Industry News: Destino Project Still On Track, Additional Bodystyle Is Coming

[William Maley]

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

October 21, 2013

It has been a few months since we had any update from VL Automotive, the group who showed off a Fisker Karma with 6.2L LS9 V8 from the Corvette ZR1 called the Destino. Back in May, Bob Lutz said plans for the Destino were safe, despite the problems Fisker Automotive were having at the time. This past week, Lutz gave an update on where VL Automotive stands.

Lutz tells Automotive News that VL currently has 25 Karmas on hand and that it has gotten over the hurdle of acquiring codes to access the Karma’s infotainment system.

"Without getting those codes, it was close to impossible to get a working car," said Lutz.

The Destino will take a Fisker Karma and rip out its extended-range electric drive system and batteries. In its place will either be a 450 horsepower V8 or a 638 horsepower supercharged V8. Prices are expected to be around $200,000, double the pricetag of the Karma.

"It's going to take time. I don't want a rough car that's hard to drive with a bad transmission and high noise levels. At close to $200,000, these things are going to have to be silky and buttery to drive. The sound and feel have to be just right," said Lutz.

Lutz says that "he has confidence" that VL has secured a source of body panels and gliders (Karmas that have been assembled sans powertrain) once they use up the first 25 models.

Owners of Fisker Karmas can get a V8 conversion from VL for just $100,000.

Lutz revealed that at the Detroit Auto Show next year, VL will be showing a new body style alongside the Destino.

When asked about if he or VL Automotive placed a bid on Fisker's assets, Lutz declined to comment.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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[David]

This will be interesting to see if anyone really goes for this car as I think it is over priced. Then again this could just be a stop gap measure till they have their new body style ready. Not long till the Detroit auto show.