The Vector W8 is essentially an American supercar produced from 1990 to 1993. It was manufactured by Vector Aeromotive Corporation, and designed by Gerald Wiegert in partnership with David Kostka. The company utilized the newest and most advanced aerospace materials in building the W8s, which they said justified applying to the car the term “Aeromotive Engineering.” Continue reading for more interesting facts.
5. Only 19 Produced
Just 19 W8s were produced (17 customer cars and two pre-production cars, the prototype W2, and the two prototypes Avtech AWX3 and AWX3R, each with a mock up of a 7.0 liter DOHC TT engine). A total of 22 automobiles were produced by Vector Aeromotive over the life of the company.
4. Retailed for Over $400,000 New
The car originally sold for $448,000 new, however on today’s used market, they are available from $389,000 to well over $1.4 million depending on the condition of the car.
3. Extremely Durable Chassis
The semi-aluminum monocoque chassis was epoxy bonded and riveted with an aluminum honeycomb floor pan, and 5,000 aircraft specification rivets were used in the car’s assembly. The body was made largely of lightweight carbon fiber and Kevlar, known for its strength, and lightness Everything on the Vector was designed to last the life of the owner, assuming reasonable maintenance.
2. Plenty of Power
The car was based around a Rodeck resleevable, modified Chevrolet 350 ci (5.7 L) V8 racing engine coupled to a custom three-speed transmission. The engine had twin turbochargers, and produced an advertised 650 bhp (485 kW) at 5700 rpm and 649 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque on 8 lbs of boost. Boost levels were driver adjustable between 8 and 14 lbs and during dyno testing at the factory the engine put out 1200 bhp at 14 lbs of boost.
1. Had 220MPH Top Speed
The W8 had an estimated top speed of over 220 mph (354 km/h), with an acceleration of 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.2 seconds. However, in testing at the Bonneville Salt Flats, the W-2 prototype reached 242 mph (389 km/h) with the less powerful Donovan block, as reported by Top Wheels magazine.