Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Fisker Shows Atlantic Prototype

Published April 4, 2012


By Jeff Cobb


Fisker Automotive unveiled its second-generation EVer technology Tuesday in the form of its Atlantic sedan at the New York Auto Show.



“EVer” is the company’s name for its series hybrid technology – short for Electric Vehicle with extended range – and the car will be available in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions.



Aimed at young families, among others, the plug-in car relies on a BMW four-cylinder engine with electric motor and lithium-ion batteries, and enables the driver to switch manually or automatically between modes while the Atlantic is moving.



Fisker said more specifications will be released closer to the 2013 model’s launch date, added drivers will not be disappointed with its performance or economy, and offered only general details.



For example, the prototype’s glass roof is being called a ridged “spider” structure.



“This incredibly strong construction also allows the Atlantic to offer a remarkable amount of rear headroom for a car with its sleek, coupe-like stance,” Fisker said. “This high-tech approach fulfills and surpasses all current and future rollover safety and crash-test requirements worldwide. The Fisker Atlantic’s long wheelbase also affords extra legroom for rear passengers and more space in the trunk.”



If you are wondering, the rear door handles are hidden in the C-pillars to keep the sportiness factor higher.



The Irvine, Calif.-based automaker – which intends to build these in Delaware – says the Atlantic’s dimensions are comparable to an Audi A5, and promises a “dynamic yet compact feel on the road.”



Company co-founder, Executive Chairman, and Design Director, Henrik Fisker said he and colleagues are “exceptionally proud” and they believe they “have created another groundbreaking car that looks and will drive like nothing else on the road in this class,” as a company statement elaborates:



“Henrik Fisker and his design team set out to create the most beautiful and dramatic vehicle in its class,” Fisker said. “Much of the design was inspired by nature, for example, the dynamic side theme, with strong sculptural lines that optically cross the center and over the rear wheels of the car. This gives a sense of power - replicating the stance of a wild tiger ready to pounce.”




Fisker’s newly appointed CEO, and Detroit auto industry veteran, Tom LaSorda, reiterated his confidence in this car as a follower to the Karma.



“Fisker Automotive is transitioning from a start-up automaker to a fully-fledged mainstream car manufacturer and the Atlantic is a crucial milestone in that process,” said Tom LaSorda, CEO Fisker Automotive. “We have a long way to go, but in the near future Fisker intends to deliver this exceptional American-designed, engineered, and manufactured vehicle to showrooms worldwide.”



Previous reports put the price estimate for the car that had been known by the code name "Project Nina," at somewhere in the upper 40s-plus.



We await details such as electric motor and battery specifications, anticipated range, mileage, weight, power, actual price, launch date, and much more. We will let you know when Fisker lets us know.






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