Turning a dream into reality is never easy, or quick. The Vector W2 Twin Turbo was the automotive dream of a man named Gerald A Wiegert. He began planning the car in the early 1970’s and had created a full-scale vehicle a decade later.
Like other individuals who wanted to build automobiles, Mr. Wiegert faced tremendous difficulties. Thousands of companies have entered the automobile business over the ears, but only a tiny handful lasted long enough to produce and sell actual vehicles.Mr. Wigert served as designer, builder, and marketer of the Vector W2. He received his first order for one of the cars in 1981. By the end of the eighties, the Vector company held orders for four more. The would-be buyers had been excited by a prototype Vector. Automotive journalists wrote good things about the Vector, but year after year slipped away without any being produced. It seemed as if the car would never really be produced at all.
The Vector took its name from physics: a “vector” is a line that suggests both direction and magnitude. With more than 700 horsepower tied to he Vectors Gas pedal, a staggering level of magnitude was possible. Two Garrett AiResearch turbochargers forced fuel into the all aluminum 6.0 liter V8 engine. This powerplant was based on a GM design, so repairs should be possible for any skilled mechanic familiar with GM engines. Vector’s claim of 0-60 mph times of less than 4 seconds and a 0-120 in about 10 seconds didn’t sound out of line at all. The company’s early top speed rating of 200 mph was later changed to 240.
In addition to great speed, the Vector offered safety. The car’s bumpers, bumper mounts, and chassis were all designed to give maximum crash protection. The driver and passenger were protected inside by a full steel roll cage. Special systems dome of them inspired by aircraft technolgy, prevented fires and fuel explosions.
Other automakers looked to airplanes for styling and engineering ideas, but few of them were serious about it, as Gerald Wiegert. His Vector, all 700 horsepower of it, stood ready to show that aircraft technology could work as well on the ground as in the air.
Turning a dream into reality is never easy, or quick. The Vector W2 Twin Turbo was the automotive dream of a man named Gerald A Wiegert. He began planning the car in the early 1970’s and had created a full-scale vehicle a decade later.
The company’s early top speed rating of 200 mph was later changed to 240.
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