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Corvette in a Karma?
Detroit-based VL Automotive is moving ahead with plans to install Chevrolet Corvette engines in Fisker Karma bodies from the now-defunct hybrid carmaker.
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Detroit-based VL Automotive is moving ahead with plans to install Chevrolet Corvette engines in Fisker Karma bodies from the now-defunct hybrid carmaker.
The conversion plan is the brainchild of VL Automotive co-founder Bob Lutz, the former General Motors vice chairman. Lutz tells Automotive News the company bought 25 unsold Karmas and will replace their extended-range hybrid powertrain with a Corvette transmission and the sports car's 450-hp V-8 or 638-hp supercharged V-8.
The converted Karma, called the Destino, gets a more conservative grille and a few other exterior changes. Lutz says the resulting $200,000 luxury performance sedan should be on sale by mid-2014.
The company is working to arrange a source of parts so that Destino production can continue after the initial batch of 25 cars. VL also may offer $100,000 conversions to Corvette power for current Karma owners.
Fisker sold about 1,800 Karmas before production stopped in November 2012 when the company missed sales targets, ran out of money and defaulted on its U.S. Department of Energy loan.
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