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VL Automotive hints at Fisker-based Destino convertible for Detroit

Last year around this time, we were prepping to see the first iteration of the VL Destino; a Fisker Karma with a Corvette ZR1 heart transplant. Now, with the 2014 Detroit Auto Show looming just over the horizon, there are fresh hints that the Destino is due for a sequel. VL Automotive – co-founded by Gilbert Villarreal and Bob Lutz – has revealed a few sketches of a convertible version of the Destino, this time wearing a high-zoot cabin courtesy of the auto-leather specialists at Katzkin. The interiors company was charged with crafting the custom cockpit for the original VL Destino, as well, and from what we can see in these concept drawings, the tailoring here shows real, hidebound promise. Quick studies will note that the vehicle in the images above only has two doors, while the standard Karma was only ever built with four. It's possible this is a ground-up concept, but it seems every bit as likely that the showcar's execution has been informed by the never-was Karma S folding hardtop convertible. Either way, just as striking is the removal of the former Fisker's roof. The twin cowls at the rear of the passenger compartment seem to meet up beautifully with a chrome accent piece, but of course, details like those will be won or lost in the final execution. We can't wait to see it. Any other significant changes to the VL Destino concept figure to be unleashed in Detroit, as the press release below focuses mainly on the interior work. AUTOMOTIVE LEATHER LEADER KATZKIN PARTNERS WITH VL AUTOMOTIVE TO CREATE EXCLUSIVE LUXURY PERFORMANCE CAR EXPERIENCE Katzkin Senior Advisor Bob Lutz Debuts All-New Concept Destino Featuring a Custom Katzkin Interior at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show MONTEBELLO, Calif., January 10, 2014 / PRNewswire / - Katzkin, the global leader in automotive interior transformation, continues its design mantra and enters into the ultra-premium sports car arena by partnering with VL Automotive, co-founded by Gilbert Villarreal and Bob Lutz. VL's newest concept Destino luxury performance vehicle will debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit at Cobo Center, January 13-26, 2014. Based on an award-winning design by Henrik Fisker, restyled by Bob Lutz, and powered by the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 powertrain, the Destino sedan was first shown at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.

Living Life Large: Driving $2 million worth of cars in one week

Monterey Car Week has quickly become one of my favorite events of the year. There's something for everyone – classic car shows, modern concepts and new vehicle debuts, auctions, racing, and so much more. From a media perspective, there's also a chance to drive a ton of cars. Many automakers bring their latest wares out to Monterey for us to test during our limited free time, and it's a great opportunity to experience fantastic metal against a gorgeous backdrop. That's exactly what I did this year. Instead of flying into Monterey and being driven around, my journey started in Los Angeles and ended in Napa, and I managed to get behind the wheel of some $2 million worth of new cars. Some were old favorites, and many were new experiences. But looking back, this was one of the best weeks of driving I've had in years. Rather than try to come up with some common arc to tie these cars together, here are my notes on all the cars I tested in California earlier this month, presented in the order in which they were driven. 2016 Mazda CX-3 The CX-3 pictured here isn't the exact one I drove in California, but it's close. The only difference was color – my delivered-to-LAX tester wore Mazda's awesome new Ceramic hue (pictured below on the MX-5 Miata). I used the CX-3 to slum through crummy Los Angeles traffic for two hours on the way out to Santa Barbara, with a quick stop at In-N-Out Burger on the way for good measure. A lot nicer inside than I remember. Everyone praises Mazda for its excellence in engineering and design, but there's a lot to be said for the improvements in overall interior refinement. Quiet, comfortable, and well-equipped; the CX-3 made sitting on the 405 freeway a lot more pleasant. Not all that functional. I had a hard time fitting a week's worth of luggage for two people inside. The cargo area and rear passenger compartment were filled, with only enough room on top to see out the back window. A Honda HR-V would've swallowed all that luggage with plenty of room for more. So good to drive. Not surprising, since this wasn't my first time in the CX-3. I knew this CUV would be good on twisty roads, but on the highway it's really exceptional. Road and wind noise are minimal and the overall ride quality is a comfortable sort of sporty. This is definitely something I could drive every day – it's enjoyable during commuting and entertaining on more interesting roads.

Fisker Ocean goes prepper, teasing hardcore off-roader for 2021

Fisker Automotive's battery-electric Ocean crossover is a year away, with production scheduled for 2021. It's silly to think we won't hear any more about the Ocean until then, though. Eponymous honcho Henrik Fisker hit up Twitter to tease two versions of a much meatier Ocean. Both designs sit on gratuitously broad, knobby tires that require a widebody treatment in order to fit entirely under the crossover. On one design, the only other change is a spare tire placed in the roof rack. On the second version, the roof rack is empty, but the tailgate carries a shovel and contains a small door labeled "Charging Box." In the tweets, Fisker writes he's "found an amazing space for the spare tire, that could only be done with an EV!! Not the roof, in sketch! Will reveal next week."    This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Fisker tagged the tweets with "adventure" and "Extreme Rescues," indications of the individual, NGO, and military aspirations for the model. He told Top Gear magazine, "The low center of gravity and wide track brings added stability and makes the Fisker Ocean a perfect clean sustainable utility vehicle, that can be used by international organisations, which needs to deploy rescue vehicles in rural areas, it can also be used as a zero emission military version to transport military personnel, as oil is one of the largest expenses for the military." Back to the mystery of spare tire placement, the CEO wrote that the space is not in the cargo area nor in the frunk. This doesn't leave many EV-specific options, especially since it's crucial to keep spare tires where they can be easily extracted when off-road, but we'll wait for the big reveal for the answer. Should the Ocean off-roader get its debut next year, it will enter a segment that's picking up more competitors by the month, both EV and internal combustion. If Fisker can launch his standard Ocean for $37,000, and price the adventure Ocean not far off that, he'll at least have a clear value victory over other makers like Rivian, Bollinger, and the premium pricing we expect for a 1,000-horsepower Hummer EV. Related Video: