NAIAS 2013: Bob Lutz'a New Destino Sport Sedan is the Corvette ZR1 of Fiskers [w/Video]

Ask most people what they don’t like most about the Fisker Karma, and there’s a good chance they’ll tell you something about its price tag, its moustache-style grille or the fact that it’s powered by a range-extender hybrid drivetrain.

Leave it to Bob Lutz to come up with a crazy solution to address the last two. The former GM vice-chairman collaborated with industrialist Gilbert Villereal to form a new company named VL-Automotive, the first product of which is the Destino based on the Fisker Karma.

On the outside, you’ll probably notice the new fascia with a rectangular grille and a wider hump on the bonnet, along with a different set of alloy wheels, a reshaped boot lid that incorporates a spoiler in its design, and a new rear bumper with quad exhaust pipes.

However, it’s under the skin where the Destino really shines as the hybrid drivetrain gives its place to a 638-horsepower supercharged LS9 V8 from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 that can be connected to either a manual or an automatic transmission.

“The goal in designing and engineering this automobile is to provide true motoring enthusiasts with an exquisite work of automotive art that performs at a world-class level,” said Lutz.

He continued: “Attention to detail is a paramount concern, as is reliability and ease of maintenance. We have made styling modifications to differentiate our design and reengineered the chassis to accommodate the 638bhp ZR1’s handcrafted LS9 engine with either a manual or automatic transmission. The result is truly an American designed, engineered and manufactured four-door performance car that rivals such models as the Porsche Panamera and Aston-Martin-Lagonda Rapide”

The Destino will be manufactured by VL-Automotive in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The company has not yet announced pricing.

“We are developing our distribution network now and will deliver Destino on a first-come, first-served basis. Customers will have the option of customizing the exterior color and interior trim,” Lutz added.

Below you will find photos as well as a video from the Detroit Auto Show presentation, the latter courtesy of Sam Abuelsamid.

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