Skip to main content

Polaris Slingshot Grand Touring Autocycle Is a Batman-worthy Road Trip Vehicle

For many travelers, the choice of road-tripping vehicle is a deeply personal one. Practical folks might opt for something comfortable and amenity-rich like a minivan. Nostalgists won’t consider anything other than a VW Bus. Purists likely prefer something more stripped down, raw, and fun — an MX-5 Miata perhaps. If you fall into the latter category, allow us to introduce Polaris’ newest Slingshot. The open road is calling, and you must go.

Polaris Slingshot
Polaris Slingshot

The all-new Slingshot Grand Touring Autocycle takes the helm atop Polaris’ line-up for 2019. This trim level focuses on upgrades and updates that make the open-air Slingshot a more capable road-trip-worthy driver. The cockpit is semi-enclosed (still no doors) courtesy of a Slingshade, a removable hardtop with hinged, gullwing-style panels above the driver and passenger. The center console features a slick, 7-inch touchscreen with easy access to the backup camera, navigation system, and a robust 100-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system. The seats get an upgrade too with softer, quilted material for a more comfortable long distance ride.

Recommended Videos

The new model shares many of the best components with its Slingshot siblings. The unmistakable, angular, Batman-worthy silhouette hasn’t changed. The five-speed manual shifter and GM 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine remain. The latter produces a healthy 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque for an impressive power-to-weight ratio.

The original Slingshot joined the ranks of the world’s most audacious three-wheel rides in 2014. Like the CAN-AM Spyder and the absurd Morgan 3-Wheeler, these are vehicles that, on paper, have no business being on the road. They’re too big and powerful to qualify as go-karts, yet too fast and exposed to compare against the safety of a traditional car. But, honestly, who cares? Someone at all three manufacturers was slick and well-connected enough to sneak their concept plans past the otherwise sensible folks at the Department of Transportation to garner a “street legal” stamp of approval. We say we’re all the better for it.

As of July 2018, the Slingshot is classified as an “autocycle” in 44 states, meaning drivers need only a standard drivers license to get behind the wheel. The remaining buzzkill states still require a motorcycle endorsement.

Polaris’ flagship model comes with a price tag that starts at just under $30,000. With the best (read essential) options like a Bilstein Shock Kit, high-performance composite rotors, Velocity street seats, and upgraded audio, the all-in cost easily tops $35,000. In true Henry Ford fashion, the Slingshot GT is available in any color you want, as long as that color is black.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Summer heat killers: EVs with the least range loss
Recurrent tracked the effect of summer heat on more than 29,700 electric vehicles.
Ford Mustang Mach-E

Suppose you are considering an EV purchase or lease this summer and are concerned about battery range during heat waves. In that case, the results of a new study published by EV analytics firm Recurrent Auto can provide valuable guidance. Recurrent calls out the winners and losers in EV range hot temperature-sensitivity.

It's safe to say that EV battery range is affected by extremes in temperature, both hot and cold. As is the case with most general statements, that one, too, is subject to multiple "buts" and "howevers." Most studies of the effects of extreme cold on EV battery range or how hot temperatures can hamper your travel plans report on average EV travel range differences collected across a wide variety of EV brands and models. Some compile results from thousands of EVs of the same brand.

Read more
Indigenous designer Jeremy Arviso creates limited-edition Indian Motorcycle streetwear line
Arivso blends Indian Motorcycle DNA and indigenous visual elements
The Jeremy Arviso limited indigenous streetwear collection for Indian Motorcycle.

Indian Motorcycle announced a collaboration with well-known indigenous streetwear designer Jeremy Arviso. This limited-edition collection brings together Arviso’s bold style and the adventurous spirit of Indian Motorcycle. The nine-piece lineup celebrates a deep connection to land, community, and tradition.
Why Arviso created the collection

"Creating such a meaningful, modern expression of Native American style with a legendary brand like Indian Motorcycle, is both an honor and a  privilege,” Arviso said. “For this collection, I drew inspiration from the brand DNA of Indian Motorcycle, while carefully integrating vibrant color and  indigenous visual elements that symbolize movement and direction throughout the collection. Adorned with arrow motifs, each piece embodies a deep connection to land, community, and heritage.”

Read more
Adidas and Mercedes-AMG F1 launch Silver Arrows fanwear collection before British Grand Prix
The Silver Arrow collection is on sale worldwide at select Adidas retailers and the Adidas website.
F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli wearing Mercedes fan wear with a Mercedes-Benz W196 racecar.

Working with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, Adidas launched the Silver Arrow pack, a collection of fanwear inspired by the Mercedes-Benz W196 race car. Current Mercedes F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli posed with items from the Silver Arrow collection along with professional models.
Why celebrate the W196?

The W196 wasn't the first Silver Arrow. The first Mercedes to be called a Silver Arrow was the Mercedes W25, which debuted in 1934. However, driver Juan Fangio won the 1954 and 1955 F1 World Championships with the W196, which was among the several models referred to by the group name. The Adidas Silver Arrow collection celebrates the 70th anniversary of the W196's first F1 Championship season.

Read more