheel is 20" on the SLR. The rear brake is also 298mm, and you can see the carbon fiber-reinforced drive belt here as well. Jonathan Gitlin
  • Unlike a bike, bringing a friend along with you is easy. Jonathan Gitlin
  • The backup camera is better than in some FCA cars. Jonathan Gitlin
  • I have to admit, I was shocked by how bad the fuel efficiency was. Jonathan Gitlin
  • The 7-inch infotainment system has navigation. Jonathan Gitlin

I hope curiosity for curiosity's sake is sufficient reason to drive a car. In this case not even a car, not technically. With only three wheels, the Polaris Slingshot counts as a motorcycle when it comes to federal motor vehicle requirements, but it gets treated like a car by many state DMVs. This dichotomy has given birth to other unconventional fare like Arcimoto or Electra Meccanica's trikes. But unlike either of those, Slingshot isn't electric; I really did say "yes" to the press loan out of sheer curiosity.

I see Slingshots being driven in DC relatively often. Usually in the summer. Once, memorably, a double-file convoy of at least 20 went down Massachusetts Ave. in better grid formation than you'd ever see at the start of a Le Mans or NASCAR race. With "The Imperial March" playing. Loudly. Like I said, I got curious.

I know saying that a vehicle looks like nothing else is a cliche, and it's not really true anyway. The Slingshot's layout is front-engined and rear-wheel drive, as prRead More – Source

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