The mad Polaris Slingshot now has over 200bhp

Hmm, how best to describe the Polaris Slingshot. A motorbike with an extra wheel? A KTM X-Bow with a wheel missing? America’s take on the Morgan Three-Wheeler? Either way, it’s a pretty bonkers open-topped take on personal transport.

Ever since its launch in 2014, the Slingshot has featured a rather antiquated 2.4-litre GM-sourced Ecotec engine – the same one that powered the 2006 Pontiac Solstice, no less.

Good news, however, because the new 2020 Slingshot has a brand-new engine. Developed by Polaris itself, said engine is a 2.0-litre inline four and will be available in either 173bhp or 203bhp flavours. Peak power doesn’t arrive until 8,500rpm either. Oh, and it’s all sent to that single rear wheel. Tasty.

There have been updates to the interior for 2020 too. Can we still refer to that as an interior when it’s technically outside? Anyway, the Slingshot gets a completely new infotainment system and a slightly more modern look.

The lower-powered version will be known as the SL and will start at $26,499, whereas the 203bhp R is $30,999 with a manual gearbox, and $32,699 with an all-new automatic. Unfortunately, there are no prices in pound sterling and no plans to bring the Slingshot to the UK. Sad times.

Still, driving a Slingshot is probably a look more suited to California than Crawley…