Skip to main content

V8-powered Destino looks to rise from Fisker’s ashes

DestinoWith Fisker Automotive crossing the event horizon, there will be plenty of speculation about what was wrong with the company and its car, the plug-in hybrid Karma. One company isn’t just playing Monday Morning Quarterback.

Recently, VL Productions announced plans to build the Destino, a Karma with a V8 engine replacing the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and electric motors. Despite Fisker’s seemingly imminent demise, VL says it will start converting existing Karmas.

Bob Lutz, former General Motors product czar and current VL partner, told WardsAuto that the company obtained 20 Karma rolling chassis or “gliders” before production shut down.

The Destino will use the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 from the Cadillac CTS-V, which produces 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque. It’s basically a detuned version of the LS9 V8 from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which Lutz and partner Gilbert Villarreal had originally envisioned for this fast four-door.

Lutz told Wards that the switch was due to anticipated customer demand for an automatic transmission. VL couldn’t find an automatic that was compatible with the LS9, but GM was able to supply a six-speed auto for the CTS-V engine.

Lutz estimates that VL will be able to convert Karmas into Destinos for $85,000 to $90,000. That puts the total price for a Destino at around $185,000 to $190,000.

Despite the cost, and the insecurity that comes with a newly-orphaned car without its original factory warranty, Lutz says VL has received hundreds of inquiries, and would consider buying Karmas from dealers looking to liquidate their stock to meet demand.

VL would even consider building Karma chassis itself, although Lutz believes that would be a “logistics hassle.”

“If Fisker disappears, it won’t affect us,” Lutz told Wards.

DestinoIt also means car buyers will still be able to get Karmas, sort of. The Destino will be the exact opposite of the green plug-in Karma, although it will retain the latter’s gorgeous styling.

If VL is successful, it might make for an interesting commentary on what car buyers really think of luxury plug-in hybrids. It will show analysts that people like the car, but not the powertrain.

Could a V8 improve the Fisker Karma? Tell us in the comments.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more