VLF Destino explained

VLF Destino
Manufacturer:VLF Automotive
Aka:VL Destino
WM Destino
Production:2016
Assembly:Auburn Hills, Michigan
Class:Full-size luxury car
Body Style:4-door sedan
Layout:front mid-engine, rear wheel drive
Platform:GM E-Flex Platform[1]
Engine:6.2 L GM LS9 V8 supercharged
Transmission:6-speed automatic
Wheelbase:124.4inches[2]
Length:196.4inches[3]
Width:84inches
Height:52.4inches
Weight:1905kg (4,200lb)
Related:Fisker Karma
Karma Revero
Chevrolet Volt Concept
Designer:Henrik Fisker
Sp:us

The VLF Destino is a proposed automobile from American car company VLF Automotive. The Destino is 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 is based on the Fisker Karma which ceased production in 2012. VL had obtained twenty 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 retains the Karma interior[7] and most exterior panels, but removes the Karma's electric motor and battery system, and installs 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] The main alterations to the exterior are to the front grille design and rear bumper and trunk lid.

In May 2014 VL merged with WM GreenTech Automotive, and resulted in the car being renamed WM Destino by its new owners.[10]

In January 2016, the car was renamed as the VLF Destino V8, to mark the creation of the new company VLF Automotive.[11]

It is planned that the cars will be built in Auburn Hills in Michigan.[12]

The manufacturer proposes a sale price of 200,000.[13]

Technical

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

External links

Notes and References

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