The Destino is finally here and it looks like a Fisker Karma, just as we imagined. The Destino is the product of a dream team, VLF, which is comprised of Bob Lutz (a GM auto executive), Henrik Fisker (founder of Fisker Automotive) and Gilbert Villarreal.
Before we delve into what the Destino is, a short history lesson is in order. One of the main drivers of this project was Fisker, founder of Fisker Automotive. Never heard of Fisker? It’s because they were a bit ahead of their time. They had a luxury, plug-in hybrid on the market before people even knew who Tesla was, and the name of their car was the Karma. It was gorgeous, innovative, and even had solar panels on its roof. Problem was, its range was terrible in electric mode, it was incredibly expensive, charge stations were not a thing at the time and Tesla finally got it together with a cheaper alternative (the Model S) in 2012. All which drove them to financial ruin.
Since that time Lutz has been fantasizing about what a corvette powered Fisker Karma would be like. This is when Lutz and Fisker got together to start brainstorming, and after some time has passed, the Destino was born. The Destino is essentially a slightly redesigned version of the Karma only instead of electric motors powering the wheels, there’s a big, beefy, supercharged LS9 V8 (the same engine in the Corvette ZR1) under the hood powering the rear wheels. The Destino produces 638-hp and 604-lb-ft of torque, projecting the car from 0-60 in just 3.9 seconds.
If you do remember the Fisker Karma and liked it, you’ll be happy (or disappointed) to know the interior is nearly identical. Aside from VLF badges in place of Fisker badges, nothing has really changed since 2012. Due to this, it may be heartbreaking to learn the Destino’s price starts at $229,000 USD. While the car is gorgeous, you’ll have to truly ask yourself if you’re willing to pay $200,00+ for a 2012 design with the heart of a Corvette.
