Vector Motors

Vector Motors is an American performance-car marque whose roots lie in the design work of Gerald “Jerry” Wiegert in Southern California. The enterprise sought to create an American alternative to European exotic-car manufacturers such as Ferrari and Lamborghini, combining dramatic styling, very high power outputs, unconventional engineering, and extensive use of American components. Its early history involved the Vehicle Design Force design house, a partnership with Hollywood body specialist Lee Brown, and a succession of prototypes that attracted considerable automotive-media attention without immediately reaching series production. The Vector concept first gained broad visibility in the early 1970s. A proposed car was featured on the cover of Motor Trend in 1972, while a non-running prototype appeared at the 1976 Los Angeles Auto Show. After Brown left the project, Wiegert reorganized the business and redirected development toward the W2. The W2 concept was shown in 1978, followed by a running prototype in 1979. Vector claimed that the prototype accumulated more than 100,000 miles of testing, an unusually extensive distance for a concept vehicle. Magazine coverage and television testing helped establish Vector as an ambitious but highly unconventional entrant in the emerging American supercar field. The company eventually adopted the name Vector Aeromotive Corporation and began producing the W8 in 1989. The W8 evolved the W2’s wedge-shaped design and used a twin-turbocharged Chevrolet small-block V8 connected to an automatic Oldsmobile transaxle. Production was highly limited and labor intensive, with approximately 17 cars built for public sale. The model became the company’s best-known product, although its launch was affected by a highly publicized dispute involving tennis player Andre Agassi, whose prematurely delivered car suffered a breakdown. Vector refunded the purchase price, but the episode damaged the company’s public image. Vector continued developing prototypes, including the WX-3 coupe and WX-3R roadster, shown in 1992 and 1993. During this period MegaTech acquired a controlling interest. A dispute followed between Wiegert and the new ownership over management authority. After Wiegert refused to relinquish control and remain only as designer, he was removed from the company. MegaTech relocated operations from Wilmington to Jacksonville, Florida, where Vector could share facilities with Lamborghini, another company under MegaTech ownership. Under MegaTech, Vector produced the M12, a model loosely derived from the WX-3 and powered by a Lamborghini Diablo-based V12. The change represented a departure from the earlier cars’ distinctly American powertrain identity. Production began in 1995, but the approximately $189,000 car failed to achieve projected sales. Manufacturing was suspended in 1996, later resumed after ownership changes, and reached only about 14 cars by early 1999. Problems included weak demand and disputes over the supply and payment of Lamborghini engines. The subsequent SRV8 attempted to reduce costs and return to American mechanical components, using a modified Chevrolet Corvette LT1 engine and a Porsche G50 transaxle, but only one prototype was completed before Vector again closed its doors. After the remaining assets of Vector Aeromotive were sold to American Aeromotive, Wiegert reacquired Vector-related assets and revived the marque. The business was successively referred to as Avtech Motors, Vector Supercars, and finally Vector Motors. Wiegert presented or promoted new prototypes during the 2000s, culminating in the WX-8 prototype shown at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The proposed hypercar was described as using a supercharged, all-aluminum 10-liter V8 with an announced target of approximately 1,850 horsepower, alongside ambitious projected acceleration and top-speed figures. In 2018, reporting indicated that the company was still developing the WX-8, although no sustained production followed. Wiegert, who served as the company’s principal owner, chief executive, lead designer, and engineer, died in January 2021. The subsequent status of Vector Motors is unclear. The company’s Wilmington facility and an associated warehouse were later cleared, and there is no confirmed evidence in the supplied sources of current production, an operating management team, or a successor manufacturer. Vector therefore remains best understood as a historically important low-volume American supercar project whose influence rests more on its prototypes, styling, engineering claims, and media profile than on the scale of its manufacturing output.

Vector Motors developed from a Southern California design enterprise founded by Gerald “Jerry” Wiegert in 1971. The early business, initially called Vehicle Design Force, worked with Hollywood automotive body expert Lee Brown on an ambitious American supercar known as the Vector. The project was promoted as an answer to European exotics and was associated with unusually high proposed pricing for its era. A 1972 Motor Trend cover feature and a 1976 Los Angeles Auto Show prototype generated publicity, but the original car did not enter production. Brown left the project in 1977, after which Wiegert redirected the company toward the W2 and adopted the Vector Aeromotive name. The W2 concept was presented in 1978, initially without a running powertrain. A functioning prototype followed in 1979 and reportedly completed more than 100,000 miles of testing. The car’s angular design, American engineering emphasis, and claimed performance attracted extensive magazine coverage. Motor Trend tested the vehicle, and the British television program Top Gear also examined it, although the program did not conduct a claimed top-speed test. These efforts established Vector’s reputation as a serious but unconventional supercar developer even before it had a commercially viable product. Vector Aeromotive Corporation entered production with the W8 in 1989. The W8 retained the company’s wedge-shaped design language while using a twin-turbocharged, CAN-AM-modified Chevrolet small-block V8 and an Oldsmobile automatic transaxle. Financing was supported by public stock offerings and proceeds or settlements associated with legal disputes, including matters involving Goodyear and Vantage cigarettes. The cars were hand built and required considerable calibration and testing. Approximately 17 W8s were produced for public sale. The model appeared in the 1993 film Rising Sun, further increasing its visibility. The W8 period also exposed the risks of limited-production manufacturing. A car ordered by tennis player Andre Agassi was delivered before final work was complete. Although Vector warned that the vehicle should not be driven, Agassi drove it and experienced a breakdown. The company refunded the stated $455,000 purchase price, but the event created unfavorable publicity. Vector continued to pursue new designs, showing the WX-3 coupe at Geneva in 1992 and the WX-3R roadster in 1993. Only one prototype of each was built. MegaTech acquired a controlling interest in Vector in 1993. The change brought a direct conflict with Wiegert, who was asked to relinquish executive authority and serve only as designer. He refused, ordered the headquarters locked, and was subsequently fired. MegaTech moved Vector from Wilmington to Jacksonville, Florida, allowing it to share facilities with Lamborghini. The resulting M12 used a Lamborghini Diablo-derived V12 and was therefore mechanically different from the earlier American-powered cars. Production began in 1995, but the roughly $189,000 model fell short of projected demand. Production was halted in 1996, resumed after later ownership changes, and reached only about 14 cars by early 1999. Engine-supply and payment disputes with Lamborghini contributed to the company’s difficulties. Vector then attempted to reduce costs and reconnect with its original American identity through the SRV8. The model used a modified Chevrolet Corvette LT1 engine and a Porsche G50 transaxle. Only one prototype was made, and Vector closed its doors shortly after the vehicle’s first public appearance. Following the sale of Vector Aeromotive’s remnants to American Aeromotive, Wiegert reacquired Vector-related assets. The enterprise was renamed from Avtech Motors to Vector Supercars and ultimately Vector Motors. During the 2000s, Wiegert promoted new Vector prototypes and announced a return to production. A prototype of the WX-8 was shown at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. Vector described it as an extreme hypercar powered by a supercharged 10-liter aluminum V8, with projected output of around 1,850 horsepower. The company announced highly ambitious performance targets, but there is no confirmed evidence in the supplied material that the WX-8 entered series production. Reports in 2018 stated that development was still active. Wiegert died in January 2021 at age 76. Because he had been the company’s founder, principal owner, chief executive, designer, and engineer, his death left Vector Motors’ corporate and development status unresolved. The Wilmington facility and associated storage premises were later cleared. Vector’s historical importance lies in its attempt to establish an American supercar manufacturer, its distinctive W-numbered vehicles, and its influence on the low-volume exotic-car scene, rather than in sustained production volume.

• 2021

  Jerry Wiegert dies

  [1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  The founder and central figure in Vector’s development dies, leaving the company’s future uncertain.

• 2008

  WX-8 prototype is presented

  [1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  Vector presents its proposed high-power WX-8 hypercar prototype at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

• 1999

  M12 output remains extremely limited

  [1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  By early 1999, approximately 14 M12 cars had been produced.

• 1995

  M12 production starts

  [1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  The Lamborghini V12-powered M12 enters limited production in Florida.

• 1993

  MegaTech takes control

  [1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  MegaTech acquires a controlling interest while Vector presents the WX-3R roadster.

• 1992

  WX-3 coupe debuts at Geneva

  [1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  Vector shows the WX-3 coupe as the next development of the W8 design.

• 1989

  W8 production begins

  [1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  Vector Aeromotive begins limited production of the W8.

• 1979

  Running W2 prototype is completed

  [1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  A functioning W2 prototype begins an extensive claimed testing program.

• 1978

  W2 concept is shown

  [1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  Vector presents the W2 concept, the foundation for its later production-oriented designs.

• 1976

  Prototype appears at the Los Angeles Auto Show

  [1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  A prototype of the original Vector project is displayed, although the car does not proceed to production.

• 1972

  The Vector receives major magazine exposure

  [1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  An early Vector design is featured on the cover of Motor Trend, bringing national attention to the proposed American supercar.

• 1971

  Vehicle Design Force is founded

  [1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  Jerry Wiegert establishes the design enterprise that forms the basis of the later Vector organization.

A niche American maker of technologically ambitious, high-power supercars positioned as an alternative to established European exotic-car brands.

• Experimental supercar prototype · 1978

  Vector W2

  The W2 was Vector’s breakthrough concept and the direct conceptual predecessor to the W8. Its sharp, wedge-shaped body and proposed extreme performance helped define the company’s visual and engineering identity. Although the first displayed example was not operational, a running prototype was completed in 1979 and reportedly accumulated more than 100,000 miles of testing. The W2 attracted extensive magazine and television coverage and demonstrated Vector’s effort to develop an American answer to European exotic cars.

• Production supercar · 1989

  Vector W8

  The W8 was Vector’s principal production model and its most recognizable vehicle. Built from 1989 in very small numbers, it evolved the W2’s angular bodywork and used a twin-turbocharged Chevrolet small-block V8 paired with an automatic Oldsmobile transaxle. Each car was hand built and required substantial finishing and testing. Approximately 17 examples were produced for public sale. The W8’s media profile was strengthened by its appearance in the 1993 film Rising Sun, but the model was also associated with the highly publicized Andre Agassi delivery dispute.

• Supercar prototype · 1992

  Vector WX-3

  The WX-3 coupe was shown at the 1992 Geneva Motor Show as a further evolution of the W8. Vector proposed multiple engine configurations, ranging from a basic V8 to much higher-output turbocharged versions. The displayed coupe used a twin-turbocharged configuration tuned to a lower output than the maximum figure discussed in promotional material. Only one coupe prototype was built. Its later teal-blue finish became associated with Wiegert’s Aquajet branding.

• Roadster prototype · 1993

  Avtech WX-3R

  The WX-3R was the open-top counterpart to the WX-3 coupe and appeared in 1993. It used a Chevrolet-based engine related to the W8’s powertrain rather than the most extreme proposed WX-3 engine configuration. Only one prototype was made. The roadster was developed during the period when Vector’s ownership and management were changing, and it did not enter customer production.

• Production supercar · 1995

  Vector M12

  The M12 was developed after MegaTech took control of Vector and relocated the operation to Florida. Loosely based on the WX-3, it used a Lamborghini Diablo-derived V12, marking a major departure from Vector’s earlier American-powered cars. Production began in 1995, but the car’s approximately $189,000 price and limited market demand prevented the planned business case from being achieved. Production was suspended, later resumed briefly, and reached only about 14 cars by early 1999.

• Sports car prototype · 1999

  Vector SRV8

  The SRV8 was an attempt to lower the cost and complexity of the M12 while returning to an American mechanical identity. It used a modified GM LT1 engine related to the Chevrolet Corvette powertrain and a Porsche G50 transaxle. The model was publicly shown, but Vector shut down within days of its appearance. Only one prototype was produced.

• Hypercar prototype · 2008

  Vector WX-8

  The WX-8 was Vector’s proposed return to the extreme-performance market after the company’s earlier closure. A prototype was presented at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, and later reporting indicated that development remained active in 2018. Vector described a supercharged 10-liter all-aluminum V8 with a projected output of approximately 1,850 horsepower, together with exceptionally ambitious acceleration and top-speed targets. No confirmed production program is established in the supplied sources.

• 2008WX-8 auto-show presentation

  United States

  Vector presented the WX-8 prototype at the Los Angeles Auto Show as evidence of a planned return to the hypercar market.

  Outcome. The prototype attracted attention, but confirmed series production is not established in the supplied material.

  Source
• 1993Rising Sun film placement

  United States · International

  A Vector W8 appeared in the 1993 film Rising Sun, where it was driven by the character Eddie Sakamura. The placement exposed the rare American supercar to a broader entertainment audience.

  Outcome. The W8 gained additional popular-culture visibility, although the film appearance did not establish a mass-market sales channel.

  Source
• 1990Andre Agassi W8 promotion

  United States

  Vector supplied a W8 to tennis player Andre Agassi, creating valuable visibility for the new supercar. The car was delivered before completion at the customer’s insistence and subsequently broke down when driven. The incident became an unintended publicity problem rather than a controlled promotional success.

  Outcome. Vector refunded the reported purchase price, completed the car, and later resold it; the episode generated negative publicity.

  Source

• 2008

  Present the WX-8 hypercar prototypeProduct launch

  Background

  After reacquiring Vector-related assets, Wiegert sought to revive the brand with a new flagship vehicle.

  Action taken

  Vector displayed the WX-8 prototype and announced an extreme powertrain and performance targets.

  Aftermath

  Development was still reported in 2018, but no confirmed production is documented in the supplied material.

  Source

• 1999

  Develop the SRV8 as a lower-cost American alternativeStrategy

  Background

  The M12 had not achieved projected demand and relied on an expensive Lamborghini-derived powertrain.

  Action taken

  Vector created the SRV8 with a modified Corvette-related LT1 engine and Porsche G50 transaxle.

  Aftermath

  Only one prototype was produced, and Vector closed shortly after the model’s public appearance.

  Source

• 1995

  Launch the Lamborghini-powered M12Product launch

  Background

  Under MegaTech, Vector sought to use shared corporate resources and Lamborghini technology to create a successor with a more conventional exotic-car powertrain.

  Action taken

  Vector introduced the M12 with a Lamborghini Diablo-derived V12 and began limited production in Florida.

  Aftermath

  The car failed to meet projected sales, production was suspended and later briefly resumed, and total output remained approximately 14 units by early 1999.

  Stated vehicle price. $189,000 (1995-1996)

  Source

• 1993

  Accept controlling investment from MegaTechM&A

  Background

  Vector needed capital and organizational support to develop successors to the W8.

  Action taken

  MegaTech acquired a controlling interest in Vector and subsequently moved the company to Florida.

  Aftermath

  The transaction triggered a control dispute with Wiegert and led to his removal from the company. Vector later developed the Lamborghini-powered M12 under the new ownership.

  Source

• 1989

  Begin limited W8 productionProduct launch

  Background

  After years of prototype development and publicity, Vector sought to become a functioning American exotic-car manufacturer.

  Action taken

  Vector Aeromotive launched hand-built production of the W8 using a twin-turbo Chevrolet-based V8 and Oldsmobile transaxle.

  Aftermath

  Approximately 17 W8s were built for public sale, establishing the model as Vector’s signature production car but not creating sustainable volume.

  Source

• 1978

  Refocus development on the W2Strategy

  Background

  The original Vector project had generated publicity but had not reached production, and Lee Brown had left the design team.

  Action taken

  Wiegert redirected the enterprise’s research toward the W2 and renamed the design operation Vector Aeromotive.

  Aftermath

  The W2 became the technical and stylistic foundation for later Vector vehicles, including the W8.

  Source

• 2021

  Founder Jerry Wiegert dies and Vector’s future becomes uncertain[1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  Leadership change · Other

  Wiegert died in January 2021. Subsequent reporting described the company’s corporate future as uncertain and noted that its Wilmington premises and warehouse were cleared.

• 2018

  WX-8 development is still reported as active[1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  Product generation · Other

  Reporting indicated that Vector Motors continued developing the WX-8, a hypercar project first previewed with a prototype in the late 2000s.

• 1999

  Vector SRV8 appears as a lower-cost American-powered model[1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  Product launch

  Vector developed the SRV8 with a modified Chevrolet LT1 engine and Porsche transaxle, but the company closed shortly after the prototype’s public appearance.

• 1997

  Vector resumes limited M12 production after ownership changes[1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  M&A · Product generation

  M12 production resumed after MegaTech sold Lamborghini and Vector to separate buyers, but output remained extremely limited.

• 1996

  M12 production is suspended after weak sales[1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  Other · Pricing

  Production of the approximately $189,000 M12 was stopped late in 1996 after sales failed to meet projections.

• 1995

  Vector M12 production begins in Florida[1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  Product launch · Product generation

  The MegaTech-controlled company began producing the Lamborghini V12-powered M12 after moving operations from California to Jacksonville, Florida.

• 1993

  MegaTech acquires controlling interest in Vector[1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  M&A · Leadership change

  MegaTech acquired control of Vector during the WX-3 period, leading to a management dispute with founder Jerry Wiegert.

• 1993

  Jerry Wiegert is removed after rejecting a reduced management role[1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  Leadership change · Other

  After returning from the Geneva Motor Show, Wiegert was asked to surrender operational control and remain only as designer. He refused and was subsequently dismissed from Vector Aeromotive.

• 1990

  W8 delivery dispute involving Andre Agassi creates negative publicity[1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  A prematurely delivered W8 supplied to tennis player Andre Agassi broke down after he drove it despite warnings that final work remained. Vector refunded the reported purchase price and later completed and resold the car.

• 1989

  Vector Aeromotive begins production of the W8[1]Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org

  Product launch · Product generation

  Vector Aeromotive moved from prototype development into highly limited production of the W8, its best-known model.

1. 1Vector Motorsen.wikipedia.org