The Vector Avtech WX-3 is a prototype sports car built by Vector Motors in 1992. Jerry Wiegert conceived it as the successor to the W8, and it was shown together with a roadster version, the WX-3R, at the 1993 Geneva Auto Show. Neither reached production.
Vector WX-3 at a glance
| Maker | Vector Motors, Wilmington, California |
|---|---|
| Built | 1992, prototype |
| Designed by | Jerry Wiegert |
| Role | intended successor to the W8 |
| Planned engines | 7.0 L DOHC V8, 600 to 1,200 hp |
| Prototype engine | twin-turbocharged V8 from the W8 |
| Peak output | 1,200 hp (895 kW) at high boost |
| Colour | originally silver, later repainted teal |
| Seating | three across |
| Roadster version | WX-3R |
| Shown | Geneva Auto Show, 1993 |
| Production | never |
based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the WX-3.
History of the Vector WX-3
The WX-3 was engineered, developed and manufactured by Vector Motors of Wilmington, California, in 1992. Vector’s founder and chief designer Jerry Wiegert conceived it as a successor to the W8, and the production plans called for a range of three engine configurations, from 600 hp (447 kW) up to 1,200 hp (895 kW), using a proprietary 7.0-litre double-overhead-camshaft V8.
The single finished prototype was powered by the same twin-turbocharged V8 as the W8, but with an improved dual-plenum intake and throttle-body arrangement instead of the Chevrolet Corvette-based system used on the W8 production cars. At high boost levels that engine was quoted at 1,200 hp (895 kW). The car originally left the works in silver and was later repainted teal by Wiegert to match the teal-blue and purple logo of his Aquajet jet-ski company; the teal coupé and a purple roadster appeared later as promotional vehicles on the Aquajet website.
The WX-3 prototypes used a three-across seating arrangement, an option offered on export versions of the W8, although Vector said a production model would have used more conventional bucket seats. Wiegert also planned a roadster, called the WX-3R, which shared the W8-derived mechanical components. Both cars were shown at the 1993 Geneva Auto Show.
Wiegert intended the WX-3 to enter production during the 1990s, but his plans ended with Megatech’s hostile takeover of the company, after which he was fired from his own firm. Wiegert responded with lawsuits and by copyrighting the designs, which also prevented Megatech from building and selling the car without his approval. The WX-3 was never produced and was dropped from the company’s future plans.
Both prototypes were eventually auctioned to fund development of a later project, the Vector WX-8. That car was still incomplete when Wiegert died in early 2021.
Design and features
- Extreme output: the W8-derived twin-turbo V8 was quoted at up to 1,200 hp at high boost.
- Planned engine range: production versions were to offer three states of tune from a 7.0-litre DOHC V8, from 600 to 1,200 hp.
- Three-across seating: an unusual layout borrowed from an export option on the W8.
- Coupé and roadster: the WX-3 and WX-3R were designed as a pair and shown together.
Vector WX-3 versions
- WX-3 coupé: the single finished prototype, originally silver and later teal.
- WX-3R roadster: the planned open version, shown in purple at Geneva.
- Planned production versions: three engine configurations from 600 to 1,200 hp that were never built.
The WX-3 was meant to replace the Vector W8, and it shared its engine with that car; the later M12 was a different approach altogether. More cars are in the Vector collection.
Video: 2010 Motor4Toys: Spyker C8 and $1,000,000.00 Vector Avtech WX3 ! ! !
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Vector WX-3, English Wikipedia: development, engine, colours, Geneva show, fate
