Aeromotive Engineering: The Vector W8

The Vector W8 was designed and manufactured by Vector Aeromotive Corporation. The company, founded by Gerald Weigart in 1971, was an American attempt to compete with Lamborghini and Ferrari. Sadly, Weigart passed away on January 15, 2021.

Inspired by the Alfa Romeo Carano, the W8 is powered by a 6.0 L Rodeck twin-turbocharged V8 and mated to a 3-speed General Motors Turbo-Hydramatic 425 automatic transmission. The chassis is semi-aluminum monocoque, epoxy bonded and riveted with an aluminum honeycomb floor pan; all held together by 5,000 aircraft specification rivets. The body is mostly carbon fiber and Kevlar.

A total of 22 Vector W8s were produced between 1989 and 1993.

Vector W8 | Karrmann CC BY SA 3.0

Alfa Romeo Carano | Edvvc CC BY SA 2.0

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Vectors are rarely on the market. Particularly low mileage examples from the original owner; and with extensive documentation. This 1991 Vector W8 Twin Turbo sold last year at RM Sotheby's for $720,000.

As of August 2018, the company was developing a hypercar; the WX8. Plans called for either an electric/hybrid 7.0-liter small-block V-8, or a 10.0-liter big-block. The ambitious specs would give the WX8 a claimed "top speed in excess of 300 mph," making it the fastest production road vehicle ever.

WATCH

The Vector W8 is the craziest supercar in history. Ride along with Doug DeMuro to witness the insanity.