Polaris aimed to broaden the appeal — and hopefully sales volume — of its three-wheeled Slingshot by adding creature comforts and a new engine for the 2020 model year. Customers can now plug in their phones and find a place to set their beverage as they cruise down the boulevard while confused onlookers ask each other what the hell they just saw rumbling down the road.
Attempting to outdo itself, the brand has now introduced the limited-edition Slingshot Grand Touring LE. Painted in an exclusive Fairway Green with contrasting bronze trim/wheels, the model also receives an upgraded wind deflector, color-matching “Slingshade” roof, and more-comfortable quilted seats. The mandatory inclusion of the company’s AutoDrive transmission further explains what this particular variant is all about — mainstream accessibility.
Power comes from a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (the GM-sourced unit is gone) that produces 178 horsepower sent through a five-speed, hydraulically actuated automatic. The thrills should remain mostly intact, even if the company envisions this as a cruiser targeting older folks. That’s probably why it has a much better (see: less garish) paint job than its siblings, too.
Those seeking more can order a Stage 1 performance package for $599, gaining a motor calibrated to produce 203 hp (with an 8,500 rpm redline), while those seeking additional niceties can spend $1,200 to have heated and cooled seats installed. Considering the car cannot be equipped with any other means of climate control, this might be a worthwhile place to put your money — especially since this is supposed to be the trike’s GT version. But you don’t have to worry about GPS or a kicking Rockford Fosgate audio system, because they come standard.
“With superior comfort, convenient technology, and head-turning styling, the Grand Touring LE transforms daily driving into unforgettable adventures,” Chris Sergeant, Vice President of Polaris Slingshot, said in the release. “Premium amenities set the Grand Touring LE apart from the rest of the Slingshot lineup, while Slingshot’s new ProStar 2.0L powertrain, AutoDrive transmission, and redesigned interior ensures that driving a Slingshot elevates an ordinary commute into an extraordinary driving experience.”
While anybody who has ever driven a trike can attest to the novel experience it provides, notions like “superior comfort” hardly come into play. Your author’s limited experiences with three-wheeled transportation only includes the Campagna T-Rex and Can-Am Spyder — neither of which could be described as luxurious. The Sypder is basically a snowmobile for the pavement and far less thrilling than the average motorcycle, while the T-Rex is more in line with the Slingshot. Campagna’s entry is incredibly fun to drive, blending the experience between a roadster and sportbike near perfectly. But there are shortcomings that overlap with Polestar’s trike.
Some of those have been eliminated by the Slingshot’s utilization of a more traditional transmission vs the T-Rex’s sequential gearbox (which I actually like more because I love motorcycles) and the new-for-2020 AutoDrive automated manual — thus expanding its potential customer base to include those who don’t understand clutching. Polaris has also wisely given its vehicle a more car-like interior, which we covered at the start of this year. Sadly, there are some things that cannot be fixed — like the inability to effectively dodge potholes.
Avoiding bad patches of road is an art among motorcyclists and a hobby among drivers who give a crap about their suspension and passenger comfort. But it’s a curse for trike riders due to the way in which the wheels are positioned. The Slingshot is also an open-air conveyance primarily concerned with maximizing thrills per dollar without forcing you to secure additional vehicle endorsements from the Department of Motor Vehicles or Secretary of State. That means helmet laws in a lot of places, something that undercuts the Slingshot’s mainstreaming substantially. While we understand that Polaris is doing everything in its power to make the model easier to embrace, it’s still a vehicle that’s largely exposed to the elements — and one that forces you to wear head protection.
However, combined with the 2020 model year additions, it has taken a gigantic step toward automotive normalcy. Sure, someone like myself will wonder why anyone would bother when they could just save thousands on a much-quicker motorbike or spend the same amount of dough on a frisky hatchback. But a person driving reliable family transport on the daily who doesn’t want to climb atop a 2-wheeled death machine, may find the Slingshot Grand Touring LE the best way to sacrifice the least amount of creature comforts to get their open-air kicks without buying Mazda’s MX-5. Polaris’ entry should be more rambunctious, as well, though we’ll have to wait until we can test one of the new ones.
Grand Touring LE variants are heading to dealerships as we speak. Pricing starts at $33,999 and availability is said to be limited to just 300 units — though we don’t think that should make them too difficult to procure if you act relatively soon.
[Images: Polaris]
For $33,999 I think I’d get more enjoyment and use out of a Miata. These are interesting, but they are becoming more of a 3-wheel car then anything else. To each his own
Yeah I see the same problem. It’s a useless $12,000 toy that costs “real” car money. No sale. Adding more crap and jacking the price is not the solution.
I completely agree with you. But they’ve sold 40,000 of these things. Now go check the Miata’s sales numbers. The longer I’m alive, the less I understand human beings.
I’m amazed they have sold that many. Actually saw my first one driving today. I’m in Ontario and apparently it doesn’t need a motorcycle license while a Spyder does so get the appeal on that end. But at that price a gently used Porsche Boxster or Cayman or Corvette seems a much better deal.
Ah well, to each their own.
Frankly, a “gently used Porsche Boxster or Cayman or Corvette” sounds like an oxymoron.
It’s a toy. I’ve seen people spend a lot more for a lot less when it comes to toys. This toy just happens to have a really cool color scheme. I dig it.
@Lie2me – agreed. They are grossly over priced. Even a base Wrangler would be a preferred “top down” option.
That is an EVIL-looking beast! I like it!
It appears to be the work of the same people who design for Lexus.
Nah. Doesn’t have that gaping “Predator” grille the Lexus cars carry.
Anyone considering a Slingshot should take a look at dfkitcar’s project 324. It is a add on that converts the slingshot to 4 wheels. I have never driven one but the product looks interesting.
OK I want one now. Funny how converting it from 3 wheels to 4 totally changes it for me. But 3 wheels was supposed to be the point. :P
You know that giant in Jack and the Beanstalk? I’d hire him to squash each one of these atrocious ferocious looking bugs as it buzzed by his feet — with a good stamp. Here, stay still, you little bugger! I mean, who needs ’em? Wacked-out doesn’t begin to describe this hunk of uselessness. Heated and cooled seats but no windshield wipers. Yessir! That’s motoring! And only $34K! Sci-fi man on adventure.
Every time I see one of these it’s always driven by an older guy with a big smile on their face. I guess some guys are really enjoying their retirement toy
I have seen two groups driving these. Typical corvette buyers (at least the younger portion of typical corvette buyers 55-70), and the other seems to be middle aged guys who rode sport bikes wake boarded etc when the were younger, as in lots of Tattoos 40-50 years old mild MMA fighter look to them (which I guess would also kind of me the brodozer demo).
If you want something different and have money to burn, why not, I guess. I like the looks, if you’re buying one of these might as well go over the top.
Hey, they took a wheel off the Prowler!
Does it come with a Green Goblin costume or is that extra?
This is what you buy if you don’t want to convert your Gold Wing into a trike.
I thought 1959 Dodge Royal Lancer was bad but this one makes Dodge to look like oeuvre d’art. And get used to the fact that everything from Europe is overpriced. Why? The white privilege.
Oh yes, the famous European company Polaris, with its factory in the exotic country of Alabama.
Do they still make snowmobiles?
I thought it is from Volvo since it is another name for Pole Star. Still does not change white privilege part.
Objectively worse than a car or the multiple motorcyles you could buy for the money. Plus you look like a tool driving in one.
I do love that color and I love bronze wheels.
Well, I thought that “Lego” models of cars were a bit on the “ugly side” with flat plates trying to make curves, but I stand corrected, what happened? too many late nights with a pencil. And you thought the Pontiac Aztec was bone ugly! Here is a contender for the crown.
The Aztec wasn’t ugly; just underpowered on too-small wheels.
The regular triwheeler Polaris is ugly as hell. But this model takes the cake. Disgusting styling.
Or the other one is, “I didn’t know they were making another Mad Max movie!”
They do. They shooting prequel in Portland.
Ouch, that bites :), or on the other hand prequel to “Escape from New York” Now filming in Oregon.
Ted Wheeler as S.D. “Snake” Plissken.
Just think you could buy a fleet of four Elios for the price of one of these…
Elios wouldn’t offer the same sense of excitement that one of these gives you.
Especially since Elio never actually went into production.
Last I read they were still trying, though.
Nope, not at all
There are plenty of these running around with LS swaps so that redeems them somewhat in my mind. You could really vaporize the tire.
I am a fan of motorcycle engined cars like that one Gordon Murray did and would love something like that as a toy, but not so much a fan of this. It’s like the worst of a car and a bike. Probably fun to slide around wide open though.
… and you’re not as likely to put one on its side as you would a front-wheel trike or a full-on bike. Believe me, 200 horses is a lot for something that light.
At least the Slingshot is cheaper than a 3-wheeled Morgan (although lacking in the Moggie’s classic style).
It makes me green, alright, but not with envy. Hard pass.
Zing of the weekend.
So, I can spend $34k (starting) for this, and then, if not satisfied, I can spend an additional $5600 (starting price, also) for a four wheel conversion kit. Now I would be paying for a $40k+ vehicle that at best would be minimally useful in inclement weather, with minimal comfort……Sorry, not for me!
Behold, the next-generation Camry.
Step 1: Click on article with cool picture of Slingshot
Step 2: Scroll down to where price is mentioned
Step 3: Write disparaging comment about pricing
Step 4: Look at cool pictures of Slingshot again
Step 5: Look for other interesting articles on TTAC
“Pricing starts at $33,999”