---
title: "745-HP Dodge Viper-Based VLF Force 1 to Go Roadster Next Month"
description: "Bob Lutz and Henrik Fisker's 218-mph custom supercar is apparently about to lose its top."
date: "2017-03-21"
modified: "2017-03-21"
authors:
  - name: "Will Sabel Courtney"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/will-sabel-courtney"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/8489/745-hp-dodge-viper-based-vlf-force-1-to-go-roadster-next-month"
categories:
  - "Car Tech"
  - "News"
tags:
  - "bob lutz"
  - "Convertible"
  - "dodge"
  - "force 1"
  - "Henrik Fisker"
  - "Viper"
  - "VLF"
---

# 745-HP Dodge Viper-Based VLF Force 1 to Go Roadster Next Month

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2017/03/vlf-force-1-roadster.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Don't feel bad if the name [VLF Force 1](<https://www.vlfautomotive.com/force-1-v10/>) doesn't bring an image immediately to mind. In spite of its incredible pedigree—the bespoke [Dodge Viper](<https://www.thedrive.com/category/buy-sell>)-based supercar is being made by [famed designer Henrik Fisker](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/1634/henrik-fisker-american-hero>) and automotive business icon Bob Lutz, and packs a claimed top speed of 218 miles per hour—the Force 1 has never quite grabbed attention the way some other ultra-exclusive speed machines have.

But hey, maybe chopping the top off will help. According to [*Autocar*](<https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motor-shows-shanghai-auto-show/210mph-vlf-force-1-v10-roadster-be-revealed-april>) and [*Motor Authority*](<https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1109446_vlf-teases-force-1-v10-roadster>), VLF Automotive will reveal a droptop version of the Force 1 next month, at either the New York Auto Show or the Shanghai Motor Show.

It's not a baseless claim. Last week, [VLF Automotive dropped a picture of Fisker working on a clay styling buck of the VLF Force 1 roadster at the carmaker's Michigan HQ on the brand's Facebook page](<https://www.facebook.com/VLFDestino/>).

As you'd expect from a car based on [the Dodge Viper](<https://www.thedrive.com/muscle-cars/780/dodge-viper-acr-goes-on-firebreathing-rampage-kills-all-the-lap-records>), the VLF Force 1 comes powered by a V-10 engine—specifically, the 8.4-liter unit found in the outgoing fifth-gen model, cranked up to 745 horsepower and 638 pound-feet of torque. All 10 cylinders' worth of grunt heads to the rear wheels via a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission. (We assume Bob Lutz will personally mock you if you choose the latter.) The sexy Fisker-penned form that sets it apart from the Viper is made from carbon fiber; the coupe reportedly weighs in around 3,200 pounds, though we expect the convertible to come in a bit heavier, thanks to the additional structural bracing we assume (slash hope) VLF is adding to the frame.

## Author
Will is the former managing editor of *RIDES Magazine* and the former online editor for *0-60 Magazine*. He has worked for *Time Out New York* and *Rolling Stone*, and was the creator of *College Cars Online*, the first automotive blog specifically targeted at college students and young professionals.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/willsabelcourtney>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/willscourtney>)