Author Topic: Test Drive: 2016 Polaris Slingshot (Read 12029 times)

Autos_Editor · « **on:** August 25, 2016, 06:30:56 am »

Polaris Slingshot has the looks and moves to plaster a grin on your mug.
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GTeye · « **Reply #1 on:** August 25, 2016, 06:41:16 am »

Were you guys around Halifax with this rig? Pretty sure I saw this parked downtown and getting some pics taken by a person with a hefty-looking camera.

Noto · « **Reply #2 on:** August 25, 2016, 08:30:51 am »

Definitely more northern Ontario, and not the 'fax.

So, funny story. My best man had the idea for my bachelor party to grab a bunch of these for a few hours and do up a story of the weirdest bachelor party known to man. I quickly killed the idea as I was positive autos would never take the story. I guess I was wrong.

I see these things all over the Byward Market here in Ottawa, and in Montreal...

... Alongside this monstrosity with spinners:

People like weird things. For $32k, get a proper car. A used Miata will last longer.

JohnnyMac · « **Reply #3 on:** August 25, 2016, 08:35:59 am »

There's nothing else on the road that'll get you more attention at this price point. At first I was fairly compelled with the idea of it but have grown to learn it's really not that great of a sports car. It's great at getting attention and I think little else. Personally, I'd either get a Miata or a motorcycle depending on if you want 2 wheels or 4.

I still haven't seen one on the road here in NB (or the new Miata for that matter).

Rupert · « **Reply #4 on:** August 25, 2016, 08:47:03 am »

And then you can get a Morgan 3 wheeler...electric...153 miles on a single charge. Or similar V twin ICE. Ohh...I don't know the price but who knows; down the road ex-Europe...maybe more options for us. A lot more fun I think and it might even hold a small portion of your stuff in. They would have to offer a top of some sort though. You need to go places without wearing a Mack when it rains...otherwise you might just as well take a tram.

Sir Osis of Liver · « **Reply #5 on:** August 25, 2016, 09:16:07 am »

On the trip east, I saw a surprising number of these things. My youngest thinks I should get one for an even more intense travel adventure next year.

OliverD · « **Reply #6 on:** August 25, 2016, 09:36:24 am »

First time I saw one of these was in Greece earlier this summer. Have seen a couple since, including one this morning here in Virginia.

Fobroader · « **Reply #7 on:** August 25, 2016, 10:40:27 am »

Either get a proper bike or get a car. For $30+k I can think of so many other vehicles that are oh so much more exciting. Buy a $25K Mustang/Camaro/BRZ/FR-S/WRX/Supra/GT-R/Silvia and a $7K crotch rocket, way better times than this thing.

dirtyjeffer · « **Reply #8 on:** August 25, 2016, 10:57:00 am »

meh...if it were me, i'd likely be more interested in an Elio car for a third the price...no, not sporty, but just as unique looking, and far more practical.

https://www.eliomotors.com/

Sir Osis of Liver · « **Reply #9 on:** August 25, 2016, 11:19:06 am »

This is aimed, more or less, at the Can-Am Spyder, which is selling pretty well to mostly old duffers who no longer have the confidence for wrestling an 800lb touring motorcycle around.

With 0-60 in ~4.5 and ~12 second quarter mile times, it's hardly a slug. Doing that with no doors and your arse only 5" off the ground, is very different experience that doing it in a two tonne car.

I'm still on the fence about them, but I can see the appeal.

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #10 on:** August 25, 2016, 01:01:55 pm »

There is a guy here who seems to commute to work one in. I am interested to see if he continues to do so in the winter.

Blueprint · « **Reply #11 on:** August 25, 2016, 01:11:35 pm »

I see them all over the place in the 'burbs or in town. I seriously thinks it's outselling the Mazda6. Of course, rental places like Discount have picked up the Slingshot, so that helps exposure.

Now, for a real 3-wheel road rocket, hand the Pritch man a made-in-my-suburb T-Rex.

OliverD · « **Reply #12 on:** August 25, 2016, 01:43:40 pm »

Quote from: Blueprint on August 25, 2016, 01:11:35 pm

Of course, rental places like Discount have picked up the Slingshot, so that helps exposure.

You have my attention...

Solstice2006 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 25, 2016, 02:12:16 pm »

Quote from: Fobroader on August 25, 2016, 10:40:27 am

Either get a proper bike or get a car. For $30+k I can think of so many other vehicles that are oh so much more exciting. Buy a $25K Mustang/Camaro/BRZ/FR-S/WRX/Supra/GT-R/Silvia and a $7K crotch rocket, way better times than this thing.

How is this vehicle less exciting than the cars you mention? It's fast, handles great, part of the road feeling...

Not saying I would buy this over an MX-5, but I am not saying it's not exciting..

Fobroader · « **Reply #14 on:** August 25, 2016, 02:25:43 pm »

Quote from: Solstice2006 on August 25, 2016, 02:12:16 pm

Quote from: Fobroader on August 25, 2016, 10:40:27 am
Either get a proper bike or get a car. For $30+k I can think of so many other vehicles that are oh so much more exciting. Buy a $25K Mustang/Camaro/BRZ/FR-S/WRX/Supra/GT-R/Silvia and a $7K crotch rocket, way better times than this thing.

How is this vehicle less exciting than the cars you mention? It's fast, handles great, part of the road feeling...

Not saying I would buy this over an MX-5, but I am not saying it's not exciting..

All of the downsides to a bike, open, no cargo room, none of the upsides, the speed and thrill of being on two wheels.

Great_Big_Abyss · « **Reply #15 on:** August 25, 2016, 02:33:24 pm »

Quote from: Blueprint on August 25, 2016, 01:11:35 pm

I see them all over the place in the 'burbs or in town. I seriously thinks it's outselling the Mazda6. Of course, rental places like Discount have picked up the Slingshot, so that helps exposure.

Now, for a real 3-wheel road rocket, hand the Pritch man a made-in-my-suburb T-Rex.

I would consider renting one. Might be quite fun for a weekend, actually. Never would I consider buying one. If I want the bike experience I'll just buy a bike.

Solstice2006 · « **Reply #16 on:** August 25, 2016, 02:33:57 pm »

Quote from: Fobroader on August 25, 2016, 02:25:43 pm

Quote from: Solstice2006 on August 25, 2016, 02:12:16 pm
Quote from: Fobroader on August 25, 2016, 10:40:27 am
Either get a proper bike or get a car. For $30+k I can think of so many other vehicles that are oh so much more exciting. Buy a $25K Mustang/Camaro/BRZ/FR-S/WRX/Supra/GT-R/Silvia and a $7K crotch rocket, way better times than this thing.

How is this vehicle less exciting than the cars you mention? It's fast, handles great, part of the road feeling...

Not saying I would buy this over an MX-5, but I am not saying it's not exciting..

All of the downsides to a bike, open, no cargo room, none of the upsides, the speed and thrill of being on two wheels.

I like this a lot more than those trikes I see!

Fobroader · « **Reply #17 on:** August 25, 2016, 02:38:39 pm »

Quote from: Solstice2006 on August 25, 2016, 02:33:57 pm

Quote from: Fobroader on August 25, 2016, 02:25:43 pm
Quote from: Solstice2006 on August 25, 2016, 02:12:16 pm
Quote from: Fobroader on August 25, 2016, 10:40:27 am
Either get a proper bike or get a car. For $30+k I can think of so many other vehicles that are oh so much more exciting. Buy a $25K Mustang/Camaro/BRZ/FR-S/WRX/Supra/GT-R/Silvia and a $7K crotch rocket, way better times than this thing.

How is this vehicle less exciting than the cars you mention? It's fast, handles great, part of the road feeling...

Not saying I would buy this over an MX-5, but I am not saying it's not exciting..

All of the downsides to a bike, open, no cargo room, none of the upsides, the speed and thrill of being on two wheels.

I like this a lot more than those trikes I see!

This for me is in the trike category....

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #18 on:** August 25, 2016, 02:47:11 pm »

Quote from: Great_Big_Abyss on August 25, 2016, 02:33:24 pm

Quote from: Blueprint on August 25, 2016, 01:11:35 pm
I see them all over the place in the 'burbs or in town. I seriously thinks it's outselling the Mazda6. Of course, rental places like Discount have picked up the Slingshot, so that helps exposure.

Now, for a real 3-wheel road rocket, hand the Pritch man a made-in-my-suburb T-Rex.

I would consider renting one. Might be quite fun for a weekend, actually. Never would I consider buying one. If I want the bike experience I'll just buy a bike.

I'd definitely rent ... I find it a bit too ugly for a long term commitment.

Sir Osis of Liver · « **Reply #19 on:** August 25, 2016, 02:54:41 pm »

Quote from: wongpong on August 25, 2016, 02:43:33 pm

Friend of mine rented one in Cali. He said he was exited to try it but after 1hrs he was done with it. I'm sure they are "fun" to drive but to own... not sure. renting one at discount actually sound interesting.

The Morgan one looks way cooler but they're like $40k..

If I'd want a trike, I would go Goldwing ...Might as well go all out.

God no. The trike conversions with two back wheels aren't stable in corners. Weight transfers to the front left or right. That's fine on a trike with two front wheels, but not on a trike with one wheel front and centre, to wit:

If a person wants a trike, the Slingshot, CanAm or Morgan (not available in Canada) are the way to go.