Unfortunately for me, the Vector WX-8 never went into production. The prototype of this supercar was shown in Los Angeles in 2007. By that time the W8 was long ago taken out of production and many people forgot about this car brand. Time has changed and already produced such, cult, American cars as SSC Ultimate Aero and Saleen S7. In Europe, their very fast cars were produced by Bugatti and Koenigsegg.
The Vector WX-8 was to be the most powerful and fastest supercar of its time. The engine of even the basic modification of the Vector WX-8 was comparable to World War II airplanes. And the top modifications impress with their claimed power even today.
Price and cost of Vector WX-8.
It was expected that it was possible to buy a new Vector WX-8 for 1,500,000 dollars. This was an impressive sum in the noughties. This is how the iconic Veyron sold for one million dollars. It was planned to produce 5 to 7 of these supercars a year. As we know today – these plans were not destined to come true.
Vector W8, despite the price tag twice as high as Lamborghini Diablo and loud scandals related to low reliability, was produced in 19 copies. So the first model of the company, despite the very low series, was still serial. WX-8 unfortunately remained a prototype.
Photo and dimensions.
I think many of those who are fond of cars, recognized the front headlights from Toyota Supra 80. Japanese sports car you could see in the movie Fast and Furious. Such borrowing among manufacturers of American supercars is found in other cases. Everyone knows which one, after all, the European sports car resembles the Hennessey Venom F5. Some see in WX-8 silhouette Chevrolet Comaro produced in 90th, though personally I do not share this opinion.
The shown prototype was painted in black color. On some photos and videos the car was shown on black color wheel rims, and on others – white. It is known that the body panels were made of carbon fiber and fiberglass. It is obvious that this way Vector tried to win in weight. Thanks to this, as well as due to the use of aluminum engine block, curb weight was kept within 1,500 kg.
According to the photo you can notice that the Vector WX-8 prototype has no side mirrors. Perhaps such a decision was realized in order to get the best aerodynamics. But how would such a car be able to pass certification?
With a body length of 4368mm, the wheelbase was 4368mm, body width was 2032mm and height was 1104mm. Ground clearance was 50mm, which is not insignificant by the standards of supercars.
Inspecting the photo you can notice the company logo and name on the side sills. On the rear fender, in front of the rear wheel, there is a model designation – WX-8. In the rear part of the car, behind the wheels, you can see air ducts. A similar solution was used on the W8, but in the new prototype this solution has evolved and the air tunnel has become larger.
From the photo you can notice that in the upper part of the doors go to the roof. This solution is reminiscent of the Ford GT of the early noughties. Although in Ford this decision was much more pronounced. And in GT the upper parts of the door perform the function of a roof.
Interior and equipment.
Unfortunately, I have not found a photo of the interior of the prototype. There is information on the Internet that this supercar was supposed to get three seats. The seats were to be located in one row, and not as in McLaren F1, where the center seat was moved forward. But looking at the photo of the prototype through the windshield, it seems that there are two seats, not three. At the same time, as it happens in case of other extreme supercars, the seats are moved to the center, – as close to each other as possible. Such a decision is inspired by the highest need for safety. The sills are incredibly wide and must protect the driver and passenger.
Even the Vector W8 was characterized not only by its incredible power, but also by its equipment. So in the prototype WX-8 was installed a music system for 10 CD-discs. And this music system was twice as light as similar systems. This is another example that reminds that Vector tried to make their supercar as light as possible. The supercar had to be equipped with a climate control system.
Engine and technical specifications of the Vector WX-8.
The base engine for the Vector WX-8 was to be an aluminum V8 with a displacement of 7.8 liters. The car was to be equipped with a 6-speed robotized gearbox. Here I would like to remind you that the W8 had a three-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the gear ratios of that gearbox, but it’s incredibly long gears.
Many sources said that the engine was mounted transversely to the body, as it was on the W8, but the prototype shown here clearly shows that the engine was mounted longitudinally. The engine was not covered by glass or other partition and could be touched.
The Vector WX-8 Twin Turbo with the same engine displaces 1250 horsepower. Estimated top speed was 260 miles, or 418 kilometers per hour.
The more powerful, huge 10-liter V8 produced an estimated 1,450 horsepower. Twin Turbo modification of the 10-liter engine develops 1800 horsepower according to some data, and 2000 horsepower according to others. Although there is no exact data on this, but I suspect that the declared top speed was to be achieved on a special, racing fuel. Up to 100km per hour, the rear-wheel drive supercar Vector was to accelerate in 2.3s, and the maximum speed was to be 483km per hour. Let me remind you – this is calculated data, not confirmed by real tests.
Obviously, the Vector was trying to produce a very special, very powerful and fast supercar. I don’t know the exact reasons why it never made it to production, but it’s a pity that this brand doesn’t make supercars today. It could be on a par with Hennessey, SSC and Saleen. Hopefully in the future we will see a resurrection of this, car brand with its amazing cars.
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