Vector W2

Vector W2
Overview
ManufacturerVector Motors
Production1978
Body and chassis
Classconcept car
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutRear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
DoorsScissor
Powertrain
Engine5.7 L (350 cu in) twin-turbocharged Chevrolet V8
Transmission3-speed THM425 automatic
Chronology
SuccessorVector W8

The Vector W2 is a concept car constructed by Vector Motors in 1978. The concept went into production as the Vector W8 in 1990.

The name comes from the "W" for Jerry Wiegert (designer and founder of Vector Motors) and "2" for the number of turbochargers. The car is fully functional. It has a Bosch fuel injected twin-turbocharged 350 cid (5.7 L) aluminum Chevrolet V8 engine that producees over 600 hp (450 kW) and over 600 ft·lbf (800 N·m) of torque.[1] The top speed is a claimed 242 mph (389 km/h).[2]

The car went through a number of improvements in performance, technology, updated styling exercises, as well as color changes. It was displayed at international auto shows worldwide, and featured in many automotive publications. The car covered over 100,000 mi (160,934 km) in testing, more than any other concept car.

In 1990, the concept went into production as the Vector W8. Only a handful cars were constructed before the company went bankrupt.[3]

Currently, the Vector W2 prototype is inoperable, but is slated for restoration.[citation needed]

Notes

The Vector W2 was used in the Remington Steele episode License to Steele as Hunter Jet Star 6000.

The Vector W2 was featured in the Nintendo game Formula One: Built to Win.

The W2 in silver was featured in a Chevron gas commercial in the 1980s.

References

  1. ^ Griffin, Larry (December 1980). "Essence of Omnipotence: Vector W2". Car and Driver. 26 (6). Ziff-Davis: 36–40. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  2. ^ Linde, Arvids (15 April 2011). Preston Tucker & Others: Tales of Brilliant Automotive Innovators & Innovations. Veloce Publishing. p. 77. ISBN 978-1-845840-17-4. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  3. ^ "1989 - 1993 Vector W8 Twin Turbo - Images, Specifications and Information". Ultimatecarpage.com. Retrieved 2024-06-11.