The Force awakens: meet Fisker's new V10 supercar

They’re calling it the ‘All American Supercar’ and the men behind it certainly have the nouse to make the new VLF Automotive Force 1 a…er … force to be reckoned with.

The two-seat, carbon-bodied supercar is the product of a partnership between Henrik Fisker (he of the eponymous Karma, the BMW Z8, Aston DB9 and V8 Vantage), eccentric and utterly brilliant former General Motors chairman ‘Maximum’ Bob Lutz and Ben Keating, legendary Viper racer.

Indeed, Keating’s experience with Vipers essentially provides the hardware, because the Force 1 is powered by a 745bhp/638lb ft 8.4-litre V10 from the Dodge-branded supercar (note the side-exit exhaust a la Viper), and features the computer-controlled active suspension system developed by Keating from his racing exploits.

And that’s a naturally-aspirated V10, don’t forget, and with only 1538kg to push around, a six-speed manual (auto is an option, with paddles), Pirelli tyres and Brembo brakes, this should be a hoot to drive.

Of course, there’s already been controversy surrounding VLF’s initial sketches, with Aston Martin intimating that it looked too much like the Aston Martin DB10 featured in Bond’s Spectre. But in the metal/carbon, the Force 1 is much more singular. The tiny glasshouse, the wild feature line and kick over the rear wheel arch, the fierce front end - there’s not much that’s shy and retiring here.

Inside, there’s the usual bespoke leather and accoutrements, though we’re really rather taken with the champagne saddle between the two seats. Because you need your wine to be secure at 218mph, obviously.

The most interesting thing? The Force 1 is relatively cheap for a low-volume supercar of just 50 initial units. Listing at $268,500 (around £187 grand), you’re looking at Ferrari 488 or Lamborghini Huracan money, and for some, those cars are just too common.

Specs:

Engine: 8.4-litre n/a V10
Six speed manual/6-spd auto option, front-engined, rear-wheel drive
Power: 745bhp @ 6100rpm , 638lb ft of torque @ 5000rpm
0-60mph in 3.0 seconds, 218mph top speed
Weight: 1538kg
1/4 mile: 10.97 seconds/136.88mph