Vector W8

The Vector W8 was the first “extreme” sports car created in the United States. With state-of-the-art technology and a very exotic exterior design, the Vector captivated the world. Its V8 racing engine delivered a power of 625 hp and propelled it at over 350 km/h.

The company Vector Aeromotive had designers Gerald Wiegert and David Kostka for the development of the supercar. The most modern technology available at the time was used. Many of the engineering solutions came from the famous Group C cars such as the Jaguar XJR12LM or the Porsche 962 racing, plus the construction details of the aircraft industry.

First, an experimental model was built, the Vector W2 prototype. The W8 model was then defined and production began, which took place between 1989 and 1993. A total of 19 units were built, of which 17 were sold to end-users. Two other specimens (prototypes) called “Avtech WX-3” were developed in the same period.

The constructive premise of this project was the high reliability and durability of the product. And he really got the target in the car. The semi-monocoque of the Vector W8 incorporated racing carcompounds and technology. This semi-monocoque had an aluminium honeycomb core similar to that used in aircraft.

The body of the Vector W8 was mainly made of carbon fiber with Kevlar, so the car was light without giving up anything in terms of rigidity. The aerodynamics were quite good from the beginning, although high-speed tests were carried out which forced some modifications to be made.

The front of the car was redesigned somewhat lower, slots for airflow were removed and the large rear spoiler was modified. The removable glass roof was also removed, since at high speeds it vibrated causing a lot of noise.

In the center of the Vector W8 was a racing V8 Rodeck engine attached to a three-speed automatic gearbox, which is a very unusual feature. The 5.973 cm3 V8 engine was supercharged by two Garret H3 turbochargers with intercooler. With aluminum block and stainless steel valves, this 625 hp engine propelled the Vector W8 at over 350 km/h.

Vector tried to prolong its production by replacing the W8 with the Vector WX3, but they failed to do so. In 1993, Vector Aeromotive was acquired illegally by Megatech, but after hard attempts Gerald Wiegert managed to maintain the intellectual property rights of the designs.