Uncle Sam’s Lamborghini Diablo

During the 80’s and 90’s, the American manufacturer stood for the equality of its supercars: Vector. Not content with releasing the W8 Twin Turbo and its aerodynamic physics, Vector did it again in 1996 with the M12, an updated and more powerful version.

The range of vehicles is very wide. The biggest builders are the best known to the public, the builders make a place for themselves due to their mechanical skills, and the craftsmen seek at all costs to exist thanks to their two handy hands and their tools. Vector is in the latter category.

Born in 1971 from the brainchild of Gerald Wiegert, Vector is a small American manufacturer that dreams of taking on Lamborghini and Ferrari. His cars were supposed to be “inspired by fighter jets”. Its first car was released in 1989, with the W8 Twin Turbo, a powerful supercar inspired by the Lamborghini Countach. But Vector went further in 1995, with the M12, more complete and straight out of the American sitcom Miami Beach.

“Vector, but who are you?”

Vector M12 was developed under the same management team: Megatech. Therefore, it is impossible to see a direct relationship with Lamborghini, and more precisely, Diablo.

His style is largely based on biographical design, embodied by the Italian designer Luigi Colani. But at first glance, this Vector M12 could almost pass for a draft Ferrari F50 – released years later, obviously –drawn by a student… The error lies in the presence of its engine which makes the amount of distortion possible.

The rounded front benefits from the overall aerodynamics. Profile marked with excessively long overhangs and an incalculable amount of side air intake. The vertical stiffness it is very different from other car. The taillights and exhausts betray this reluctance to move from the 80s to the 90s.

The cockpit also mimics the style of the Lamborghini Diablo. Leather and Alcantara are responsible for covering this interior. Two narrow bucket seats are attached to the floor. The 4-spoke steering has a standard airbag. The gear lever is equipped with a metal grille in the form of big cars Italian.

The Vector M12 is more conventional than the W8 Twin Turbo with its K2000-worthy digital cockpit. The problem is, the perceived quality almost makes the M12 look like a scam, compared to Diablo’s more advanced development.

A bit of “Little Italy” in it

Megatech has enabled an incredible supply of mechanical wealth for the M12. Indeed, if the W8 Twin Turbo was powered by the supercharged and unreliable Corvette V8, the situation changes in the M12, and… V12 5.7 Lamborghini Diablo!

Block is placed in the middle position back and continues 499 chapters. It is associated with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 0 to 100 km/h he was shot 4,8s and the top speed was 304 km / h.

Like the W8 Twin Turbo, the Vector M12 has made a lot of splashes trying to introduce itself. The a big car America can be played in the video game ” Gran Turismo 2 ». Better yet, he appeared on the big screen in the movie “Rising Sun”, with Sean Connery in the lead role.

Vector produced 14 M12 models between 1995 and 1999. Its production stops suddenly due to serious cash flow problems at the parent company. Indeed, Megatech sold Lamboghini to the Volkswagen group in 1998, which led to the end of the Vector.

This model was tested (and cut to pieces) by Jeremy Clarkson for ” Top Gear “. Now for sale on the American auction site, and its price can reach $240,000.