[Tushar]

VL Automotive, founded in 2012 by former GM vice chairman Bob Lutz and industrialist Gilbert Villarreal has now been renamed VLF Automotive. The move comes after Fisker Automotive co-founder Henrik Fisker joined the duo at the helm of the company.

Fisker will be the head of design and product strategy, while Lutz and Villarreal hold the ranks of chairman and CEO respectively. Henrik Fisker has designed several exotic cars including the BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Artega GT, Fisker Karma Hybrid, Mustang Rocket and the Jensen Viking motorcycle.

Back in 2013, VL Automotive made news after presenting the 'Destino' high-performance four-door sedan at the Detroit motor show. The car combined the body shell of a Fisker Karma with the powertrain of a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. The newly formed company has created a new version of the Destino and will present it at the 2016 Detroit motor show along with the Fisker Force 1. Prices of the Destino V8 start at around $229,000 and the car will be powered by an LS9 Corvette's 6.2-litre, V8 engine that makes around 638 BHP and 819 Nm of torque.

VLF Automotive has a development and manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan and a design and technology centre in Los Angeles. VLF Automotive will be adding additional jobs at its manufacturing facility in Auburn hills, when the company ramps up production of the Destino V8 and Force 1. VLF is expected to have 7 dedicated dealers with full-service capability throughout North America and the company will appoint international dealers this year as well.