VLF Destino
| WM Destino | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | WM GreenTech Automotive |
| Also called | VL Destino |
| Production | 2015 |
| Assembly | Auburn Hills, Michigan |
| Designer | Henrik Fisker |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | front engine, rear wheel drive |
| Related | Fisker Karma |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 6.2 L V8 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,159.8 mm (124.4 in) |
| Length | 5,151.1 mm (202.8 in) |
| Width | 2,133.6 mm (84 in) |
| Height | 1,331.0 mm (52.4 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,905 kg (4,200 lb) |
The WM Destino is a proposed automobile from the new American car company VL Automotive, now part of GreenTech Automotive/WM Industries. The Destino is a four-door sedan and was first shown to the public at the North American International Auto Show in January 2013. Sales were expected to commence in 2014, but as of January 2015, the Destino is still not launched.
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.[1] Sales of the Destino were originally scheduled to commence in the second half of 2013, but the start was pushed back to 2014,[2] due to the on-going restructuring of Fisker.[3]
The Destino retains the Karma interior[4] 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.[5][6] 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 re-named WM Destino by its new owners.[7]
It is planned that the cars will be built in Auburn Hills in Michigan.[8]
The manufacturer claims a top speed of 200 mph and a proposed sale price of US$200,000.[9]
References
- ^ Smith, David (3 May 2013). "Fisker Woes Won't Dash Destino Plans". Wards Auto. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Detroit reveal for VL Destino convertible". Autocar. 14 January 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
- ^ Neil, Dan (18 January 2013). "The Detroit Show, and the Only Car That Matters". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
- ^ http://www.businessinsider.com/bob-lutz-vl-automotive-fisker-karma-corvette-engine-2013-10
- ^ Lavrinc, Damon (14 January 2013). "Fisker Karma Gets a 638-HP Corvette Heart Transplant". Wired. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
- ^ Blanco, Sebastian (6 May 2014). "Destino's VL Automotive merges with GreenTech Automotive". Green Autoblog. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
- ^ Nunez, Alex (14 January 2013). "Destino: Bob Lutz's Corvette-powered Fisker Karma". Road & Track. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
- ^ 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.