Three Wheelin’ Off-Road: Gas Monkey Garage Takes a New Direction on a 2021 Polaris Slingshot R (2024)

  • Story By
    Kevin Aguilar

If you take a look at all the rides that Gas Monkey Garage has built over the years, you willquickly notice that Richard Rawlings and his crew do things differently. Once a little shop based out of Dallas, GMG’s unique style had breakout success and was showcased on TV for a good stretch. With a spotlight being shined on the shop, the crew can now flex their talents in any new directions they desire.

Three Wheelin’ Off-Road: Gas Monkey Garage Takes a New Direction on a 2021 Polaris Slingshot R (1)

Though they are specialists when it comes to vehicles of two and four wheels, Richard took a liking to the three-wheel Polaris Slingshot recently. He exclaimed, “I like ‘em. They’re comfortable for the person that may not be as comfortable on a motorcycle. They’re a great wind-in-your-hair, bugs-in-your-teeth type experience.”

Three Wheelin’ Off-Road: Gas Monkey Garage Takes a New Direction on a 2021 Polaris Slingshot R (2)

The Project

More recently, GMG partnered up with Polaris to build this 2021 Slingshot R for the SEMA Show. Richard told us, “It was decided I had carte blanch on this project, which is always dangerous. I don’t know who would giveme carte blanche to do whatever I wanted but that’s where we ended up.” With funding in place, the shopwas able to build with no limits.

Three Wheelin’ Off-Road: Gas Monkey Garage Takes a New Direction on a 2021 Polaris Slingshot R (3)

Taking consideration of the fact that Texas has many backroads to 'wheel, Richard decided tomake the Slingshot R even more capable than it already is by giving it off-road ability. “With a lot of the custom Slingshots I’ve seen, you’re going to be worried about a pothole, let alone a farm-to-market road.” Richard's crew knew they had to make some big changes to the vehicle to meet the new demands of unpaved pathways and dirt roads.

Three Wheelin’ Off-Road: Gas Monkey Garage Takes a New Direction on a 2021 Polaris Slingshot R (4)

Off-Road Capable Three-Wheeler

Though many people would be happywith the performance of theSlingshot, this one was torn down to the bare frame to build a foundation for an off-road machine. Starting with the front suspension, it was modified with custom upper and lower control arms. Then, it was lifted up with a set of Fox Racing coil-over shocks that protrude through the body. In the back, the swing arm was extended and a single Fox coil-over shock with remote reservoir was set into place to help lift the vehicle up in the the rear for additional overall ground clearance.

Three Wheelin’ Off-Road: Gas Monkey Garage Takes a New Direction on a 2021 Polaris Slingshot R (5)

Getting a Grip on Reality

With the lift in place, it was time to get serious with traction for paved roads as well as rough terrain. Since the GMG crew figured the factory wheels could be reused, a set of 35x12.50R18LT (front) and 35x12.50R20LT (rear) Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires were mounted up. These tires were the perfect choice as they were computer designed to be quieter on the road yet maintain an aggressivetread pattern that canreadily handle any off-road situations. The tires even have deep center sipes to help prevent hydroplaning in wet conditions as well as excellent mud evacuation with a balanced void ratiowithin the tread pattern.

Three Wheelin’ Off-Road: Gas Monkey Garage Takes a New Direction on a 2021 Polaris Slingshot R (6)

Factory Goods

As far as the functionality of this Slingshot, most of the working bits were retained. This includes the 203-hp Prostar 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with paddle-shifting AutoDrive 5-speed transmission. Though that doesn’t sound like a lot of power when compared to some of the four-wheeled vehicles we have featured, this vehicle only weighs 1,654-lbs in stock form, which is more than enough power to have some fun with.

Three Wheelin’ Off-Road: Gas Monkey Garage Takes a New Direction on a 2021 Polaris Slingshot R (7)

When asked about creature comforts, Richard stated, “it comes with a killer Rockford Fosgate sound system already, so I used my time and effort for utilitarian purposes.” The 100-watt stereo also comes with the Technology Package 3 with turn-by-turn navigation and Apple CarPlay to help anyone guide their way through new destinations.

Three Wheelin’ Off-Road: Gas Monkey Garage Takes a New Direction on a 2021 Polaris Slingshot R (8)

With these functions kept, the GMG crew focused further on making this vehicle more capable for adventuring. “For lack of a better term, we made it our own. We gave this thing an attitude that’s intended to scare people to death. I’ve always said if it doesn’t scare children, then it’s not that much fun. Fortunately, it’s very fast and a lot of fun,” said Richard.

Three Wheelin’ Off-Road: Gas Monkey Garage Takes a New Direction on a 2021 Polaris Slingshot R (9)

Built for More

Making it more rugged is a custom exoskeleton with rock guards, front bumper and skid plate. Up top of this is the KC HiLites Pro 6 LED light bar for clear visibility at night. In the back is a set of spare water and gas cans to help with long trips off the beaten path. To add a bit of style, the body panels were painted in Toyota’s Quicksand color.

Three Wheelin’ Off-Road: Gas Monkey Garage Takes a New Direction on a 2021 Polaris Slingshot R (10)

Free Wheelin’

Richard summed up these vehicles (three wheelers) best by saying, “You got those guys that will stick their nose up when a Slingshot comes by, but I guarantee you the people in that Slingshot are having more fun, so get you some of that!” We agree that they are different, but that just coincides with the unique experience you get by driving them. It’s great to see Gas Monkey take their best shot with this special vehicle and turn it into something that is fun to drive beyond the limitations of paved roads.

Photos Courtesy of Gas Monkey Garage www.gasmonkeygarage.com

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Three Wheelin’ Off-Road: Gas Monkey Garage Takes a New Direction on a 2021 Polaris Slingshot R (2024)

FAQs

What is the problem with the 2021 slingshot? ›

2020 & 2021 Polaris Slingshot Recall: Rear Wheel Problems

This creates serious risks that the rear axle-stud assembly can: Loosen the rear lug nuts, thereby loosening the rear wheel. Cause the rear wheel to completely detach from the motorcycle. Substantially increase the risk of motorcycle accidents.

Is there a recall on the 2021 Polaris Slingshot? ›

What is the purpose of the T-21-01 Safety Recall? Polaris has determined that some 2020-2021 Slingshot vehicles may have rear wheel studs that were not pressed into the axle fully during the supplier's assembly process.

What is the top speed of the 2021 Slingshot R? ›

POWERTRAIN AND PERFORMANCE
  • Fuel Type. 91 octane or higher.
  • Peak Lateral Grip. 1.02 g.
  • Peak Power. 203 HP @ 8,250 RPM.
  • Peak Torque. 144 ft-lbs at 6,500 RPM.
  • Power to Weight Ratio. 8.1 lb/hp.
  • Rev Limit (RPM) 8,500 RPM.
  • Top Speed. Limited to 125 MPH.
  • Valve Train. DOHC.

What is the 0 60 on a 2021 Polaris Slingshot? ›

4.9 sec

Why is Slingshot so slow? ›

Numerous factors impact the speeds you experience, such as: Distance: The further away you are from the cabinet or exchange, the slower your broadband speed. Internet traffic: The more people accessing the internet leads to a slower experience.

Do you have to wear a helmet when you're driving a Slingshot? ›

Polaris® Slingshots are street legal and you must have a driver's license to operate this vehicle in California. Laws vary in each state so please make sure to be aware of the particular state you are in. In the State of California, you are required to wear a full-face DOT approved helmet.

What is the recall on Polaris 2021? ›

Polaris Issues Recall For Some Model Year 2021-2023 RANGER XP 1000 and 1000, 2021-2022 RZR Pro XP, 2021-2022 Pro XD, 2021-2023 Bobcat and 2021 and 2023 Gravely Off-Road Vehicles, Fuel Pump Kits and Fuel Tank Assemblies Due to Fire Hazard.

Which Slingshot has the most horsepower? ›

The Slingshot ROUSH® Edition is a high-performance 203 HP machine equipped with a Slingshot Excursion Top, Brembo® Brakes with trim-level exclusive slotted rotors, 305MM Rear Tire, and unmistakable ROUSH® style.

Is the Polaris Slingshot loud? ›

The engine noise is to be expected due the design of the open co*ckpit but the drivebelt gave off this loud whine or screeching sound that was quite annoying. If we put it in neutral and coasted down a hill, the noise disappeared.

How much is the T Rex Slingshot? ›

The MSRP for the T-Rex 16S starts at $57,999, and it's a wild-looking vehicle (autocycle is the latest descriptor and a term adopted by 40 states, says Polaris' Slingshot crew) powered by BMW's wonderfully whooping inline-six-cylinder motor claiming 160 hp at its crankshaft from its 1649cc.

Why do people blackout on Slingshot ride? ›

Some people may faint whilst on a roller coaster as their heart rate slows down causing their blood pressure to drop. A dip in your blood pressure and heart rate is caused by vasovagal syncope. As an outcome, the brain's blood flow is limited, and you faint for a short while.

How long does the Slingshot ride last? ›

You are on the Slingshot for approx. 2 minutes. The Vomatron will last longer, with you being on the ride for closer to 4 minutes.

Does the Polaris Slingshot handle well? ›

The unique handling characteristics of the Slingshot include: More stability in turns. Vehicle stability at rest. Flat cornering.

References

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