| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1996 |
| Production Years: | 1995 - 1999 discontinued in 1999 |
The Vector M12 is a striking American supercar produced between 1995 and 1999, embodying advanced design and engineering for its era. This two-door coupe carries forward the ambitious legacy of Vector Aeromotive Corporation, with its styling heavily influenced by Italian automotive design, primarily reminiscent of Lamborghini. The M12 measures approximately 4,603 mm (181.2 inches) in length, with a width around 2,034 mm (80.0 inches), and a height near 1,117 mm (44.0 inches). These dimensions give it a low, wide stance essential for optimal aerodynamics and handling performance.
Powered by a robust 6.0-liter V12 engine sourced from Lamborghini, the Vector M12 delivers exceptional performance, reflecting its supercar aspirations. Weighing roughly 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs), the car balances power with a relatively lightweight structure for its size class. The M12’s coupe body style enhances its sporty aesthetic and contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency, designed to cut through air with minimal resistance.
Produced in limited numbers from 1995 to 1999, the Vector M12 is a rare example of late 20th-century American supercar craftsmanship. It represents a fusion of American innovation and European flair, standing out for both its technological ambitions and unique styling cues. Enthusiasts and collectors admire the M12 for its exclusivity and its role in the niche of high-performance vehicles during the 1990s. When compared to contemporary supercars, the Vector M12 holds its ground with a combination of size, power, and distinctive design, making it a noteworthy model in the realm of exotic cars.
Discover the standout features that make the 1996 Vector M12 a leader in its class
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The Vector M12 coupe measures approximately 4,530 mm (178.3 inches) in length, 1,930 mm (75.9 inches) in width, and 1,070 mm (42.1 inches) in height. These dimensions give it a sleek and low-slung profile typical of high-performance supercars of its era, designed for optimal aerodynamics and road presence.
The Vector M12 weighs around 1,360 kg (2,998 lbs). This relatively light weight for a V12-powered supercar contributes greatly to its agile handling and quick acceleration. The weight distribution and lightweight construction, including the use of advanced materials, allow the car to achieve impressive speed and maneuverability on both road and track.
The wheelbase of the Vector M12 is approximately 2,540 mm (100 inches). This relatively long wheelbase enhances high-speed stability, providing a smooth ride and improved handling by offering balanced weight distribution. It also subtly limits the car’s agility in tight corners, but overall the setup strikes a good balance for a supercar designed with both speed and road usability in mind.
The Vector M12 features a tight but driver-focused cockpit typical of 1990s supercars. Headroom and legroom are limited due to its low-slung coupe profile, with seating designed mainly for the driver and a passenger. Despite minimal rear passenger space, the interior is ergonomically designed with high-quality materials, emphasizing a racing-inspired yet somewhat luxurious environment.
The Vector M12 is around 1,930 mm (75.9 inches) wide, making it notably wide compared to many other sports cars. This width enhances the vehicle’s aggressive stance and road presence, providing a stable base for high-speed cornering. However, this wider profile can make parking and maneuvering in tight urban spaces more challenging.
The Vector M12 has a low ground clearance, estimated at about 110 mm (4.3 inches), typical of supercars to improve aerodynamics and handling. While this low clearance aids performance at high speeds, it means caution is needed on uneven roads, speed bumps, and driveways as scraping the undercarriage is a risk in everyday driving scenarios.
The Vector M12's moderate length of 4,530 mm (178.3 inches) and width of 1,930 mm (75.9 inches) mean it generally fits into a standard two-car garage, which typically accommodates vehicles up to about 6,000 mm (236 inches) long and 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) wide. However, owners should ensure there is additional space for door opening and comfortable maneuvering, especially considering the car’s wide stance and low height.
Compared to its predecessor, the Vector W8, the M12 maintained a somewhat similar overall length but underwent design updates that resulted in a more refined and aerodynamic body. The M12 is slightly wider and lower, enhancing stability and reducing drag. While both generations emphasize a sharp wedge shape, the M12's dimensions and details reflect evolution toward a more modern supercar feel, with improvements in both exterior styling and interior comfort.
The Vector M12 is relatively large when compared to other iconic 1990s supercars. For instance, the Ferrari F355 measures about 4,430 mm (174.4 inches) in length and 1,840 mm (72.4 inches) in width, which makes the M12 longer and wider. The McLaren F1 is slightly shorter at 4,260 mm (167.7 inches) but close in width at 1,820 mm (71.7 inches). The M12’s larger dimensions contribute to its bold road presence and high-speed stability but also mean it requires more space for parking and maneuvering.
The Vector M12 is powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine sourced from Lamborghini, delivering around 625 horsepower. It features an all-wheel-drive system, which was advanced for its time, improving traction and handling dramatically. The car’s construction makes extensive use of carbon fiber and aluminum for stiffness and weight reduction. Its design and engineering focus on combining raw power with aerodynamic efficiency, making it a standout American supercar during its production years from 1995 to 1999.
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