Vector Supercars
Encyclopedia
Vector Motors Corporation is an American automobile
manufacturer originally based in Wilmington, California. Its history can be traced to Vehicle Design Force, which was founded in 1978 by Gerald Wiegert
. Vehicle production began in 1989 and ceased in the 1990s. The company was recently revived (as Vector Motors Corporation), and is currently developing a new supercar. Vector is credited by some as America's
first attempt to compete with European performance car manufacturers like Ferrari
, Lamborghini
, and Lotus
.
Nearly every car produced by the company is designated the letter "W" (for Wiegert) and a number. A letter "X" after the W (e.g. WX-8) signifies a prototype unit. The only exception to this rule is the Megatech-era M12, wherein the "M" stands for Megatech and the 12 signifies its V12 engine.
, fresh from college
, founded a design
house called Vehicle Design Force, and teamed up with Lee Brown to create a new car called The Vector
. The Vector was said to have various powerplants including a DOHC Porsche engine, and preproduction literature claimed that it would cost US$10,000 (when a new Rolls Royce Silver Shadow cost 11.500$). None of these plans came to fruition, however, as Wiegert's planned production run never started. All that came of The Vector was an empty shell that was displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Lee Brown left the design team shortly thereafter. The Vector was featured on the cover of Motor Trend
magazine in 1972. Wiegert renamed Vehicle Design Force to Vector Aeromotive after work began on a new project, the Vector W2
.
. Like the first car, it was immobile at the time of its show debut, but in 1979, the initial W2 became a running prototype. During its lifespan, it got over 100000 miles (160,934 km) on its odometer, the most of any concept yet.
The W2 was extensively covered by many magazines, and it was thoroughly tested by Motor Trend
magazine and the British
automotive television program Top Gear. However, Top Gear was ordered not to perform a top speed test on it, even though Vector claimed the car was capable of 230 mph.
In 1989, Wiegert's company, now known as the Vector Aeromotive Corporation, began production of the W8
, an evolution of the W2. Financial backing came from public stock offerings and various lawsuits including suits against the Goodyear Tire Company (trademark infringement with the Vector brand of tires) and Vantage cigarettes. Two W8 prototypes were made, of which only one ran.
One black W8 was sold to famous tennis player Andre Agassi
. Since Vectors were hand built, each took some time to finish, but Agassi demanded that the company deliver his W8 as soon as possible. Vector delivered the car as promised. Company representatives told him that he could display it, but warned him not to drive it until the final work was completed. Wiegert and Vector Aeromotive refunded Agassi's US$455,000 purchase price after the car broke down. Repairs on Agassi's W8 were finished, and the car was resold. A total of 17 Vector W8 cars were built for public sale.
The Vector W8 did manage a brief foray into the spotlight of the film-going general public when a red version of the car was used in the 1993 film Rising Sun
, driven by a Japanese businessman.
coupe and Avtech WX-3R roadster further evolved the W8 design. Only one prototype of each model was built. Plans called for the WX-3 to carry three different engine options: a 600 hp "basic" V-8, an 800 hp "tuned" option, and a 1200 hp twin turbo option, While the Coupe had the twin turbo engine (tuned to about 800 hp) the roadster had the same Chevrolet
engine as the W8
. When the WX-3 debuted in 1993, MegaTech, an Indonesian company, acquired a controlling interest in Vector. After Wiegert returned from the Geneva show, the Vector board asked Wiegert to relinquish control of the company and assume only the role of the company's designer. He refused, and ordered the Vector headquarters physically locked down. He was later fired from Vector Aeromotive. The WX-3 Coupe was originally painted silver, but it was repainted teal-blue by Wiegert to match the teal-blue and purple logo of his Aquajet jet-ski company. The teal-blue coupe and purple roadster are featured as promotional vehicles on the Aquajet website.
, where the company could share office space with fellow MegaTech-owned automaker Automobili Lamborghini
.
The new Vector Aeromotive Corporation created a car called the Vector M12
, which was loosely based on the WX-3 but powered by a version of the Lamborghini Diablo
V12 engine
. Consequently, some work on the M12 was handled by Lamborghini. As such, many of the essentially American "spirit" characteristics of previous editions did not carry over to the M12.
Production of the M12 began in 1995 in Green Cove Springs, Florida
, and the car was introduced at the 1996 North American International Auto Show
in Detroit, where Vector displayed two examples. Production was shuttered late in 1996 when the $189,000 cars did not meet projected sales targets. Production resumed after MegaTech sold off Lamborghini (to Audi
) and Vector (to management). By early 1999, only 14 M12s were produced. Lamborghini did not fulfill its contracted delivery of motors due primarily to Vector's inability to pay for them. It was alleged that Tommy Suharto
, son of Indonesian strongman General Suharto and a MegaTech principal, illegally embezzled
from the company for his own personal gain.
According to one story, Lamborghini took a W8 for payment for the engines, but since the W8 in question was still Wiegert's property at the time, he took the case to court. He won it back, although Lamborghini, now owned by Volkswagen
, has since refused to give the car back.
Financial troubles within Vector were not helped by continued negative press coverage, including Jeremy Clarkson
of Top Gear calling the M12 the worst car ever made.
and created the SRV8. This new model went back to its American roots, featuring a modified version of the GM LT1 engine found in the Corvette
and a Porsche
G50 transaxle
.. Although, within days of the car's first public appearance, Vector shut its doors. Only one prototype was produced.
Since the company's closure, rumors began to circulate about Wiegert developing a new car to bring Vector back to life with a new model called the WX8. At the Concorso Italiano on August 18, 2006, Wiegert showed up in the V-8 Avtech prototype with friend Keith Rosenberg. He confirmed that he had begun work on another supercar.
Wiegert had the Avtech on display at the Rodeo Drive
Concours d'Elegance
on June 17, 2007. His business card for Vector Motors Corporation (Wilmington, CA) has him titled as "Chairman and CEO." He also announced plans to debut his new prototype at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.
At the L.A. Auto Show, Wiegert presented a prototype of the WX8. The car is powered by a supercharged 10-litre all-aluminum V8 with a projected output of 1850 hp, which would make it more powerful than the Bugatti Veyron
and the SSC Ultimate Aero TT
. Vector claims that the WX8 has a top speed of 275 mi/h and a 0-60 time of just under three seconds .
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
manufacturer originally based in Wilmington, California. Its history can be traced to Vehicle Design Force, which was founded in 1978 by Gerald Wiegert
Gerald Wiegert
Gerald Alden "Jerry" Wiegert is an inventor, entrepreneur, automobile designer, and manufacturer. Born in Detroit, Michigan he created the Vector, a high-performance sports car intended to be America's answer to European cars such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche...
. Vehicle production began in 1989 and ceased in the 1990s. The company was recently revived (as Vector Motors Corporation), and is currently developing a new supercar. Vector is credited by some as America's
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
first attempt to compete with European performance car manufacturers like Ferrari
Ferrari
Ferrari S.p.A. is an Italian sports car manufacturer based in Maranello, Italy. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929, as Scuderia Ferrari, the company sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars before moving into production of street-legal vehicles as Ferrari S.p.A. in 1947...
, Lamborghini
Lamborghini
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., commonly referred to as Lamborghini , is an Italian car manufacturer. The company was founded by manufacturing magnate Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, with the objective of producing a refined grand touring car to compete with established offerings from marques like...
, and Lotus
Lotus Cars
Lotus Cars is a British manufacturer of sports and racing cars based at the former site of RAF Hethel, a World War II airfield in Norfolk. The company designs and builds race and production automobiles of light weight and fine handling characteristics...
.
Nearly every car produced by the company is designated the letter "W" (for Wiegert) and a number. A letter "X" after the W (e.g. WX-8) signifies a prototype unit. The only exception to this rule is the Megatech-era M12, wherein the "M" stands for Megatech and the 12 signifies its V12 engine.
Origin
In 1971, Gerald WiegertGerald Wiegert
Gerald Alden "Jerry" Wiegert is an inventor, entrepreneur, automobile designer, and manufacturer. Born in Detroit, Michigan he created the Vector, a high-performance sports car intended to be America's answer to European cars such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche...
, fresh from college
College
A college is an educational institution or a constituent part of an educational institution. Usage varies in English-speaking nations...
, founded a design
Design
Design as a noun informally refers to a plan or convention for the construction of an object or a system while “to design” refers to making this plan...
house called Vehicle Design Force, and teamed up with Lee Brown to create a new car called The Vector
The Vector
The Vector was an automobile prototype built by Vehicle Design Force of California. The non-running concept was shown at the 1972 Los Angeles Auto Show. Gerald Wiegert, the car's designer, said that it would be powered by a DOHC Porsche engine and would be sold for $10,000. By 1980, the car had...
. The Vector was said to have various powerplants including a DOHC Porsche engine, and preproduction literature claimed that it would cost US$10,000 (when a new Rolls Royce Silver Shadow cost 11.500$). None of these plans came to fruition, however, as Wiegert's planned production run never started. All that came of The Vector was an empty shell that was displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Lee Brown left the design team shortly thereafter. The Vector was featured on the cover of Motor Trend
Motor Trend
Motor Trend is an American automobile magazine. It first appeared in September 1949, issued by Petersen Publishing Company in Los Angeles, and bearing the tag line "The Magazine for a Motoring World". Petersen Publishing was sold to British publisher EMAP in 1998, who sold the former Petersen...
magazine in 1972. Wiegert renamed Vehicle Design Force to Vector Aeromotive after work began on a new project, the Vector W2
Vector W2
The Vector W2 is a concept car created by Vector Motors in 1980. It has a twin-turbocharged 350 cid Chevrolet V8 engine that produces over 600 hp and over 600 ft·lbf of torque...
.
The Vector W2
In 1978, Wiegert created another car, called the W2Vector W2
The Vector W2 is a concept car created by Vector Motors in 1980. It has a twin-turbocharged 350 cid Chevrolet V8 engine that produces over 600 hp and over 600 ft·lbf of torque...
. Like the first car, it was immobile at the time of its show debut, but in 1979, the initial W2 became a running prototype. During its lifespan, it got over 100000 miles (160,934 km) on its odometer, the most of any concept yet.
The W2 was extensively covered by many magazines, and it was thoroughly tested by Motor Trend
Motor Trend
Motor Trend is an American automobile magazine. It first appeared in September 1949, issued by Petersen Publishing Company in Los Angeles, and bearing the tag line "The Magazine for a Motoring World". Petersen Publishing was sold to British publisher EMAP in 1998, who sold the former Petersen...
magazine and the British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
automotive television program Top Gear. However, Top Gear was ordered not to perform a top speed test on it, even though Vector claimed the car was capable of 230 mph.
Vector W8
Vector W8
The Vector W8 was a sports car produced from 1989 to 1993. It was manufactured by Vector Aeromotive, and was designed by Gerald Wiegert and David Kostka...
, an evolution of the W2. Financial backing came from public stock offerings and various lawsuits including suits against the Goodyear Tire Company (trademark infringement with the Vector brand of tires) and Vantage cigarettes. Two W8 prototypes were made, of which only one ran.
One black W8 was sold to famous tennis player Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi
Andre Kirk Agassi is a retired American professional tennis player and former world no. 1. Generally considered by critics and fellow players to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Agassi has been called the best service returner in the history of the game...
. Since Vectors were hand built, each took some time to finish, but Agassi demanded that the company deliver his W8 as soon as possible. Vector delivered the car as promised. Company representatives told him that he could display it, but warned him not to drive it until the final work was completed. Wiegert and Vector Aeromotive refunded Agassi's US$455,000 purchase price after the car broke down. Repairs on Agassi's W8 were finished, and the car was resold. A total of 17 Vector W8 cars were built for public sale.
The Vector W8 did manage a brief foray into the spotlight of the film-going general public when a red version of the car was used in the 1993 film Rising Sun
Rising Sun (film)
Rising Sun is a [1993 film directed by Philip Kaufman, starring Sean Connery , Wesley Snipes, Harvey Keitel, and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa...
, driven by a Japanese businessman.
Avtech WX-3
Wiegert displayed his next version of the Vector at the Geneva Auto Show in 1993. The Avtech WX-3Vector WX-3
The Vector WX-3 is a prototype automobile created by Vector Motors of Wilmington, California in 1992. Founder Gerald Wiegert planned for it to have a range of engines up to a 1000 hp 7.0L DOHC V8 motor, but the full series of engines was never completed...
coupe and Avtech WX-3R roadster further evolved the W8 design. Only one prototype of each model was built. Plans called for the WX-3 to carry three different engine options: a 600 hp "basic" V-8, an 800 hp "tuned" option, and a 1200 hp twin turbo option, While the Coupe had the twin turbo engine (tuned to about 800 hp) the roadster had the same Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
engine as the W8
Vector W8
The Vector W8 was a sports car produced from 1989 to 1993. It was manufactured by Vector Aeromotive, and was designed by Gerald Wiegert and David Kostka...
. When the WX-3 debuted in 1993, MegaTech, an Indonesian company, acquired a controlling interest in Vector. After Wiegert returned from the Geneva show, the Vector board asked Wiegert to relinquish control of the company and assume only the role of the company's designer. He refused, and ordered the Vector headquarters physically locked down. He was later fired from Vector Aeromotive. The WX-3 Coupe was originally painted silver, but it was repainted teal-blue by Wiegert to match the teal-blue and purple logo of his Aquajet jet-ski company. The teal-blue coupe and purple roadster are featured as promotional vehicles on the Aquajet website.
The Vector M12
Megatech moved Vector from its Wiegert-owned headquarters building in Wilmington, California, to Green Cove Springs, FloridaGreen Cove Springs, Florida
Green Cove Springs is a city in Clay County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,378 at the 2000 census. As of 2010, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 6,908. It is the county seat of Clay County....
, where the company could share office space with fellow MegaTech-owned automaker Automobili Lamborghini
Lamborghini
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., commonly referred to as Lamborghini , is an Italian car manufacturer. The company was founded by manufacturing magnate Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, with the objective of producing a refined grand touring car to compete with established offerings from marques like...
.
The new Vector Aeromotive Corporation created a car called the Vector M12
Vector M12
The Vector M12 was a vehicle designed by the Vector Motors Corporation, and was the first vehicle produced after the hostile takeover of the company from Jerry Wiegert by the Indonesian company Megatech. The model was produced from 1995 to 1999, when production was halted, partly due to slow sales...
, which was loosely based on the WX-3 but powered by a version of the Lamborghini Diablo
Lamborghini Diablo
The Lamborghini Diablo is a high-performance mid-engined sports car that was built by Italian automaker Lamborghini between 1990 and 2001. It was the first Lamborghini capable of attaining a top speed in excess of . After the end of its production run in 2001, the Diablo was replaced by the...
V12 engine
V12 engine
A V12 engine is a V engine with 12 cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of six cylinders, usually but not always at a 60° angle to each other, with all 12 pistons driving a common crankshaft....
. Consequently, some work on the M12 was handled by Lamborghini. As such, many of the essentially American "spirit" characteristics of previous editions did not carry over to the M12.
Production of the M12 began in 1995 in Green Cove Springs, Florida
Green Cove Springs, Florida
Green Cove Springs is a city in Clay County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,378 at the 2000 census. As of 2010, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 6,908. It is the county seat of Clay County....
, and the car was introduced at the 1996 North American International Auto Show
North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
in Detroit, where Vector displayed two examples. Production was shuttered late in 1996 when the $189,000 cars did not meet projected sales targets. Production resumed after MegaTech sold off Lamborghini (to Audi
Audi
Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer, from supermini to crossover SUVs in various body styles and price ranges that are marketed under the Audi brand , positioned as the premium brand within the Volkswagen Group....
) and Vector (to management). By early 1999, only 14 M12s were produced. Lamborghini did not fulfill its contracted delivery of motors due primarily to Vector's inability to pay for them. It was alleged that Tommy Suharto
Tommy Suharto
Tommy Suharto is the youngest son of Suharto, the former President of Indonesia. In 2002 he was found guilty and jailed for giving the order for the assassination/killing of a Supreme Court Judge of the Republic of Indonesia, Syafiuddin Kartasasmita, SH.-Bali Land Scandals:Tommy in the 80s used...
, son of Indonesian strongman General Suharto and a MegaTech principal, illegally embezzled
Embezzlement
Embezzlement is the act of dishonestly appropriating or secreting assets by one or more individuals to whom such assets have been entrusted....
from the company for his own personal gain.
According to one story, Lamborghini took a W8 for payment for the engines, but since the W8 in question was still Wiegert's property at the time, he took the case to court. He won it back, although Lamborghini, now owned by Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Volkswagen is a German automobile manufacturer and is the original and biggest-selling marque of the Volkswagen Group, which now also owns the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, SEAT, and Škoda marques and the truck manufacturer Scania.Volkswagen means "people's car" in German, where it is...
, has since refused to give the car back.
Financial troubles within Vector were not helped by continued negative press coverage, including Jeremy Clarkson
Jeremy Clarkson
Jeremy Charles Robert Clarkson is an English broadcaster, journalist and writer who specialises in motoring. He is best known for his role on the BBC TV show Top Gear along with co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May...
of Top Gear calling the M12 the worst car ever made.
Vector SRV8
Vector reduced the cost of the M12Vector M12
The Vector M12 was a vehicle designed by the Vector Motors Corporation, and was the first vehicle produced after the hostile takeover of the company from Jerry Wiegert by the Indonesian company Megatech. The model was produced from 1995 to 1999, when production was halted, partly due to slow sales...
and created the SRV8. This new model went back to its American roots, featuring a modified version of the GM LT1 engine found in the Corvette
Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car by the Chevrolet division of General Motors that has been produced in six generations. The first model, a convertible, was designed by Harley Earl and introduced at the GM Motorama in 1953 as a concept show car. Myron Scott is credited for naming the car after...
and a Porsche
Porsche
Porsche Automobil Holding SE, usually shortened to Porsche SE a Societas Europaea or European Public Company, is a German based holding company with investments in the automotive industry....
G50 transaxle
Transaxle
In the automotive field, a transaxle is a major mechanical component that combines the functionality of the transmission, the differential, and associated components of the driven axle into one integrated assembly....
.. Although, within days of the car's first public appearance, Vector shut its doors. Only one prototype was produced.
Wiegert's Return
After the remains of Vector Aeromotive were sold to American Aeromotive, Wiegert took back the assets of Vector and changed the company name from Avtech Motors to Vector Supercars, then finally to Vector Motors. Neither Wiegert nor American Aeromotive have completed cars, so it is unclear whether there will ever be another Vector produced.Vector WX-8
Wiegert had the Avtech on display at the Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive of Beverly Hills, California is a shopping district known for designer label and haute couture fashion. The name generally refers to a three-block long stretch of boutiques and shops but the street stretches further north and south....
Concours d'Elegance
Concours d'Elegance
A Concours d'Elegance dates back to 17th Century French aristocracy, who paraded horse-drawn carriages in the parks of Paris during Summer weekends and holidays...
on June 17, 2007. His business card for Vector Motors Corporation (Wilmington, CA) has him titled as "Chairman and CEO." He also announced plans to debut his new prototype at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.
At the L.A. Auto Show, Wiegert presented a prototype of the WX8. The car is powered by a supercharged 10-litre all-aluminum V8 with a projected output of 1850 hp, which would make it more powerful than the Bugatti Veyron
Bugatti Veyron
The Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 is a mid-engined grand touring car. The Super Sport version is the fastest road-legal production car in the world, with a top speed of . The original version has a top speed of...
and the SSC Ultimate Aero TT
SSC Aero
The SSC Ultimate Aero is an American-built mid-engine supercar by Shelby SuperCars. The higher-performance limited production version previously held the Guinness Book of World Records record for being the fastest production car in the world , with a recorded speed of...
. Vector claims that the WX8 has a top speed of 275 mi/h and a 0-60 time of just under three seconds .