VLF Force 1

The VLF Force 1 is an American sports car produced by VLF Automotive. Based on the Dodge Viper (VX I), the Force 1 was designed by automobile designer Henrik Fisker. VLF Automotive also partnered with American racing driver and Viper enthusiast Ben Keating during the development of the Force 1, leveraging his experience with the engine. The Force 1 V10 was first unveiled at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show, with the production of the first run of 50 vehicles planned to begin in April 2016.

History

VLF Automotive is a joint venture between designer Henrik Fisker, former GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz and businessman Gilbert Villarreal.[1][2] Lutz and Villarreal began VL automotive in 2012, and in 2013 unveiled the VLF Destino, a luxury automobile based on Fisker's Karma electric car.[2]

Design and specifications

Engine

The Force 1 V10 utilizes an 8.4 liter V10 engine used in the fifth generation Dodge Viper.[5] The standard output for this engine is 640 hp and 600 lbfft of torque. VLF significantly increased the engine's output for the Force 1, and the engine was now rated at 745 hp and 638 lbfft of torque (an increase of 14% and 5%, respectively).[5] This results in a top speed of 218 mph and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.0 seconds.[1][6][8][9]

The engine of the Force 1 V10 is placed between the cabin and the front axle, with the engine's center of mass located behind the front axle. This is meant to improve the vehicle's handling by modifying weight distribution.[8]

The Force 1 comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but an optional six-speed paddle-shift automatic would be available on request.[10][8]

Body

The Force 1's exterior was designed by Henrik Fisker, known for his work on the design of the BMW Z8 and Aston Martin DB9, among other automobiles. The Force 1 shares many basic design features with other American sports cars, and in particular the Dodge Viper (with which it shares the basic chassis).[6] It features an elongated hood, a long tapered rear section, and protruding wheels, and has a body made entirely of carbon fiber.[8] The Force 1 has a sharp, angled front side which also sports six functional intake and outlet vents. The rear of the car is more curved and contains a large outlet vent. Force 1 also features ultra-thin lights at both the front and the rear. The front and roof spoilers, as well as the rear diffuser, are made of exposed, polished carbon fiber. The roof spoiler also contains the on-board Wi-Fi hotspot antenna and a third brake light.[1][8][9]

Interior

The interior is designed for two people and is trimmed in leather, suede and Alcantara. Other features include a milled aluminum and leather gear shifter, leather and suede sunglasses holder, and a hidden milled aluminum pen holder.[8] The Force 1 also features a substantial technology suite, including in-dash navigation, smart phone connectivity and charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot housed in the rear spoiler. It is also fitted with a champagne holder, with a two bottle capacity, located between the two seat backs.[1][8][9]

Wheels

The Force 1 V10 is fitted with 21 in aluminum four-spoke wheels, with a width of 10.5 in in the front and 13 in in back. The Pirelli P Zero high-performance tires are sized at 305/25/ZR21 in the front with 355/25/ZR21 in the rear. The Force 1 V10 is outfitted with Brembo high performance brakes.[8][9]

manufacturer	VLF Automotive
production	April 2016 (50 Units)
assembly	United States: Auburn Hills, Michigan
class	Sports car (S)
body style	2-door coupé
layout	Front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
engine	8.4 L Viper V10
powerout	745 hp 638 lbft
transmission	6-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual 6-speed Ford 6R80 automatic
wheelbase	98.9 in
length	4545 mm
width	2018 mm
height	1243 mm
weight	3395 lb
related	VLF Destino Dodge Viper (VX I)
designer	Henrik Fisker
sp	us