1996-1997 Vector M12 5.7L

Overview

The Vector M12 represents a distinct chapter in the history of American boutique supercar manufacturing. Following the acquisition of Vector Aeromotive by the Indonesian firm Megatech—which also owned Lamborghini at the time—the M12 was developed as a successor to the original W8. Unlike its predecessor, which utilized a proprietary twin-turbocharged V8, the M12 was engineered to incorporate the powertrain and mechanical architecture of the Lamborghini Diablo. This transition allowed Vector to leverage established Italian engineering while maintaining its identity as an American-designed exotic.

Production took place in Jacksonville, Florida, where the M12 was hand-assembled using a tubular steel space frame chassis and a fiberglass body. The vehicle featured a mid-engine layout, housing the 5.7-liter V12 engine sourced from Lamborghini. This configuration provided the car with a distinct performance profile, characterized by high-revving naturally aspirated power and a traditional manual transmission. Despite its ambitious design and exotic pedigree, the M12 faced significant market challenges, including a high price point and intense competition from more established European manufacturers.

The M12 remained in production for a brief period between 1996 and 1997. Its legacy is defined by its rarity, with fewer than 20 units produced during its lifecycle. Today, the M12 is recognized by collectors as a unique curiosity of the 1990s, serving as a physical intersection between American design aspirations and Italian mechanical hardware.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	Vector
Model	M12
Model Year	1996-1997
Generation	–
Trim	Base
Body Style	2-door Coupe
Vehicle Segment	Supercar
Vehicle Class	Two Seaters
Market	USA
Platform	Lamborghini Diablo-derived
Assembly Plant	Jacksonville, Florida
Country of Origin	USA
Production Start	1996
Production End	1997
VIN Identifier	–
Base MSRP	$189,000
Destination Charge	–
Total MSRP	$189,000
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Internal Combustion Engine
Engine Family	Lamborghini V12
Engine Name	–
Engine Code	–
Engine Configuration	V12
Displacement	5.7 Liters
Bore x Stroke	87.0 mm x 80.0 mm
Compression Ratio	10.0:1
Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated
Fuel Delivery	Electronic Fuel Injection
Valve Train	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine Block Material	Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminum Alloy
Oil Capacity	–
Oil Specification / Viscosity	–
Horsepower	492 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque	425 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
Redline	7500 rpm
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Manual 5-spd
Final Drive Ratio	–
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Premium Gasoline
Recommended Octane	91+
EPA City MPG	8
EPA Highway MPG	12
EPA Combined MPG	10
Fuel Economy (L/100 km)	–
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	26.4
Estimated Driving Range	–
Annual Fuel Cost	–
CO₂ Emissions	–
Greenhouse Gas Score	–
Smog Rating	–
Performance
0-30 mph	–
0-60 mph	4.8 seconds
0-100 mph	–
Quarter Mile	13.1 seconds
Top Speed	190 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	–
Lateral Acceleration	–
Power-to-Weight Ratio	–
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	177.0
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	79.0
Width (With Mirrors) (in)	–
Height (in)	44.0
Wheelbase (in)	107.0
Front Track (in)	–
Rear Track (in)	–
Ground Clearance (in)	–
Curb Weight (lbs)	3600
GVWR (lbs)	–
Towing Capacity (lbs)	N/A
Payload Capacity (lbs)	–
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	–
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	–
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)	–
Turning Circle	–
Approach Angle	–
Departure Angle	–
Breakover Angle	–
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	–
NHTSA Frontal Crash	–
NHTSA Side Crash	–
NHTSA Rollover	–
IIHS Award	–
Small Overlap Front	–
Moderate Overlap Front	–
Side Impact	–
Headlights Rating	–
Front Crash Prevention	–
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display	None
Instrument Cluster	Analog
Apple CarPlay	No
Android Auto	No
Navigation System	No
Audio System	–
Speaker Count	–
Wireless Charging	No
Wi-Fi Hotspot	No
OTA Updates	No
Digital Key	No
Warranty & Ownership
Basic Warranty	–
Powertrain Warranty	–
Corrosion Warranty	–
Roadside Assistance	–
Complimentary Maintenance	–
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Engine Assembly Plant	Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy
Transmission Supplier	Lamborghini
Gear Ratios	–
Differential Type	Limited-slip
Cooling System Capacity	–
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	N/A
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	17
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The Vector M12 is primarily a collector’s piece rather than a practical driver’s car. Reliability is a significant concern, as the vehicle combines limited-run American assembly with complex Italian mechanical components, often resulting in difficult parts sourcing and specialized maintenance requirements. Prospective owners should prioritize vehicles with documented service histories, as electrical gremlins and cooling system issues are common in these hand-built units. In the current market, the M12 appeals to enthusiasts of 1990s exotica who value its historical significance and rarity over modern performance benchmarks or daily usability.