The 1980s’ most outrageous American concept car was made by a brand you’d never guess
- The Aerotech was a concept car created in the 1980s by General Motors
- It set a record when put out on the track
- But it never was produced beyond that
Published on Apr 12, 2025 at 11:49 AM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Apr 09, 2025 at 1:35 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Ben Thompson
The most outrageous American concept car of the 1980s was made by a brand that would take you by surprise.
The Aerotech was dreamed up by designers at General Motors, and it screams 1980s sci-fi.
With a 2.0-liter, turbo 4-clylinder engine, it was intended to establish a closed course record.
But if we’re being honest, its the extraordinary design of the Aerotech that people remember about this car.
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The 1980s American concept car that you have to see to believe
We’ve seen some fascinating concept cars over the years.
One Chicago man was blown away by a Ford concept car he discovered in a garage. While this YouTuber bought a $2 million concept car and fixed it for $150.
A fair few creative cars of this sub-genre have come out of China, including the NOBO and the Denza Z9 GT.
But the Aerotech was in a different league.
Rewinding to the 1980s, you may recall that the Oldsmobile was proving to be a huge success, selling nearly one million cars a year.
General Motors wanted to showcase the Quad-Four engine, with its overhead cams and 16 valves.
It only made 150HP in production form. So GM figured the best way to promote it would be in a 900HP hypercar.
The designer was Ed Welburn, and during a recent interview, he talked about his memories working on the Aerotech.
“One of the initiatives was to create a high-speed research vehicle to establish a closed-course record.
“This came at a time in which there had been a flurry of closed course records set by Porsche and Mercedes, all with 12- or 8-cylinder engines. Aerotech had a 2.0-liter, turbo 4-cylinder engine,” he wrote in an email.
Lack of cylinders didn’t hold it back however.
With IAJ Foyt behind the wheel, the Aerotech smashed out a 257.1MPH record on GM’s test track, outflanking all other closed-course records of that time.
Taking a closer look at the Aerotech itsef
The Aerotech’s body was defined by a long-tail rear, which conjures up images of a Hot Wheels car.
Its silver body only heightened the sense that this car was definitely made in the ’80s.
But the design wasn’t all about aesthetics. It was also intended to cut through the air.
“Well-executed aerodynamics were critical in helping Aerotech set its records.
“We were fortunate to work with one of the most talented aerodynamicists in the industry named Max Schenkel.
“Max was brilliant and had deep knowledge and experience with high-speed vehicles, and understood the needs of the designers,” Welburn explained.
Although designs of a street version were drawn up, the car never went beyond being a concept.
Welburn also said that the Aerotech was one of his favorite projects.
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