Vector WX8

America’s going into hyperdrive! It’s been a while, but Vector is back – and it’s aiming to steal the thunder of European supercar makers by building the world’s fastest vehicle.

The original Vector was made in small numbers before financial prob­lems ended production in the Nine­ties. But entrepreneur Gerry Weigert is back with the Vector Avtech WX8, which he unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show. Power comes from a 7.0-litre V8 tuned to 600bhp – or 750bhp with the aid of a superchar­ger. The unit has the potential to develop as much as 1,200bhp.

As standard, the car claims to cover 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds and hit a 270mph top speed. The 19-inch alloys get race-engineered tyres cap­able of sustained high-speed use.

Meanwhile, the body is made of carbon fibre and a low-drag spoiler is used to aid high-speed stability. Inside, there’s room for three, while the fighter jet-style dash features military-specification switches, an electro-luminescent four-mode control panel and a head-up display.

But despite its racing leanings, the Vector has a custom-engineered 10-speaker sound system with lightweight amplifiers. Wiegert’s philosophy is to produce “aerospace technology for the road” – and with the WX8, he’s aiming for the stars.

Production for 2008 is scheduled at a limited number, while prices have yet to be determined.