en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_W8
3 corrections found
in May 1991, Car and Driver was able to reach 60 mph in 4.1 seconds
Car and Driver's May 1991 test recorded a 0–60 mph time of 3.8 seconds, not 4.1 seconds.
Full reasoning
Car and Driver's own May 1991 road test gives the W8 a 0–60 mph time of 3.8 seconds. The magazine's retrospective on that same test also repeats 3.8 seconds as the published result. That directly contradicts the article's statement that Car and Driver reached 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
2 sources
- 1991 Vector W8 TwinTurbo Is Late to the 80s-Supercar Party
After four runs, our best 0-to-60 time is 3.8 seconds... C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 3.8 sec.
- The Story of When We (Mostly) Tested a Vector W8
The red Vector ran strong, stayed cool, and managed 60 mph in 3.8 seconds... C/D TEST RESULTS: Zero to 60 mph: 3.8 sec.
Some driving amenities were excluded, such as power-assisted steering and anti-lock brakes, to lower the curb weight.
The W8 did have power-assisted steering. Contemporary road tests describe its steering as power-assisted, though ABS was absent.
Full reasoning
This sentence is misleading because it says the W8 excluded power-assisted steering. Contemporary road tests from both Road & Track and Car and Driver explicitly describe the car as having power steering.
- Road & Track called it "a power-assisted rack-and-pinion arrangement."
- Car and Driver wrote, "The power steering is too light," which also confirms that power assistance was fitted.
So while the ABS portion appears consistent with the period tests, the claim that the W8 lacked power-assisted steering is incorrect.
2 sources
- Vector W8 Twin Turbo: First Drive
The steering, a power-assisted rack-and-pinion arrangement, has moderately light effort and wonderful precision.
- 1991 Vector W8 TwinTurbo Is Late to the 80s-Supercar Party
The power steering is too light, however, and it doesn't provide as much self-centering action as we like in 200-mph cars.
Prior to production, the W8 successfully passed DOT crash tests, as well as emissions tests.
Contemporary road tests show emissions certification was still pending while W8s were already being built and delivered.
Full reasoning
The crash-test part is supported by period coverage, but the emissions part is not. Contemporary sources show the W8 had not yet received emissions certification while production/customer cars were already underway.
- Road & Track's April 1991 first drive says the Vector had passed DOT crash tests, but that "emissions testing is well underway"—not completed.
- Car and Driver's May 1991 test says the 625-hp V-8 "had not received emissions certification at press time."
Those same articles describe customer cars being prepared for shipment and already delivered, so the article's statement that the W8 had passed emissions tests prior to production is incorrect.
2 sources
- Vector W8 Twin Turbo: First Drive
The Vector has passed DOT crash tests with flying colors ... and emissions testing is well underway.
- 1991 Vector W8 TwinTurbo Is Late to the 80s-Supercar Party
Rated at 625 hp with 10-psi boost from its twin turbos, the V-8 had not received emissions certification at press time.