Radical Polaris Slingshot is part car, part motorcycle, all excitement

The three-wheeled Slingshot is a daring new machine, seemingly crafted from DNA drawn from Polaris’ extensive recreation-focused portfolio of ATVs, motorcycles, side-by-sides, and snowmobiles. The result is a street machine that blurs the lines between cars and motorcycles.

Targeted at thrill seekers and those who crave a bit more safety than a motorcycle provides, the Slingshot wraps edgy, anime-like body panels around a tube-framed chassis. Up front is a double-wishbone suspension with coil-over shocks and a sway bar. Out back is a single aluminum swing arm.

Power comes from a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine delivering 173 hp to the rear wheel. The driver commands the distinctive machine with a power-assisted steering wheel and rows the five gears with a manual shifter.

Although it is driven like a car, a motorcycle license will be needed to drive it in your state, along with a helmet. It is not a car, and as such, it does not meet crash test standards nor include air bags. That said, the $19,999 Slingshot comes with several key automotive conveniences, such as the lateral seating, stability control, antilock brakes, and a glove box.

The SL trim adds a wind screen, larger wheels, and entertainment system, with Bluetooth connectivity and a backup camera. Price for the SL is a hefty $23,999.