Vector M12 History

The Vector M12 was the first car produced after the Indonesian company Megatech took control of Vector from founder Jerry Wiegert. Because Megatech also owned Lamborghini at the time, the M12 was built around Lamborghini Diablo mechanicals — most notably the 5.7-liter Lamborghini V12, mid-mounted, rated at roughly 492 hp — in an effort to put a Vector into low-cost, higher-volume production.

Styled with input from designer Peter Stevens (of McLaren F1 fame) as a modernized take on the stillborn Avtech AWX-3 concept, the M12 kept Vector's scissor doors and wedge profile but was, underneath, a re-bodied Diablo. It could reach 60 mph in well under five seconds and a top speed near 190 mph.

The M12 was poorly received by the press — it drew unflattering 'worst car tested' verdicts and complaints about build quality — and it never reached its intended volumes. Production began in 1995 (in Florida) and ended by 1999 when Vector could no longer pay Lamborghini for engines; only 14 production cars were built, plus a small number of pre-production examples. Wiegert later sued Megatech and recovered the Vector name, designs, and remaining assets.