# Insane Three-Wheeled Roadsters The Polaris Slingshot is Bizarre and Spectacular By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-07-29 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polaris-slingshot1 References: [wired](http://www.wired.com/2014/07/polaris-three-wheel/?mbid=social_twitter) & [polaris](http://www.polaris.com/en-us/slingshot) The Polaris Slingshot is a [three-wheel roadster](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meet-one-trike-tour) that blends minimalism, high technology, brazen power and all-round insanity. Its 2.4 liter engine produces 173 horsepower at 6,200 revolutions per minute. Weighing in at only 1,666 pounds -- thanks to a plastic polymer body and an aluminum swing arm that connects chassis and rear wheel -- the Slingshot offers an impressive [power-to-weight ratio](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speedster-ev) if 1 horsepower for ever 9.6 pounds. The Polaris Slingshot a low center of gravity, allowing for excellent handling, as well as a [five-speed manual transmission](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/venom-f5m) that offers great control over thrilling rides. The Slingshot's peculiar design means it is legally considered a motorcycle, and people in most US states would need a motorcycle license to get behind the wheel. However, the laws vary from state to state. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Three-wheeled Roadsters:** The Polaris Slingshot showcases the potential for motor vehicles with three wheels. - **Minimalist Design:** The Slingshot's plastic polymer body suggests a trend toward minimalism in automotive design. - **High-power Lightweight Vehicles:** The Slingshot's impressive power-to-weight ratio inspires the development of more high-power, lightweight vehicles. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Automotive Industry:** The Polaris Slingshot is disrupting the automotive industry with its unique design and focus on minimalism, high-technology, and performance. - **Motorcycle Industry:** The inclusion of a manual transmission and the requirement for a motorcycle license in most US states highlights the potential for disruption of the motorcycle industry. - **Powersports Industry:** The Polaris Slingshot represents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the Powersports industry, with its combination of high-performance, minimalist design, and a unique three-wheel layout. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vintage-Inspired Three-Wheelers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/morgan-super-3.md) - [Tadpole-Shaped Three-Wheelers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/threewheeled-cars.md) - [Tech-Packed Three-Wheeled Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canam-spyder-f3.md) - [Electric Three-Wheel Roadsters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/threewheel-roadster.md) - [Thrilling High-Performance UTVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-polaris-rzr-xp.md) - [Aggressive All-Terrain Side-by-Sides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-polaris-rzr-pro-r-factory.md) - [Road-Legal Flying Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/switchblade-1.md) - [Audacious Electric Supercars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-supercars.md) - [Ultra-Advanced Sports Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/koenigsegg-sadairs-spear.md)