2023 Polaris Slingshot R Turned Three-Wheeled Lamborghini Aventador Fails to Sell for $13,800

A three wheeled roadster in supercar clothing recently crossed the auction block and turned plenty of heads along the way. From a distance the sharp creases and menacing front end easily pass for a Lamborghini Aventador in full flight. Move in closer and the proportions shift. A single large rear tire sits centered under an otherwise familiar open air cabin while Polaris script still marks the sides.

Polaris set out to build the Slingshot R, a motorcycle that has the power of a high-performance sports car but without the fuss. The developers behind this project chose a 2-liter inline four cylinder engine that likes to rev, up to 8,500 RPM in fact, and produces a robust 203 horsepower and 144 pound feet of torque. This raw power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic manual gearbox and a seriously sturdy belt drive. All of this is supported by a seriously low curb weight of approximately 1,650 pounds, which is due to the simple design and the lack of a roof or doors. According to the manufacturer spec sheet, all of this results in a 0-60 mph time of around 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 version of this model experienced a full visual transformation, while the machine’s core remained intact. You still have that wicked low center of gravity and wide front track, which combine to make the thing dart about like a go kart. The lateral grip values are very outstanding, reaching 1.02 g during testing. All of this is sent directly through the belt final drive, while the automatic manual gearbox changes using the wonderful hydraulic actuation. If you’re sitting behind the wheel and pedals, you could be forgiven for believing you’re in a real sports car, but at the end of the day, this thing seems like a heavy bike.

A lot of custom work was done on the front of the item to make it look more aggressive. Some very capable tuners added a fiberglass fender modeled like the Aventador, a reprofiled hood and headlight surrounds, and this amazing radioactive green paint that complements the rest of the bodywork. Then there’s this massive wing hanging over the roll cage. Larger tires were also added, 20 inches in the front and 22 inches in the rear. The interior has been upgraded with new leather and suede, as well as amazing lime green stitching and inlays to complement the outside hue.

The team that worked on the body kit also replaced the wheels and modified the inside to reflect the new appearance. Stock Slingshot Rs are already aggressive, but with the fiberglass and paint, this thing is just dramatic. Not to mention, it sparks conversations wherever it goes. However, the mechanicals have mostly remained unchanged, using the same old three-wheeled design.

A few weeks ago, someone offered this custom project on Cars & Bids, and bidding reached a high of $13,786 before falling short of the reserve price. Clean, low-mileage Slingshot Rs are commonly priced between the mid teens and mid twenties. So, take your pick: this is either a daring or strange style choice. Whether this custom kit works depends on how you appreciate your motorcycles; is it a good idea to mix American motorcycle technology with Italian exotic styling cues?
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