VLF Destino

VLF Destino
Overview
ManufacturerVLF Automotive
Also calledVL Destino
WM Destino
Production2016
AssemblyAuburn Hills, Michigan
DesignerHenrik Fisker
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury car
Body style4-door sedan
Layoutfront mid-engine, rear wheel drive
PlatformGM E-Flex Platform[1]
RelatedFisker Karma
Karma Revero
Chevrolet Volt Concept
Powertrain
Engine6.2 L GM LS9 V8 supercharged
Transmission6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase3,159.8 mm (124.4 in)[2]
Length4,988.6 mm (196.4 in)[3]
Width2,133.6 mm (84 in)
Height1,331.0 mm (52.4 in)
Curb weight1,905 kg (4,200 lb)

The VLF Destino was a proposed automobile from American car company VLF Automotive. The Destino was a large four-door sedan and was first shown to the public at the North American International Auto Show in January 2013 as the VL Destino, and subsequently the WM Destino, before being named VLF Destino in January 2016. Sales were expected to commence in 2014, but the expected start of sales was later pushed back to 2016.

History

The Destino was based on the Fisker Karma, which ceased production in 2012. VL had obtained 20 Karma "gliders" from Fisker Automotive, and reported 100 orders by May 2013.[4] Sales of the Destino were originally scheduled to commence in the second half of 2013, but the start was pushed back to 2014,[5] due to the ongoing restructuring of Fisker.[6]

The Destino retained the Karma interior[7] and most exterior panels, but removed the Karma's electric motor and battery system, and installed a General Motors LS9 6.2-litre V-8 gasoline engine producing 638 hp (476 kW; 647 PS) and 604 lbf·ft (819 N·m) of torque fitted with a 6-speed automatic transmission.[8][9]

It was planned in 2013 that the cars would be built in Auburn Hills in Michigan.[10]

The manufacturer proposed a sale price of US$200,000 in 2014.[11]

In May 2014 VL merged with WM GreenTech Automotive, which resulted in the car being renamed WM Destino by its new owners.[12]

In January 2016, the car was renamed as the VLF Destino V8, to mark the creation of the new company VLF Automotive.[13]

Technical

Unlike the discontinued hybrid Fisker Karma, the Destino was powered by a traditional gasoline engine from GM manufactured to power Chevrolets and Cadillacs. The 6.2-litre (6162 cc) V8 supercharged LS9 engine was front mid-mounted and powered the rear wheels. Producing 638 hp at 6,500 rpm and torque of 604 lb-ft (819 Nm) at 3,800 rpm, the Destino was claimed to accelerate 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 200 mph.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ "How GM's E-Flex Propulsion System Works". howstuffworks.com. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  2. ^ "VLF Destino V8, 2016 MY Destino". carfolio.com. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  3. ^ "VLF Destino V8, 2016 MY Destino". carfolio.com. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  4. ^ Smith, David (3 May 2013). "Fisker Woes Won't Dash Destino Plans". Wards Auto. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  5. ^ Atiyeh, Clifford (20 February 2014). "Never Bet Against Bob Lutz: VL Destino a Go Under Fisker's New Chinese Owner". Car and Driver. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  6. ^ "Detroit reveal for VL Destino convertible". Autocar. 14 January 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  7. ^ Neil, Dan (18 January 2013). "The Detroit Show, and the Only Car That Matters". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  8. ^ Davies, Alex. "Bob Lutz Is Planning To Sell A Fisker Karma With A Corvette's V8 Engine". Business Insider.
  9. ^ Lavrinc, Damon (14 January 2013). "Fisker Karma Gets a 638-HP Corvette Heart Transplant". Wired. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  10. ^ Nunez, Alex (14 January 2013). "Destino: Bob Lutz's Corvette-powered Fisker Karma". Road & Track. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  11. ^ Johnson, Davey (18 November 2014). "Bob Lutz Says His Fisker-Based Destino Will Cost $200K, Go 200 mph". Car and Driver. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  12. ^ Blanco, Sebastian (6 May 2014). "Destino's VL Automotive merges with GreenTech Automotive". Green Autoblog. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  13. ^ "Luxury Car Company VLF Automotive Launches". Wall Street Journal. 8 January 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2016.