Vector W8: America's Independent Supercar Dream That Faded

The Vector W8, designed by Jerry Wiegert, was America’s only domestically built late-20th‑century supercar, boasting aerospace-inspired tech and a twin‑turbo 6.0L V8 with claimed 0–60 around 3.8 seconds and a top speed near 218 mph. Prototypes faced reliability issues and public scrutiny after notable incidents, including Andre Agassi’s melted carpet episode. Financial troubles led Vector into receivership in 1993, with only 17 roadgoing W8s produced; Megatech replaced the line with the Diablo-based M12. Wiegert later reclaimed the Vector name, but the W8 commercial dream faded, leaving a lasting myth of American independent automotive ambition.