Vector W2

The Vector W2 is a fully functional concept car prototype developed by Vector Motors Corporation, featuring a mid-engine layout with a twin-turbocharged 5.7-liter Chevrolet V8 engine producing over 600 horsepower and an aggressive, wedge-shaped design inspired by Italian supercars like the Lamborghini Countach.^[1]^[2] Introduced in 1978 after initial mock-up unveilings dating back to 1972, it represented an ambitious American effort to create a high-performance exotic vehicle using aerospace-inspired materials and engineering.^[3]^[4] Founded in 1971 by engineer and designer Gerald "Jerry" Wiegert in Wilmington, California, Vector Motors aimed to showcase innovative U.S. automotive technology through the W2, which utilized a semi-monocoque chassis constructed from aluminum-composite honeycomb, aircraft-grade sheet aluminum, and steel tubing for lightweight strength.^[3]^[1] The prototype's powertrain included a Bosch fuel-injected twin-turbo V8 delivering approximately 600 lb-ft of torque, paired with a three-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, enabling claimed performance figures such as a 0-60 mph acceleration in under four seconds and a top speed exceeding 230 mph.^[2]^[3] Its suspension featured independent double-wishbone fronts with coil springs and Koni shocks, while the body incorporated fiberglass-reinforced plastic panels over a steel roll bar, resulting in a curb weight around 2,500 pounds and a low-slung height of 3.5 feet.^[1]^[4] Despite garnering attention in automotive publications for its futuristic aesthetics and potential—reminiscent of a "low-flying fighter plane"—the W2 remained a prototype, with only a handful of units built and over 100,000 test miles accumulated by 1989.^[1]^[3] Financial challenges, including high development costs and a difficult economic climate for startups in the post-oil crisis era, prevented full production; instead, it paved the way for the limited-run Vector W8 supercar in 1990, of which just 17 examples were produced before the company's bankruptcy in the early 1990s.^[2]^[4] The W2's legacy endures as a bold, if unrealized, symbol of American supercar ambition, blending aviation-derived innovation with raw performance aspirations.^[3]

Development

Origins and Concept

Jerry Wiegert, an automotive engineer with a strong interest in aeronautics stemming from his work on projects like rocket belts, founded Vehicle Design Force, later known as Vector Motors Corporation, in 1971 in Wilmington, California.^[5]^[6] The company was established as a design house, with the explicit goal of adapting advanced aviation technologies—such as lightweight materials and aerodynamic principles—to revolutionize automobile manufacturing.^[3]^[7] Wiegert's vision was to create vehicles that embodied the precision and performance of aircraft, positioning Vector as an innovator in high-performance American engineering.^[5] Drawing inspiration from fighter jets and their aerodynamic efficiency, Wiegert conceptualized the Vector W2 as a "road jet"—a supercar that would deliver extreme speed and handling through aviation-derived design elements.^[5]^[7] This ambitious project sought to challenge European supercars like the Lamborghini Countach by emphasizing American ingenuity and superior technology.^[3] In collaboration with Lee Brown, owner of Precision Auto Body in Hollywood, Wiegert developed a non-functional full-size mockup of the W2, which debuted at the 1972 Los Angeles Auto Expo.^[2]^[5] The mockup, constructed with a fiberglass shell over a Porsche chassis, showcased the car's bold wedge-shaped aesthetic and generated significant media attention, including a feature on the cover of Motor Trend that April.^[7]^[2] The W2's name reflected its origins: "W" stood for Wiegert, the project's creator, while "2" denoted the planned twin-turbocharged powertrain.^[5]^[2] Initial production ambitions were grand, aiming to establish Vector as a viable supercar manufacturer.^[8] However, the early 1970s proved challenging for securing investment, as investor skepticism grew amid high-profile failures like the Bricklin and DeLorean projects.^[2]^[5] By 1976, amid ongoing funding difficulties and the dissolution of the partnership with Brown, Wiegert pivoted from refining the static mockup toward developing a fully functional prototype to demonstrate the concept's viability.^[5]^[7]

Prototype Construction and Testing

Construction of the Vector W2 prototype began in 1976 at Vector Aeromotive Corporation's facility in Wilmington, California, where engineer Jerry Wiegert oversaw the assembly of a custom semi-monocoque chassis designed for high rigidity and lightweight performance.^[5] By 1978, the prototype was completed as a fully drivable vehicle, marking the transition from conceptual mockups to a functional supercar capable of road use.^[5]^[2] Key engineering milestones included the integration of aviation-grade materials, such as aluminum-composite honeycomb panels and aircraft-quality sheet aluminum pop-riveted with aerospace epoxy to form a semi-monocoque structure, which contributed to the car's low curb weight of approximately 2,500 pounds.^[1] First road tests occurred in 1979, allowing the team to evaluate the prototype's dynamics on public roads and dry lake beds, where it began accumulating mileage to refine its setup.^[5]^[2] In December 1980, Car and Driver conducted an instrumented test of the W2 prototype, praising its handling as exceptionally precise due to the rigid chassis and wide track, with the car described as feeling like a "low-flying fighter plane" during cornering.^[1] The review highlighted impressive braking performance from the large ventilated disc brakes with four-piston calipers, which provided confident stopping power, and noted the acceleration as ferocious, propelled by the twin-turbocharged V8 that delivered over 600 horsepower for rapid launches.^[1] The article featured detailed photographs of the car in action, including dynamic shots with a model posing alongside to emphasize its futuristic styling.^[1] Testing revealed challenges such as noticeable turbo lag in the powertrain, which delayed throttle response, and initial suspension tuning issues that caused instability over uneven surfaces, both of which were addressed through iterative modifications to the adjustable Koni shocks and control arms.^[5]^[1] These refinements improved overall drivability, enabling the prototype to log extensive miles during development.^[2] Only a single prototype was built, designated chassis number 001, as funding constraints prevented production of additional units despite Wiegert's efforts to secure investors throughout the late 1970s.^[5]

Design

Exterior and Aerodynamics

The Vector W2 featured a radical wedge-shaped exterior profile with a low-slung nose and elevated tail section, creating a futuristic, aircraft-inspired aesthetic that blended elements from contemporary concept cars like the Lamborghini Countach and Bertone Carabo.^[5]^[2] Described by contemporaries as a "low-flying fighter-car" resembling a "UFO with wheels," its design emphasized a wide rear end, horizontal row of taillights, and a panoramic windshield composed of seven distinct shapes for enhanced visibility and visual drama.^[1]^[5] The body construction utilized advanced aerospace-derived materials, including fiberglass-reinforced plastic panels over an aluminum-composite honeycomb semi-monocoque chassis reinforced with aircraft-quality sheet aluminum and steel tubing, achieving a lightweight yet rigid structure with a curb weight of approximately 2,500 pounds.^[1]^[2] This pop-riveted and epoxied assembly drew from Formula 1 and aviation engineering principles, prioritizing strength-to-weight efficiency for high-performance applications.^[1] Aerodynamically, the W2 incorporated sharp creases along the high nose and body sides to manage airflow, predating widespread use of front splitters and rear diffusers, while a twin-element rear wing provided downforce; the overall design was influenced by Can-Am race cars, incorporating ground effects for stability at high speeds.^[2]^[1] The mid-engine layout further supported balanced weight distribution, enhancing the car's aerodynamic poise during dynamic maneuvers.^[1] The prototype's sinister, F-117 stealth fighter-like silhouette, complete with a compact height of 3.5 feet, not only contributed to its performance potential but also foreshadowed trends in 1980s concept vehicle styling.^[1]^[2]

Interior and Chassis

The Vector W2 featured a two-seat configuration designed as a fighter-jet-inspired cockpit, emphasizing driver-centric ergonomics and visibility for high-performance driving. The interior layout included highly bolstered individual bucket seats upholstered in leather, positioned to optimize control during intense maneuvers, with the cockpit's compact design drawing from aerospace principles to minimize distractions. A minimalistic dashboard incorporated analog gauges supplemented by early electronic displays for key functions, while adjustable pedals allowed for customized fit. The wraparound windshield provided expansive outward visibility, enhancing situational awareness on the track or road.^[5] The chassis employed a semi-monocoque structure primarily constructed from aluminum-composite honeycomb panels and aircraft-quality sheet aluminum, reinforced with steel tubing for exceptional rigidity and lightweight performance. This aerospace-derived design, including honeycomb elements for structural integrity, supported an independent double-wishbone front suspension with unequal-length control arms, coil springs, and adjustable Koni shocks, paired with a rear de Dion tube setup using trailing arms and concentric coil spring/damper units. The 103-inch wheelbase contributed to balanced handling and stability, with rack-and-pinion steering featuring variable-ratio geometry and power assistance for precise control, requiring approximately four turns lock-to-lock. Aluminum accents throughout the interior, such as on trim and controls, complemented the high-tech aesthetic while maintaining the overall minimalism.^[1]^[2] Safety was prioritized through innovative features ahead of typical sports car standards, including an integrated roll cage formed by steel rollbar towers and a robust chassis framework. Foam-filled box sections in the structure provided impact protection by absorbing energy in collisions, functioning as early energy-absorbing zones. Four-point harnesses secured occupants in the bucket seats, ensuring restraint during high-speed operations, while the overall aerospace-inspired engineering enhanced structural integrity without compromising the vehicle's low 3.5-foot height or agility. The composite body panels further contributed to the car's lightness, aiding in overall safety by reducing mass in potential crash scenarios.^[2]^[9]^[1]

Specifications

Engine and Drivetrain

The Vector W2 was powered by a modified 5.7-liter (350 cubic inch) Chevrolet small-block V8 engine, positioned transversely in a mid-engine layout to achieve balanced handling characteristics.^[2]^[10] This pushrod V8 incorporated Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection for precise delivery, enabling efficient operation under high-boost conditions.^[2] The engine was augmented by a twin-turbocharging system using a pair of Rajay turbos, which propelled output to over 600 horsepower, with potential for higher figures under adjusted boost.^[2] Torque exceeded 600 pound-feet, contributing to the powerplant's reputation for strong mid-range pull as noted in contemporary evaluations.^[2]^[1] Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a rear-wheel-drive configuration, paired with a custom three-speed automatic transaxle derived from the General Motors Turbo-Hydramatic 425 unit, featuring manual shift control for driver engagement.^[2] This setup, integrated as a transaxle behind the engine, supported the mid-engine design's emphasis on traction and weight bias. The engine's robust tuning was showcased during a 1980 instrumented test, where it demonstrated formidable acceleration potential.^[1] The prototype had a curb weight of approximately 2,500 pounds.^[1]

Performance Metrics

The Vector W2 prototype demonstrated impressive acceleration capabilities during its testing phase, achieving 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds, 0-100 mph in 7.5 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 11.0 seconds at 128 mph, as measured in a 1980 instrumented test by Car and Driver.^[1] The car's top speed was claimed to exceed 240 mph by Vector Aeromotive. Comparatively, these figures surpassed those of contemporary exotics such as the Lamborghini Countach, which recorded slower straight-line acceleration and lower top speeds in period tests.^[1]

Legacy

Transition to Vector W8

Following extensive testing of the Vector W2 prototype from 1978 through the 1980s, which accumulated over 100,000 miles of development driving by 1989, the project faced severe funding shortages that halted progress.^[11] Financial difficulties in the early 1980s delayed further advancement until 1988, when the effort gained momentum with the reestablishment of Vector Aeromotive Corporation, bolstered by a public stock offering that raised $6 million and additional warrants worth $8.2 million, enabling the shift toward production.^[5] Initial support came from individual investors and lawsuit settlements, including a trademark infringement case against Goodyear Tire for using the "Vector" name on a radial tire.^[12]^[13] The design evolution from the W2 to the W8 preserved the iconic wedge-shaped profile and aerodynamic emphasis of the original prototype, which featured the W2's innovative twin-turbo V8 as a foundational element. However, significant upgrades were implemented to make the W8 viable for limited production, including a refined 6.0-liter Rodeck twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 625 horsepower—an increase from the W2's estimated output—paired with a three-speed General Motors Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission.^[14] Aerodynamic enhancements reduced the drag coefficient through wind tunnel testing, while street-legal modifications such as compliant lighting, emissions controls, and safety features transformed the experimental W2 into a federally certified supercar.^[5] The Vector W8 was publicly unveiled in 1989 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, marking the culmination of nearly a decade of delays, and entered limited production in 1990 with an initial price of around $400,000.^[15] Only 17 to 18 units were ultimately built before Vector Aeromotive filed for bankruptcy in 1993, amid escalating legal battles and failed foreign investment deals, such as a promised but undelivered infusion from Indonesian firm Megatech.^[5] These business hurdles, including investor disputes that led to Wiegert's ousting and a factory lockdown, effectively ended the original production run and scattered the company's assets.^[12]

Cultural Significance

The Vector W2 captured widespread media attention through its appearance on the cover of Car and Driver magazine's December 1980 issue, featuring the prototype alongside a model, which significantly elevated Vector Motors' profile and fueled enthusiast interest in futuristic automotive designs, including popular posters of the car.^[5]^[1] Embodying the bold wedge aesthetics of 1980s concept cars, the W2's angular, aircraft-inspired form—drawing from influences like the Lamborghini Countach and Bertone Carabo—positioned it—and its successors—as pioneers in applying advanced aerospace-inspired materials to American sports cars, setting a precedent for innovative U.S. exotics that challenged European dominance.^[5]^[2] As the foundational prototype that logged over 100,000 miles in testing—more than any other concept car of its era—the W2 remains a rare collectible, with related Vector prototypes selling for upwards of $500,000 at auction, underscoring its status as an irreplaceable piece of automotive history.^[5] This singular example, currently inoperable but slated for restoration, symbolizes ambitious American efforts to rival Ferrari and Lamborghini during the post-muscle car decline of the 1980s. The W2 permeated pop culture through appearances in the 1980s television series Remington Steele (disguised as the "Hunter Jet Star 6000"), the Nintendo video game Formula One: Built to Win, and a Chevron gasoline commercial, often evoking the era's themes of technological excess and innovation. Its enduring legacy paved the way for the limited-production Vector W8.^[5] Following Wiegert's death in 2021, Vector Motors has seen revival efforts, including restoration projects and development of new prototypes. A 2025 documentary, Vector: America's First Supercar, chronicles the brand's history and ambitions. As of November 2025, these initiatives are breathing new life into the Vector legacy, with related prototypes continuing to attract high auction values among collectors.^[16]^[17]