# VLF FORCE 1 – COMPLETE HYPERCAR PROTECTION GUIDE
The **VLF Force 1** is one of the rarest and most aggressive American sports cars ever built. A joint venture between legendary automotive icons **Bob Lutz**, **Henrik Fisker**, and **Gilbert Villarreal**, this is a 'no excuses' American supercar powered by a development of the Viper's 8.4L V10 engine.
With a top speed of **218 mph** and **745 hp**, only **50 units** were planned, with estimates suggesting only **5** were ever completed. At **Protint**, we treat your Force 1 as the museum-grade piece it is. This guide covers the hypercar-standard protection this bespoke machine requires.
> **⚠️ Collector's Note**: The Force 1 shares chassis DNA with the Dodge Viper (VX I) but features unique Henrik Fisker bodywork . It is an ultra-exclusive, low-volume hypercar. Parts are virtually non-existent; preserving the original body is critical.
---
## 1. 📊 HYPERCAR SPECIFICATIONS
The VLF Force 1 is not just a modified Viper; it is a re-engineered masterpiece with unique bodywork and a heavily tuned engine.
| Specification | Detail | Protection Implication |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Engine** | 8.4L V10 (Viper based) | Generates immense heat; PPF must resist high temps |
| **Power** | **745 hp** (556 kW) | Extreme speeds = extreme stone chip risk |
| **Torque** | 638 lb-ft (865 N·m) | Torque destroys tires; ceramic coat wheels |
| **0-60 mph** | **3.0 seconds** | Low stance is a stone chip magnet |
| **Top Speed** | **218 mph** (351 km/h) | High-speed debris impact risk |
| **Production** | **50 units planned** (possibly 5 made) | **Extreme rarity** – irreplaceable parts |
| **Body** | **Full Carbon Fibre** (Fisker design) | Requires specialist PPF (low heat, specific adhesion) |
| **Designer** | **Henrik Fisker** (BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9) | Bespoke panels cannot be replaced easily |
| **Weight** | 3, 395 lb (1, 540 kg) | Lightweight materials need careful handling |
| **Chassis** | Dodge Viper (VX I) based | Complex suspension pick-up points |
---
## 2. ⚖️ SUN FILM LEGALITY
### The Supreme Court's Position (2026)
The Supreme Court's ruling in *Avishek Goenka v. Union of India* is the binding law. The Court held that affixation of solar films on safety glasses is illegal [citation:?]. It ruled that 'the manufacturer of the vehicle may manufacture the vehicle with tinted glasses... but **No black film or any other material can be affixed on the wind screen or side glasses of the vehicle**'.
### Your Legal Options for the Force 1
| Solution | Legality | Use Case | Recommendation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Factory Glass** | ✅ **100% Legal** | Driving | As delivered; likely has Lexan/polycarbonate windows |
| **Magnetic Sun Shades** | ✅ **100% Legal (Parked Only)** | Parked UV protection | **HIGHLY RECOMMENDED** – remove while driving |
| **Aftermarket Tinted Films** | ❌ **Illegal** | Not permitted | **NOT RECOMMENDED** – Challan risk + sensor interference |
**The Bottom Line**: The Force 1 is a low-volume, track-focused hypercar. It likely features lightweight **polycarbonate (Lexan) windows**. Adding any aftermarket film to Lexan can cause bubbling, crazing, or permanent damage.
---
## 3. ⚠️⚠️⚠️ CRITICAL: UNIQUE SENSOR & ELECTRONICS
### A. Minimal ADAS
Unlike modern luxury cars, the Force 1 is a pure driver's car. It lacks complex ADAS (Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist).
- **Benefit**: You do not have to worry about blocking radar sensors or front cameras with PPF.
- **Risk**: You have no electronic safety net; physical protection (PPF) is your only defense against road debris.
### B. The 'Keating' Active Suspension
The Force 1 features an active suspension developed with racing driver **Ben Keating** which makes 'nearly 10, 000 adjustments per second' .
- **Sensor Locations**: Wheel speed sensors and accelerometers are located at all four corners and in the chassis.
- **⚠️ Action**: When removing wheels for PPF or ceramic coating, ensure technicians do not damage these sensors.
### C. Polycarbonate (Lexan) Windows
High-performance sports cars often use polycarbonate instead of glass to save weight.
- **⚠️ Action**: **DO NOT** use harsh chemicals or high-pressure water directly on the window edges. Polycarbonate scratches easily and is prone to hazing if not cleaned with specific plastics cleaners.
---
## 4. 🛡️ HYPERCAR PAINT PROTECTION (PPF)
The Force 1 features a **full carbon fibre body** designed by Henrik Fisker, known for his work on the Aston Martin DB9 and BMW Z8 . Unlike painted metal, paint protection film (PPF) application on carbon fibre requires **specialist knowledge** regarding heat levels, adhesion, and edge wrapping to avoid de-lamination.
### The Henrik Fisker Design Reality
The Force 1's design is stunning but complex. It features an elongated hood, sharp angled front side vents, a long tapered rear, and exposed polished carbon fibre elements . A poor PPF install will ruin the visual flow of Fisker's work.
### Hypercar Protection Packages
| Package | Coverage | Best For |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **'Fisker' Full Body PPF** | Complete carbon fibre exterior + headlights + windscreen surround | The only acceptable standard for a bespoke hypercar |
| **'High-Impact' Front End** | Full front bumper, full hood, fenders, mirrors | Stopping stone chips on the low nose |
| **Carbon Fibre Element PPF** | Roof, rear diffuser, side skirts, mirror caps | Protecting exposed polished carbon from UV and debris |
### Why Full Body PPF is Mandatory
- **Carbon Repair**: Matching Fisker's specific carbon fibre weave is impossible if a panel is damaged.
- **Resale Value**: A car with documented 'Full PPF from delivery' commands a premium.
- **The 'Viper' Factor**: The chassis is low; the Fisker bodywork is wide. The rear haunches (355mm rear tires) will be sandblasted by debris without PPF.
---
## 5. 🧪 CERAMIC COATING & WHEEL PROTECTION
Given the 8.4L V10's immense heat and the 355-section rear tires, specialized coating is required.
### 1. Exposed Carbon Fibre Elements
The Force 1 features exposed, polished carbon fibre for the front spoiler, rear diffuser, and roof spoiler .
- **Action**: Apply a **high-temperature graphene ceramic coating** to these areas to prevent UV yellowing and heat damage.
### 2. Wheels & Brakes
The car sits on massive 21-inch wheels with **355/25/ZR21 rear tires** and Brembo high-performance brakes.
- **Action**: **Wheel & Caliper Ceramic Coating**. The 638 lb-ft of torque produces catastrophic brake dust. Coated wheels will make this dust wash off instantly.
### 3. Exhaust Finishers
The large rear outlet vent houses the exhaust.
- **Action**: Use high-temp coating (ceramic or metal-specific) on exhaust tips to prevent bluing from the V10's heat.
---
## 6. 🧼 INTERIOR PRESERVATION
The interior is a bespoke cabin trimmed in leather, suede, and Alcantara . It also features unique accessories like a milled aluminum and leather gear shifter, a leather and suede sunglasses holder, and a **champagne holder** with a two-bottle capacity located between the seat backs .
### Protection Priorities
- **Leather/Alcantara**: Apply a vapor-permeable ceramic coating to the leather and Alcantara. This stops liquids (sweat, rain) from soaking into the fibers without hardening the material.
- **Champagne Holder**: Keep the area clean to prevent sticky residue from attracting dust.
- **Wi-Fi Hotspot**: The roof spoiler contains the on-board Wi-Fi hotspot antenna . Do not wrap this area with thick PPF.
---
## 7. 🔧 MAINTENANCE & PARTS REALITY
### The 'Ben Keating' Factor
The Force 1 was developed with Ben Keating, a Viper racing champion who used his experience to design the active suspension .
- **Understanding**: The mechanical components (suspension, engine block) are shared with the Dodge Viper. However, the body panels, interior trim, and specific tuning chips are **UNIQUE** to the Force 1.
### Service Strategy
1. **Engine & Drivetrain**: Use specialists familiar with the 8.4L V10 engine (Viper specialists).
2. **Body & Paint**: **DO NOT** go to a standard body shop. There are no replacement panels. Only professional Paint Protection Film (PPF) is safe to apply over the original Fisker carbon fibre.
### Production Reality
While 50 units were planned, reports suggest VLF only produced up to 5 cars .
- **If you own one**: You possess a piece of ultra-obscure hypercar history. **Do not risk damage.**
---
## 8. 🎯 PRO TIP FOR FORCE 1 OWNERS
**The 'Fisker' Protection Philosophy**
Henrik Fisker is a design legend. His goal with the Force 1 was an 'American sports car with no excuses' . Your protection strategy must match that commitment.
**Your Ownership Checklist:**
**Phase 1: Hypercar Delivery (Immediate)**
- **PPF**: Do not take delivery without **Full Body Premium PPF**. This is a five-figure investment in a car that cannot be repainted.
- **Sensor Check**: Verify the active suspension sensors (wheel speed, accelerometers) are clean before applying any underbody coating.
**Phase 2: Mechanical Awareness**
- **Viper Specialist**: Use a mechanic who knows the 8.4L V10. The engine oil and filter changes are specific and critical for longevity.
**Phase 3: Preservation (Long-term)**
- **Ceramic Coating**: Apply a high-temperature graphene coating to the exposed carbon fibre and engine bay.
- **Documentation**: Keep a detailed dossier of the PPF install, including photos of the film edges around the unique Fisker body lines. This will be invaluable for resale.
**Protect your Force 1. Dominate the road. Only at Protint.**
