In the automotive industry, a new manufacturer has emerged in the form of a collaboration between some of the world’s most well-known designers and engineers. The all-new company known as VLF Automotive is comprised of three heavy hitters – Bob Lutz, Gilbert Villarreal, and the latest member, Henrik Fisker.

Images Source: VLF Automotive

VLF officially announced that its business endeavors will begin this year with the production of the VLF Destino and the VLF Force 1 V10.

The idea for the Destino was originally conceived by Lutz and Villarreal. However, Fisker has recently taken on the roll as the company’s head of design and product strategy person for the project, leaving Lutz to serve as chairman and Villarreal as the CEO. Here’s where the Destino gets interesting. The idea behind the Destino is an American manufactured and tailor-made Karma with a high-performance engine, oozing luxurious qualities.

That high-performance aspect of the vehicle comes from a GM 6.2 liter LS9 supercharged V8 (the one found in the C6 ZR1 Corvette). Interestingly enough, VLF has yet to confirm if the car will be rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, though we’re going to assume it will be rear-wheel. And because the Karma was originally designed as an electric-hybrid vehicle, there isn’t much space for a larger displacement engine to begin with. This begs the question, will the Destino be front, mid, or a rear mounted engine? From the look of this design we’d wager font.

Images Source: VLF Automotive

Thanks to the Destino’s LS9 power plant, the car will reach respectable 0-60 times of under four seconds (about 3.9 according to VLF) and will likely have a top speed of about 200 MPH. Impressive for a Karma, but expected for the LS9 engine.

The Destino will commence production at the company’s headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan later this year. The company also plans to open seven dedicated dealerships with the capabilities of providing full services for each of its vehicles. Production of the Destino is expected to create additional employment opportunities at the dedicated manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills as well. “It’s a circle,” Lutz explained during the press release. “When Gilbert and I formed VL Automotive in 2012, we wanted to take Henrik’s beautifully proportioned design, replace the hybrid gas-electric power train with a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 drivetrain, and create a bespoke four-door luxury car with outstanding performance. With Henrik on board, we are ready to present the Destino with a refined design, and a new model named Force 1 that Henrik has developed with an acclaimed race car driver, at the 2016 North American International Auto Show.”

The Destino is expected to boast over 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque at the crank thanks to the integration of the supercharged LS9 engine. Sporting staggered 22-inch wheels, the Destino looks as if it has the power and the handling to hang with some of the best cars out there.

But with a hefty starting price of $229,000, we can’t help but wonder – will the Destino V8 only be destined for those who may not fully appreciate the car?