The Polaris Slingshot is an angry, angular, three-wheeled monster
The Polaris Slingshot is an angry, angular, three-wheeled monster (Polaris)

The world has learned in recent years that combining the stability of a sports car and the open-air excitement of a motorcycle can be a thrilling ride, hence the introduction of the Morgan Three-Wheeler, Campagna T-Rex and Can-Am Spyder. But American companies have stayed largely out of the three-wheeled ring, leaving the fun to European and Canadian companies. Until now, that is.

Enter the Polaris Slingshot, a snarling, angular thrill ride that looks like the devil's chariot and goes like a bat-out-of-hell. Powered by a 2.4-liter EcoTec 4-cylinder engine from GM making 176-hp, the Slingshot should have no problem scooting its 1,725-lb. curb weight around every corner you throw it into.


The Slingshot comes in two trim levels, the base model including nothing more than three-wheels, an engine, and a five-speed manual transmission, while the SL gets a media package, larger wheels, a backup camera, and a fire red paint job.

But while the Slingshot is sure to keep you honest in every corner, it's not about to let you crash, with standard ABS, traction control, stability control, and electric power steering all helping to manage the insanity.

Three wheels may make it more exciting to drive, but it's technically not a car, so a helmet and a motorcycle license are required to drive it. But at a base price of $19,999 the Polaris Slingshot makes a whole lot of sense for thrill-seekers on a budget. Motorcycle licenses are easy enough to get, anyways.