Camps are divided on the the influx of 3-wheeled performance toys. Contributions like the Polaris Slingshot and Morgan are very niche machines — they occupy the legislative gray between car and motorcycle and carry with them as much baggage as intrigue. The now standardized layout of two wheels in the front and one drive wheel in the rear certainly lends itself to stability over a conventional trike, but how well sorted-out are these cars?

Ever the willing test driver, Jay Leno took to the streets in what we think is the most promising offering thus far for those looking for that triangular stance. With an exotic powerplant that has found its way into more and more customs, a sequential gearbox, some proper streamline styling, and a better noise — we could grow to like this one.

The 1344 cc Hayabusa engine is one of the front runners in compact power. Suzuki’s inline-four produces 197 horsepower and screams with the best super bikes up in the RPMs. As an owner of a Hayabusa motorcycle Leno lamented the challenge of putting the power to the ground, in response, this vehicle offers a more forgiving environment to spin some revs.

According to Tanom CEO David Young, “They’re still very much a high performance vehicle. Depending on the gearing we put on it will top out at 135 to 160 mph. It’s still got the performance but the stability of a 3-wheeled vehicle will be greater than a 2-wheeled motorcycle.”

As automobiles repurposing a motorcycle gearbox often lack a reverse gear the occupant must push the vehicle backwards when needed. Avoiding this problem the design of the Invader includes a reverse gear. “We use the Suzuki sequential-six, and when left in first gear there is a lever that engages it as a mechanical reverse gear.” explained Young.

A starting price of $54,900 seems a little steep when considering the other options for which one could utilize those funds. Performance options include various packages ranging from handling to engine managment. Adjustable suspension, MoTec controllers, Brock’s exhaust, carbon fiber seats and the like guild the options list.

“Is it expensive? Sure. But is it as expensive as a McLaren or a Ferrari — no, but you get an equal level of performance. Certainly in acceleration, you’re not getting some of the sophistication of course — but that’s ok.” concluded Leno.

With a redline at 14,000 rpm and six speeds at your disposal, peering over the platypus-like bonnet and through the wide open front suspension, we can see how it would become easy to forget you are sitting in a plastic-bodied tripod scooting down the road.

After having a blast through some Southern California canyons Leno rendered his opinions of the Invader, “It’s very controllable, the rear tire is so wide that when you start to fell it move around and slide it doesn’t catch you and whip you around — it’s very taught, it’s very tight.” Leno further described his appreciating for the seating position — low in the cockpit.

Perhaps we are at the cusp of a new automotive subculture — Tri Stanced? Food for thought — or nightmares you be the judge.