What is a Slingshade? Polaris Debuts Limited Edition Slingshot Model [Video]

The Polaris Slingshot is a bit of an oddity as one of the few three-wheeled vehicles on sale in the U.S.

Here’s something a bit out of left field. If you’re looking for something a bit different, you might have come across the Polaris Slingshot. It’s a three-wheeled, two-seater sort-of car, sort-of motorcycle with a 2.4-liter GM engine up front. In fact, in the eyes of the federal government, it is a motorcycle.

But don’t fret yet if you don’t have a motorcycle endorsement on your license! In 42 states, according to Polaris’ website, the Slingshot is classified by legislators at the state level as an “autocycle”. With that classification, the Slingshot does not require a special endorsement to drive. However, if you live in Montana, Nebraska, Mississippi, Florida, Wisconsin, New York, Massachusetts, or Maine, you will need a motorcycle endorsement to drive one.

Grand Touring Limited Edition: Now featuring a roof!

All Polaris Slingshots come with a GM-sourced 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Mated to a five-speed manual transmission, that powerplant chucks out 173 horsepower @ 6,200 RPM and 166 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 RPM. There are no doors, and normally the Slingshot sports an open-air cockpit.

However, with the launch of this special addition, you can have a roof. The Slingshot Grand Touring Limited Edition now has a “Slingshade”, as well as a color-matched rear fenders. They go even farther on the comfort front, offering up quilted seats, Ride Command with Navigation. The Limited Edition’s finished in a Matte Cloud Gray and Indy Red paint finish, with a special graphics package.

Interested? The Grand Touring Limited Edition starts at $29,999 and will go on sale early next month.

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