VLF Automotive teases new V10 powered roadster
American coachbuilder teases Roadster version of its Force 10 supercar with styling by Henrik Fisker
New-age Amercian coachbuilder VLF Automotive will launch a convertible version of its Force 10 supercar come the Shanghai Motor Show this April. Unlike most California start-ups, VLF has a glut of industry titans at its helm, including ex GM boss Bob Lutz and automotive design legend Henrik Fisker. Promising to marry American muscle and performance with bespoke European styling the new roadster will go on sale soon after its debut.
If the name Henrik Fisker rings a bell, it’s likely due to the Karma, a plug-in electric saloon launched under the Fisker brand, which briefly challenged the Tesla Model S as Hollywood’s favourite ‘eco’ luxury car. Unfortunately financial difficulties forced the ‘eco’ part of the Karma to subside, where it is now sold under license by VLF as the Destino 8, packing a 6.2-litre supercharged V8.
> Click here for our drive of the Fisker Karma
VLF’s latest venture is a roadster version of its Force 10 supercar. Revealed at the 2016 Detroit motorshow, the coupe is based on the soon to be axed Dodge Viper, sharing its 8.4-litre V10 engine and front/mid-engined chassis. Boasting 745bhp and 638lb ft of torque, VLF then wraps the drivetrain in bespoke carbonfibre bodywork, also modifying the Viper-based interior with higher quality materials and features like a champagne bottle holder to help justify the asking price.
The teased Force 10 Roadster promises to share most its bespoke design elements with the coupe, but losing the distinctive ‘spear’ window line in the transformation from hard to soft-top. Boasting similar performance claims as the hardtop, the Force 10 should reach 62mph in around 3 seconds whilst topping out at over 200mph.
We will see more of the Force 10 Roadster next month at the Shanghai Motor Show alongside the coachbuilders other models.
