The New Polaris Slingshot Is Prepared To Rip Your Face Off

Is it a motorbike? Is it a automotive? Is it a trike? No, no, and… properly, kind of, however not likely? What it’s, is the Polaris Slingshot, a three-wheeler that has at all times been a kind of bizarre machines that appears to defy categorization. It’s kind of like that child in class who wore a tribal hoodie, had questionable life selections, by no means obtained over his emo section, and but one way or the other at all times managed to hang around with the cool children.

And for 2025, the Slingshot is again, and it is meaner, sharper, and packing much more angle than earlier than.

However earlier than we dive into the main points, let’s first check out the place the heck this factor even got here from, because the Slingshot first hit the streets in 2014, immediately turning heads with its aggressive stance, open cockpit, and attention-grabbing three-wheel configuration.

Photograph by: Polaris

It wasn’t a motorbike (though it is legally labeled as one), but it surely wasn’t a automotive both. And no, it wasn’t an open-wheeler a la KTM X-Bow or Caterham 7, too. As a substitute, it discovered its personal area of interest within the powersports world, sitting someplace between a observe toy and a sci-fi dune buggy—minus the bottom clearance. Through the years, Polaris has fine-tuned the Slingshot recipe, bestowing it with higher engines, improved transmissions, and—maybe most significantly—much more outlandish styling.

Now, for its tenth anniversary, the 2025 Slingshot will get a full front-end makeover that makes it seem like an indignant alien fish that simply came upon you insulted its mom.

Certainly, the 2025 mannequin takes the Slingshot’s already aggressive styling up a notch. The entrance fascia is sharper, the lighting extra aggressive, and the general aesthetic has clearly been impressed by the world of hypercars. Plus, the top-tier R mannequin even will get a decrease splitter that may absolutely present some much-needed downforce in your approach to the grocery retailer.

Photograph by: Polaris

However the tweaks to the 2025 Slingshot aren’t simply pores and skin deep. Beneath all that newfound ferocity is a barely extra refined machine. There’s a modest bump in energy, improved AutoDrive transmission tuning, and up to date suspension for higher dealing with. Polaris even determined to make it extra sensible for the road by elevating the journey top by a complete inch.

Nonetheless, the 2025 Slingshot lineup nonetheless caters to various ranges of insanity—from insane to all-out loopy. The bottom S mannequin comes with a stable tech package deal, whereas the SL provides a much bigger display screen and higher audio. In the meantime, the SLR cranks up the efficiency, and the top-dog R mannequin packs 204 horsepower, greater brakes, and even navigation that will help you discover your manner dwelling must you get carried away along with your exploits on the twisties.

And within the occasion you develop bored with pulling Gs within the corners and rocketing off stoplights, the Slingshot’s Rockford Fosgate eight-inch audio system are there to play soothing tunes in your manner dwelling (or to drown out your passenger’s screams as you drive like a complete maniac). Customizable lighting, new styling accents, and the optionally available Slingshade roof add much more aptitude to the expertise.

Photograph by: Polaris

Photograph by: Polaris

Photograph by: Polaris

Photograph by: Polaris

Now, when you’re questioning what this insane three-wheeler’s gonna price you, I’ve obtained some not-so-good information for you. It’s costly, it doesn’t matter what variant you select. However hey, when you’re out there for a Slingshot, likelihood is you’re not essentially the most sensible or financially accountable particular person on the market.

So in case you had been questioning, the bottom Slingshot S begins at $24,999 for the handbook and $26,849 for the AutoDrive. Transferring up, the SL is available in at $28,299 (handbook) and $30,149 (AutoDrive). The performance-focused SLR kicks it as much as $31,399 (handbook) and $33,249 (AutoDrive), with a much bigger rear wheel and additional lighting. On the prime of the meals chain, the R mannequin begins at $34,999 for the handbook and $37,149 for the AutoDrive.

Let’s be actual, the Polaris Slingshot is just not on your common commuter. Heck, it’s not even on your run-of-the-mill powersports enjoyer. It’s for individuals who wish to flip each drive into an occasion. It’s for individuals who love the wind of their face however perhaps don’t wish to decide to a full-on motorbike actually in all places they go. Is it sensible? Not likely. Logical? Positively not. However is it an absolute blast? I’m keen to wager my whole wage that it’s.