The Fisker Karma may have been a total disaster, but at least it inspired the Destino project. So it wasn’t a compelte waste of time and money. A work of VL Automotive led by former GM executive Bob Lutz, the Destino is a convertible version of the Karma, powered by V8 GM engines. A close to production version of the Destino V8 Convertible will be shown at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show.

The NAIAS-bond concept will showcase mainly a beautifully-appointed interior designed and created by Katzkin, one of the best names in business when it comes to luxury interiors. Their work probably won’t be as green as Fisker’s – for one thing, it is full of premium leather – but it will be just the thing for luxury buyers willing to spend over $200K on a car.

Destino V8 Convertible can be ordered with either the 450-hp LT1 V8 out of the new Corvette, or the 6.2 liter supercharged V8 from the C6 ZR1 with up to 630 horsepower. What VL does is, basically, rip out all the hybrid nonsense in the standard Karma and replace them with a good ol’ V8. It is a kick in the teeth for the environmentalists who cherished the Karma so much for its green credentials.

“A beautifully designed car like the Destino deserves an exceptional interior,” said Bob Lutz, former General Motors vice chairman and currently a senior advisor to Katzkin.“By providing a fully customized Katzkin interior, we bring a custom-tailored design to the vehicle and its owner.”