| Manufacturer | Vector Motors |
|---|---|
| Production | 1989–1993 |
| Model years | 1990–1992 |
| Predecessor | Vector W2 |
| Successor | Vector WX-3 |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | 2-door coupe |
| Layout | RMR layout[1] |
| Engine | 6.0 L V8[2] |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic[1] |
| Wheelbase | 103.0 in (2,616 mm)[2] |
| Length | 172.0 in (4,369 mm)[2] |
| Width | 76.0 in (1,930 mm)[2] |
| Height | 42.5 in (1,080 mm)[2] |
| Curb weight | 3,320 lb (1,506 kg)[1] |
| Designer | Gerald Wiegert |
The Vector W8 was a sports car produced from 1989 to 1993.[3] It was manufactured by Vector Aeromotive, and was designed by Gerald Wiegert[3][4] and David Kostka. The company claimed the newest and most advanced aerospace materials were used in building the W8s, which they said justified applying to the car the term "Aeromotive Engineering." Just 19 W8s were produced (17 customer cars and two pre-production cars, the prototype W2, and two prototype Avtech WX-3 and AWX3R with a mock up of the 7.0 liter DOHC TT engine evolution). A total of 22 automobiles produced by Vector Aeromotive over the life of the company. The car originally sold at retail for up to $455,000 USD new (on today's used market they are available from $200,000 to well over $1 million depending on the condition of the car.)
Contents |
The W8 was essentially an upgrade of the same company's earlier prototype, the Vector W2. The aluminum honeycomb semi-monocoque was derived from Group C racing technology, and roughly 5,000 aircraft specification rivets were used in the car's assembly. Everything on the Vector was designed to last the life of the owner, assuming reasonable maintenance. The body was made largely of lightweight carbon fiber and kevlar, known for its strength, and lightness.[2] The car was based around a Rodeck resleevable V8 racing engine, coupled to a three-speed B&M modified transmission. The engine had twin turbochargers, which produced an advertised 625 bhp (466 kW) at 5700 rpm and 630 lb·ft (854 N·m) of torque.[1]
The W8 had an estimated top speed of over 220 mph (354 km/h).[4] However, in testing at the Bonneville Salt Flats, the W-2 reached 242 mph (389 km/h) with the less powerful Donovan block, as reported by Top Wheels magazine. This top speed was reached while still using the "high downforce" wing. Later aerodynamic testing further honed efficiency, bringing the car's drag coefficient (Cd.) down to just .32 prior to Department of Transportation crash testing in Ann Arbor, MI. The W8 design included subtle changes to the body during the production run, so that the initial car off the line looked slightly different from the last. These include the elimination of some gills, a lower front fascia and air splitter, revised rear wing, mirror intakes, and front grill. After the top speed testing was completed, no more Vector W8s were fitted with a removable glass roof, due to buffeting that occurred at those extreme speeds.
Vector intended to follow the W8 with the WX-3 and WX-3R, but series production never got off the ground. Production of the W8 ended in 1993, when the company was subject to a hostile takeover by Megatech, but Wiegert won back the design copyrights, equipment, and remaining unsold cars. In 1995, following the takeover, Vector began production of their next car, the M12.