When it comes to cars, we usually think of the usual suspects: compact cars, sedans, or SUVs. However, if you’re looking for something extra fun on the road, you might want to consider a different type of vehicle. These lightweight, high-powered machines, stripped down to the essentials (no radio, AC, or extra safety features), are often referred to as motorcycle alternatives, exocars, or trikes. For the purpose of this article, we’ll simply call them go-karts.
The Best Street-Legal Go-Karts
Today, let’s delve into the world of street-legal go-karts. We’ll explore twelve top-notch options available at your local car showroom. Here are the go-karts we’ll be covering:
- Polaris Slingshot Grand Touring LE
- Caterham Seven 360
- Vanderhall Carmel Roadster
- Campagna Motors T-REX 16SP
- Ariel Atom 4
- Drakan Spyder
- Ariel Atom 3RS
- Elemental RP1
- KTM X-Bow GT
- Donkervoort D8 GTO-RS
- BAC Mono
Polaris Slingshot Grand Touring LE
Let’s kick things off with the most affordable go-kart on our list, the Polaris Slingshot Grand Touring LE. With less than 300 of these gems manufactured worldwide, it’s not just a unique and luxurious ride, but also potentially a great investment. With a base price of under $34,000, this three-wheeler is a thrilling machine.
Powered by a GM Ecotec 2.4L DOHC 4 Cylinder engine, the Polaris Slingshot produces 203 bhp and 144 pounds of torque. While its acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds isn’t groundbreaking, it’s still quite impressive for a vehicle that weighs only 1,640 lbs. The top speed of 124 mph may not be record-breaking, but let’s be honest, do you really need to go faster than that?
The Polaris Slingshot also offers other trim levels like S, SL, SLR, and Grand Touring. If the LE variant is out of reach or unavailable, you can opt for the Polaris S, which starts as low as $20,999. It’s worth noting that, due to the lack of an airbag, some states may require you to wear a helmet while driving this exhilarating machine.
Caterham Seven 360
Next on our list is the Caterham Seven 360, a four-wheeled go-kart that truly lives up to its name. With its naturally aspirated Ford Duratec 1999cc 4-cylinder engine, the Seven 360 delivers 182 bhp and 194 lbs of torque. It may not have the power of the Polaris, but what it lacks in muscle, it makes up for in weight savings. Weighing only 1,235 pounds, it’s the second-lightest option on our list.
Surprisingly, this lightweight machine takes 4.8 seconds to hit 60 mph, just a tad faster than the Polaris. And with a top speed of 130 mph, one might question the base price of $43,500. However, the Caterham Seven 360’s charm lies in its go-kart-like feel and driving experience.
Vanderhall Carmel Roadster
Now, let’s shift our attention to the Vanderhall Carmel Roadster. Another three-wheeler, this vehicle packs a punch with its smaller yet capable 1.5 L inline Turbo 16 DOHC engine, producing 194 bhp and 203 lb-ft of torque. What it lacks in outright power, it compensates for with luxurious features like heated seats, a Bluetooth-enabled sound system, and a wooden steering wheel. Weighing just 1,505 pounds, it strikes a balance in terms of weight.
While some might find the Vanderhall Roadster’s retro styling appealing, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea in terms of aesthetics. Nevertheless, it remains a solid choice for those seeking a thrilling open-top ride.
Campagna Motors T-REX 16SP
Moving along, we have the Campagna Motors T-REX 16SP. Some might find its unconventional looks reminiscent of a frog, but looks can be deceiving. With a BMW 1649CC inline six-cylinder engine under the hood, this go-kart boasts a remarkable 160 bhp and 129 pounds-feet of torque. Weighing in at only 1,157 pounds, it’s the lightest option on our list.
The T-REX 16SP can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph. These impressive performance figures justify its hefty base price of $65,999. If you’re looking for a unique and lightning-fast ride, the T-REX 16SP will not disappoint.
Ariel Atom 4
The Ariel Atom 4 takes the cake in terms of value and fun factor. Considered a genuine legal go-kart, the Atom 4 comes pretty close to being classified as a hypercar if it weren’t for its unique design. With its direct-injected, turbocharged Honda K20C 4Cyl i-VTEC engine, it delivers an impressive 320 brake horsepower and 310 pounds-feet of torque. These figures allow the Atom 4 to cover 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 162 mph.
Priced at $74,750, the Atom 4 offers incredible performance and exhilaration. It’s hard to find a better deal on the market.
Drakan Spyder
Next up is the American-built Drakan Spyder. Sporting the largest engine on our list, the 6.2L Chevrolet E-Rod LS3 naturally aspirated V8, this go-kart boasts a staggering 430 bhp and 424 lbs of torque. With a top speed of 165 mph and a 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.2 seconds, it’s no surprise that this car was built for both comfort and high performance. Weighing in at 2,000 pounds, the Drakan Spyder offers a comfortable and reliable sports car experience. And with a price starting at only $100,000, it’s quite a steal.
Ariel Atom 3RS
Don’t discount the Ariel Atom 3RS just because it comes at a steeper price of $119,995. This go-kart may be a bit heavier at 1,450 lbs, but it more than makes up for it with its impressive power. With a turbocharged 2.4L Honda 6-speed manual transmission engine, the Atom 3RS delivers 425 bhp and 365 lb-ft of torque. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mind-blowing 2.5 seconds, making it the fastest street-legal go-kart on this list.
While it may have a slightly lower top speed of 155 mph compared to other options, its unmatched acceleration is sure to leave any competitor in the dust.
Elemental RP1
At first, I almost excluded the Elemental RP1 from our list due to its roadster-like appearance. However, its striking design reminiscent of a Ferrari was simply too captivating to overlook. With its 2.7-second 0 to 60 mph acceleration time, 320 bhp, and 325 lb-ft of torque, this 1995cc 16v 4-cyl turbocharged beauty rivals the performance of some Ferrari models. Its top speed of 170 mph solidifies its position among the fastest street-legal go-karts. The price tag for the Elemental RP1 is £98,700.00 (approximately $134,656.41).
It’s a shame that the Elemental RP1 isn’t available for purchase in the USA, as its stylish appearance and incredible performance would surely make it a hit among enthusiasts.
KTM X-Bow GT
The KTM X-Bow GT, pronounced KTM CrossBow GT, is a two-seater sports car hailing from Austria. This unique vehicle perfectly blends the characteristics of a bike with the engineering of a car. As the name suggests, the X-Bow GT showcases its inner workings proudly, with a carbon fiber body that reveals its engine and suspension.
Weighing in at 1,867 lbs, the X-Bow GT, thanks to its Audi TFSI Inline-4, DOHC, 16v engine, generates 300 bhp and 420 lb-ft of torque. This allows for a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.1 seconds, offering an exhilarating driving experience. However, with its top speed of 144 mph, it may not be the fastest option on our list. Prices for the GT4 model can reach up to $139,000.
Donkervoort D8 GTO-RS
Let’s move on to the Donkervoort D8 GTO-RS, a car whose name will surely test your pronunciation skills. This Dutch-built vehicle stands out for its lightweight construction, with most components made from carbon fiber. With doors weighing a mere 2 pounds, the two seats also equally feather-light, and a waterproof fabric covering the back storage compartment, the D8 GTO-RS totals at around 1,532 lbs.
Powered by an Audi 2.5L R5 TFSI, Front, five-cylinder inline engine, this go-kart reaches a top speed of 174 mph. It produces 380 bhp with 284 pounds of torque and boasts a blistering 0 to 60 mph time of 2.7 seconds. With an original price of €151,173.00 ($181,993.40), it’s clear that the Donkervoort D8 GTO-RS is aimed at those seeking a unique and exclusive driving experience. Moreover, with only around 40 units produced in 2016, its value may continue to rise over time.
BAC Mono
Our final contender is the mind-blowing BAC Mono. This single-seater offers the closest experience to driving a street-legal race car. With a lightning-fast 0 to 60 mph time of 2.7 seconds, it delivers a heart-stopping performance on straightaways. Powered by a Mountune-sourced 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine, the BAC Mono generates 332 bhp and 295 pounds of torque, boasting a top speed of 170 mph.
Weighing in at just 1,257 pounds, this lightweight marvel offers unrivaled cornering capabilities, making it a joy to drive. Priced at $250,000, the BAC Mono may not be the most affordable option on our list, but it’s definitely an experience worth considering. Just keep in mind that the engine’s roar can be deafening, so earplugs are recommended.
In Conclusion
There you have it, folks: a selection of the most exhilarating street-legal go-karts on the market today. Whether you’re looking for an affordable yet thrilling ride or a high-performance machine that rivals supercars, there’s something for everyone. So, if you can’t buy one, consider legalizing your own go-kart for a taste of the ultimate driving experience.
To learn more about Garrity Traina and their offerings, visit Garrity Traina. Happy driving!
