Vector's Lost Supercars: A Forgotten Legacy

Forgotten ONES - In the realm of automotive history, many remarkable four-wheeled vehicles have been crafted, yet only a few have managed to transition from concept to production. Those that didn’t make the cut often fade into obscurity, their stories left untold. Among these forgotten gems are the supercars produced by an American manufacturer known as Vector Motors, which we’ll delve into in this article.

The four supercars of Vector Motors Corporation consisting of  the Vector M-12 (front), Vector Avtech WX-3 (left), Vector Avtech WX-3R (right), and Vector W-8 (far above). (Picture from: VectorFiles)

While the Corvette is often hailed as the quintessential American supercar, this assumption doesn’t capture the full picture. In reality, numerous other American manufacturers have ventured into the supercar arena, contributing their own innovative designs. One such company is Vehicle Design Force, an automotive design house established by Gerald ‘Jerry’ Wiegert in 1971.

The first supercars of Vector Motors Corporation named Vector W-2 debuted back in the 1977. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Based in Wilmington, California, this company initially operated under its original name but later rebranded as Vector Aeromotive in 1977. According to various sources, including Wikipedia, Vector Aeromotive developed and produced approximately 50 sports car models during the 1980s and 1990s. These cars, including some racing versions, were predominantly built using American-made components. The company’s naming convention was distinctive, with nearly every car designated by the letter "W" (standing for Wiegert) followed by a number. If the letter "X" appeared after the "W," it signified a prototype, such as the WX-8.

The Vector W-2 prototype is powered by a twin-turbocharged Chevrolet V8 with 5,700 liters coupled with GM's THM 425 3-speed automatic transmission. (Picture from: Autozine)

The company’s first foray into the supercar market came in the form of the Vector W2, launched in the late 1970s. The W2’s powertrain was particularly noteworthy, featuring a twin-turbocharged Chevrolet V8 engine with a displacement of 5.7 liters. This engine was paired with General Motors’ THM 425 3-speed automatic transmission, delivering an impressive output of over 600 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. At the time, Vector claimed the W2 could achieve a top speed of 230 mph (370 kph).

Vector Motors Corporation released the first production-ready W2 in 1989, later changed the name to Vector W8. (Picture from: Autozine)

However, the global economic climate posed significant challenges for Vector Motors. Despite the initial buzz and media attention surrounding the W2, Wiegert faced difficulties in transforming the prototype into a production-ready vehicle. Nevertheless, after a period of persistent effort, Wiegert succeeded in creating a fully functional W2, which garnered considerable acclaim at international automotive events and in major publications.

The Vector W8 is powered by 6.0-liter Rodeck twin-turbocharged V8 that produced 625 horsepower. (Picture from: Autozine)

By 1989, Vector Motors had refined the W2 into a production-ready model, now rebranded as the Vector W8. This updated version featured a larger 6.0-liter Rodeck twin-turbocharged V8 engine, capable of producing 625 horsepower. However, the car retained the same GM THM 425 3-speed automatic transmission. Despite its impressive specifications, only 17 Vector W8 cars were ever produced, each carrying a price tag exceeding $450,000.

Vector Motors Corporation shown its Vector WX-3R (left) and Vector WX-3 (right) at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Petrolicious)

Following the W8, Wiegert turned his attention to developing its successor, the Vector WX-3. Unveiled at the 1992 Geneva Motor Show, the WX-3 boasted an aluminum honeycomb structure floorpan and bodywork made from carbon fiber and Kevlar. The following year, the car was further developed, featuring a variable boost twin-turbo Rodeck 7.0-liter V8 engine that produced a staggering 1,000 horsepower. The car’s transmission was a modified version of General Motors’ Turbo-Hydramatic 425. The WX-3 also received a new Brilliant Aquamarine paint job and was joined by an open-top variant, the Vector WX-3R (for Roadster), at the 1993 Geneva show. 

The Vector WX-3 featured with an aluminum honeycomb structure floorpan and carbon fiber and Kevlar bodywork was shown for first time in silver at the 1992 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: TopSpeed)

However, in 1993, the trajectory of Vector Motors changed dramatically when it was acquired by Megatech, which subsequently relocated the company’s production base to Green Cove Springs, Florida. Under new ownership, Vector launched the Vector M12, a model loosely based on the WX-3 but powered by a Lamborghini Diablo V12 engine. Despite some contributions from Lamborghini, the M12 lacked the distinctly American characteristics that had defined earlier Vector models.

The Vector WX-3R (roadster version) shared all mechanical compnents from its sibling WX-3 Coupe. (Picture from: GTSupreme)

The Vector M12 made its public debut at the 1996 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where two examples were displayed. Unfortunately, the M12 failed to meet sales expectations, leading to a halt in production later that year. Production briefly resumed after MegaTech sold Lamborghini to Audi and Vector to its management, but by early 1999, only 14 M12s had been produced.

The Vector M12 was loosely built based on the WX-3 but powered by a version of the Lamborghini Diablo's V12 engine. (Picture from: Road&Track)

In an effort to reduce production costs, Vector introduced the Vector SRV8, which returned to its American roots with a modified 5.7-liter LT1 Corvette engine and a BorgWarner gearbox. Sadly, Vector’s operations were short-lived, and the company closed its doors after producing only one prototype of the SRV8.

The Vector SRV8 went back the company to its roots by using a modified 5.7 liter LT1 Corvette engine coupled with Borgwarner gearbox. (Picture from: GTSupreme)

After the remnants of Vector Aeromotive were sold to American Aeromotive, Jerry Wiegert regained control of the company’s assets. He rebranded the company as Vector Supercars, and later as Vector Motors. Under this new banner, the company developed the Vector WX-8, a supercar prototype first revealed at the 2007 LA Auto Show. The WX-8 represented the company’s ambitious vision for a next-generation sports car that would succeed its previous models.

Gerald Wiegert's last project, the ultra sleek, super secret (until now) Vector WX-8 at a hidden location somewhere near the World Port of Los Angeles. (Picture from: BaronCapital)

Vector Motors claimed that the WX-8 could achieve a top speed of 270 mph (430 kph) and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 2.3 seconds, depending on the engine configuration. The company’s website described various engine options for the WX-8, including a 10-liter turbocharged engine capable of producing over 1,800 horsepower. However, as of August 2018, Vector Motors was still actively developing the vehicle, with no completed production model available.

The Vector WX-8 sports car prototype posed along with the late Gerald Wiegert. (Picture from: Art&Living)

In an effort to secure further funding for the WX-8’s development, Vector Motors reportedly sought to sell two WX-3 prototypes for $3.5 million. The company also announced plans to offer the WX-8 with a choice of two potential engines: a 10.0-liter big-block V8 or an electric/hybrid 7.0-liter small-block V8. Unfortunately, the WX-8 was not completed by the time of Jerry Wiegert’s death in early 2021, leaving an unfinished prototype on his driveway.

The story of Vector Motors is one of ambition, innovation, and perseverance in the face of numerous challenges. Although the company’s vehicles never achieved mainstream success, they remain a testament to the creativity and determination that defined this unique American automotive manufacturer. 😢 *** [EKA [29062022] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | PETROLICIOUS | SUPERCARS.NET | HOTCARS | GTSUPREME | ART&LIVING | ROAD&TRACK | TOPSPEED ]

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