2018 Slingshot SLR
We have a slick three-wheeled sport machine from Minnesota-based Polaris called the Slingshot SLR here at Classsic Vintage Exchange.
Some say it is a motorcycle, some say a car? But, Polaris have pushed legislation to create a new class, the autocycle, allowing potential buyers to ride or drive the Slingshot without a motorcycle endorsement, and all you need to drive this baby is a basic driver’s license.
It really stands out in a crowd and there is no getting around town unnoticed, as the futuristic styling and the terrific sounds emanate from beneath the plastic clamshell hood with the propulsion is derived from a General Motors 2.4-liter inline-four.
The naturally aspirated 4-cyclinder has 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque with the exhaust system that exiting in front of the passenger-side footwell.
It has a five-speed transmission made by Aisin and connects to the driveshaft that spins a carbon-fiber-reinforced belt to deliver torque to the single rear wheel.
When you launch the 305/30R-20 rear tire just right it will run a 5.5-second zero-to-60-mph and a ¼ mile time of 14.6 seconds at 96 mph. Polaris claims the Slingshot is good for a top speed of approximately 130 mph.
The Slingshot corners, too. At 69.1 inches, the front track is more than five inches wider than that of a Chevrolet Corvette Z06. With the help of an oversize anti-roll bar, body roll is sufficiently controlled. The SLR-specific Bilstein dampers offer 10 positions of compression adjustment to fine-tune wheel movement.
It has electrically assisted steering and an unassisted brake system that provides a very natural feel when scrubbing speed and will stop from 70 mph in 166 feet.
The cockpit nestles you into the bucket seats that will fit most size drivers and has a seating position that’s only a few inches off the ground with the windscreen doing a respectable job of deflecting sand and road debris up and over at highway speeds.
You can expect over 25 mpg if you go on a trip and it has lockable bins aft of the bucket seats that allow enough stowage for a helmet or a backpack.
All in all, this is one unique ride and must be seen and driven to understand what a blast it is to cruise in.
Come see it today.
