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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. -
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. View full article
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com May 5, 2013 With the problems that Fisker Automotive is currently going through, one of companies that is somewhat effected is VL Productions? How so? Well, VL Productions showed off a vehicle called the Destino at the Detroit Auto Show this year that used Fisker Karma as a starting point, rips out the plug-in hybrid powertrain, and slips in the supercharged 6.2L LS9 V8 from the Corvette ZR1. Planned to go into production sometime in third quarter, is VL Productions worried about the future? Well not really according to one of the partners of VL Productions, Bob Lutz. Lutz tells Wards Auto that the company has already gotten twenty Karma “gliders” (doesn't come with electric powertrain and batteries). Lutz also said that VL could work with the Fisker’s suppliers to build the Karma/Destino itself, although that could introduce “a logistics hassle.” VL has also received a large number of inquiries from Karma owners who have an interest in converting their vehicles to using a V8. “We’ve heard from hundreds of Karma owners, with about 10% who may want to convert their cars, because sooner or later the cars might wind up as boat anchors,” Lutz said. The transformation could cost $85,000 to $90,000. Source: Wards Auto 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. -
By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com May 5, 2013 With the problems that Fisker Automotive is currently going through, one of companies that is somewhat effected is VL Productions? How so? Well, VL Productions showed off a vehicle called the Destino at the Detroit Auto Show this year that used Fisker Karma as a starting point, rips out the plug-in hybrid powertrain, and slips in the supercharged 6.2L LS9 V8 from the Corvette ZR1. Planned to go into production sometime in third quarter, is VL Productions worried about the future? Well not really according to one of the partners of VL Productions, Bob Lutz. Lutz tells Wards Auto that the company has already gotten twenty Karma “gliders” (doesn't come with electric powertrain and batteries). Lutz also said that VL could work with the Fisker’s suppliers to build the Karma/Destino itself, although that could introduce “a logistics hassle.” VL has also received a large number of inquiries from Karma owners who have an interest in converting their vehicles to using a V8. “We’ve heard from hundreds of Karma owners, with about 10% who may want to convert their cars, because sooner or later the cars might wind up as boat anchors,” Lutz said. The transformation could cost $85,000 to $90,000. Source: Wards Auto 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. View full article
