We headed to Pershing Drive, a north-south road between LAX and the beach. The red Vector ran strong, stayed cool, and managed 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and a 12.0-second quarter at 118 mph.

Under way though, the red prototype feels tight and solid ... and admirably even gaps—quality in keeping with the Vector's $400,000-plus price. The running gear is equally top-draw­er.

Unlike other systems on the market, the VECTOR SR Red Light from Jenoptik operates in a “non-invasive” way, removing the need for loops or strips in the junction’s road surface.