What's the news?
The Fisker Karma, with its environmentally efficient range extended electric powertrain, is a noble creation much loved by Hollywood glitterati, but we have always wondered whether, if fitted with a conventional engine, it could do battle with the Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera. VL Automotive (an American tuning company) has done exactly that and unveiled the Destino at the Detroit Auto Show.
Exterior
The fitment of a V8 engine into the Karma body does necessitate some cosmetic changes. While the Karma's 2.0-litre range extender does not require much in the way of airflow the Chevy V8 does so a new front bumper with larger air ducts has been fitted, while a new rear bumper now includes recesses for the exhaust pipes.
Interior
As the Destino is a bespoke creation the interior finish is ultimately up to the purchaser. Want whale eyebrow clad seats and a pink diamond covered steering wheel? Just stump up enough cash and VL Automotive will track them down for you.
Mechanicals
The big news surrounding the Destino is of course what is under the bonnet. While the Karma donor car uses a complex range-extended electric powertrain the Destino makes do with a good old V8 - and not just any V8. The engine fitted to the show car is the 640hp Chevy LS9 from the range-topping Corvette ZR1, but VL Automotive can fit pretty much any Chevrolet engine into the car including the all-new LT1 unit that debuted in the seventh generation Corvette Stingray in Detroit. Buyers can also choose between manual and automatic transmissions.
Anything else?
The Destino is, for the moment, a one-off prototype, but VL Automotive is in the process of developing a dealer network and plans to start production later this year. Get your cheque books ready.
Paul Healy - 15 Jan 2013