2018 Detroit NAIAS (Jan 2018) Coverage – Polaris Slingshot

The 2018 Detroit NAIAS held in January was a great opportunity to check out the Polaris Slingshot. 

In most States the Slingshot is technically considered a three-wheeled street-legal Motorcycle (in order to avoid automobile vehicle safety standards & regulations) with side-by-side seating, that does not require a Motorcycle license to operate.  

However, mist people do not consider it a Motorcycle in the true sense, but rather a Sports Car type vehicle, since you operate and navigate the vehicle using a regular automobile steering wheel, shift gears with a manual transmission while deploying a clutch pedal, and enjoy side-by-side seating.  Furthermore, when you consider that it utilizes the same 2.0 L Engine and 5-Speed Manual Transmission that was standard on the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, and Opel GT that were last produced around 2009, then it’s no surprise how people consider it a lightweight open-air Sports Car and not a Motorcycle.

Polaris, which is mostly known for Recreation Vehicles, introduced the Slingshot approximately 3-years ago, and the Slingshot has been a huge hit, and is gaining popularity from both Motorcycle and Car owners, as an absolute blast & fun vehicle to drive. 

On display were 4-different Slingshots, a dark Blue Slingshot SL (the first 5-photos), a lighter Blue Slingshot SLR, a Black Slingshot S, and then finally a Limited Edition Slingshot SLR LE in Ghost Gray & Lime accents (the last photo shown).