The 2021 Polaris Slingshot has 3-wheels, a front-mounted engine, RWD, and a steering wheel with paddle-shifters. While we are inclined to call it a motorcycle, it sure packs equity of a sports car, as well. But in simpler words, the 2021 Polaris Slingshot is more of a driver's machine, that is focused on the pure connection between man and machine. While there are still debates ongoing, whether to call it a motorcycle or a car, we can agree on the fact that, it is a 'fun' driving machine, that can make you smile whole-heartedly.

Things didn't start well for the ATV-specialist when they introduced the Slingshot back in 2015. People were not quite ready to be different on the road and it only came with a 5-Speed Manual and a whole lot of impracticality. But this autocycle has come a long way since inception, and the 2021 Polaris Slingshot is finally bearing fruit.

It was introduced with an AutoDrive gearbox in 2020, which clearly helped boost the sales. According to Business Wire, Polaris "nearly doubled business during peak seasonality... of those who purchased, over 80% were new customers." For 2021, the Slingshot received "an upgraded AutoDrive transmission, now with paddle shifters."

There aren't many 3-wheeled options with a steering wheel out there, but Vanderhall Venice is the only one that comes in line with the Slingshot experience. Kawasaki is also supposedly working on a Slingshot competitor and would be out with it by 2021-end.

The 2021 Polaris Slingshot starts with an MSRP of $19,999 and comes with a completely re-tuned AutoDrive with paddle-shifters, and a new top-of-the-line R Limited Edition Trim. It boasts of a new Rockford Fosgate audio system with Apple CarPlay support.

Pricing And Updated Trims Of The 2021 Polaris Slingshot

2021 Polaris Slingshot line-up front view
Via: Cycleworld.com

The 2021 Polaris Slingshot starts with an MSRP of $19,999 and goes all the way up to $34,799. Offered in both the initial 5-Speed Manual and the much needed 5-Speed Auto drive, it comes in 4 vibrant trims. It consists of S, SL, R, and R Limited Edition, all of which pack an extensive level of customization. The R Limited Edition is a new addition for 2021, that replaces the Grand Touring LE from last year. A bump of $2,000 will get you the easy-to-drive 5-Speed AutoDrive equipped trims, that have helped turntables for Polaris.

Related: We Cannot Wait For These Concept Motorcycles To Arrive In Dealerships

The 2021 Polaris Slingshot Has Improved Drastically With The New Updates

2021 Polaris Slingshot front view
Via: Dubmagazine.com

2020 was a fruitful year for Polaris as the major update of an AutoDrive in the Slingshot had finally helped it churn out the sales and attention it deserved. For 2021, Polaris has vouched on AutoDrive and has given it a complete revamp for a more precise driving experience. It also ads an automatic hill-hold feature for the higher trims.

For the interior, Polaris gets a new Rockford Fosgate audio system that now adds Apple CarPlay connectivity, which also happens to be an industry-first for a 3-wheeled vehicle. And the major new addition is an all-new top-of-the-line T Limited Edition trim which replaces last year's Grand Touring LE. It adds unique aesthetic bits including neon fade paint and matte-black alloys to stand out from the rest.

Performance Is Backed By A Polaris-Built 2.0L 4-Cylinder, That Revs Till 8,500 Rpm

2021 Polaris Slingshot accelerating front ariel view
Via: Cnet.com

For 2021, Polaris has replaced the GM-sourced 2.4L EcoTec engine with a lighter in-house built ProStar 2L Inline-4 motor that ranges from 178 - 203 hp depending upon the trim and optional tuning options. All of the trims come standard with either a 5-Speed Manual or a 5-Speed Automated Manual (AutoDrive). The much-needed addition for this automated gearbox is the paddle shifters that come in as an option.

The 2021 Polaris Slingshot does 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds in the R Spec (203 hp) and is an easy burnout machine, thanks to the one-wheel layout in the rear. The top speed is limited to 125 mph which is sensible when the Slingshot weighs in at just 1,650 lbs. To give you a perspective, Mazda MX-5 Miata (the well-revered driver's car) weighs over 2,000 lbs and is still quite nimble to drive about.

Related: 17 Naked Motorcycles We'd Rather Ride Than A Sportbike

A Desirable Cross Between A Motorcycle And A Car; Goes Both Ways

2021 Polaris Slingshot rear third quarter view
Via: Dubmagazine.com

It is clearly a head-turner, and 3 wheels are the least of the reasons. Seeing this on the road is sure to give you a transformers vibe as the 2021 Slingshot clearly looks out of a sci-fi movie. The sharp body lines, bright colors, and numerous aesthetic add-on options make sure to make each and every sighting of the Slingshot, a different one. Then there is the surreal open-top experience which brings it closer to the motorcycling world. It packs in the agility of a car and dynamics of a motorcycle, thus making it an enjoyable mixed bag.

It Is Closer To A 'Car' On The Inside, With Seat-Belts And An Infotainment System

2021 Polaris Slingshot interior view
Via: Dubmagazine.com

On the inside, the Slingshot gets a full-on 'car' treatment. Up until the last generation model, we would have given it a thought but with the latest additions of paddle shifters and an all-new Rockford Fosgate audio system that also gets Apple CarPlay support.  It packs in a 100W dual speaker layout positioned right behind the headrests. It also gets an all-new customizable interior lighting system that can dance to the music. Add the optional roof to it, and you can confidently call it a car!

2021 Polaris Slingshot R limited edition front third quarter view
Via: Dubmagazine.com

The 2021 Polaris Slingshot is a move in the right direction and people and slowly starting to accept this quirky middle child of a motorcycle and a car. Having three wheels surely has a lot of advantages that help you use the convenience of both, but at the same time is not without its caveats. It's impractical, not the most comfortable, and so not the sweetest cup of tea. It has a niche bunch of fanatics to which it beautifully puts forth the simplest pleasures of driving/riding.

Sources: Slingshot.polaris.com, Ultimatemotorcycling.com, Jalopnik.com, Motorcycle.com, Cycleworld.com, Dubmagazine.com, Cnet.com, Rideapart.com

Next: Here Are The Shows Every Motorcycle Enthusiast Should Watch