First look: Fisker’s Quantum leap

FORMER Aston Martin and BMW designer Henrik Fisker, who in 2005 established custom sportscar marque Fisker Coachbuild with ex-BMW and Ford executive Bernhard Koehler, has released the first details of a new high-performance petrol-electric luxury sedan.

To be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next January, the car is being billed as the first production vehicle from Fisker, which up until now has produced limited-run handcrafted sportscars based on existing architectures including the Mercedes-Benz SL (Tramonto) and BMW 6 Series (Latigo CS).

Built in collaboration with hybrid components supplier Quantum Technologies, and heralding the emergence of Fisker Automotive Inc, the as-yet-unnamed model will be built from the ground up using an all-new platform.

Set to rival the forthcoming Tesla roadster, the Fisker hybrid will be priced from $US80,000 ($A87,000) and feature a high-performance plug-in petrol-electric drivetrain – dubbed “Quantum Drive” – which is claimed to offer a 1000km fuel range, a pure electric charge range of 80km and fuel consumption of less than 3.0L/100km. Other details are still to be released.

“The sleek design accentuating the long hood is a direct result of our breakthrough chassis, which carries the battery pack at the centre of the vehicle between the two axles,” said Mr Fisker.

“This positioning provides optimal vehicle driving dynamics, maximum safety, proportionate design, as well as industry standard performance figures within this car class.

“The troubled environment is captivating the attention of the world. Developing a premium luxury green car which also delivers attractive design can make a difference.” Self-promoted as “the green American premium car company”, Fisker Automotive plans to commence deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2009 and achieve an annual production of 15,000 units.

The first 100 will be $US100,000 “Signature Edition” versions with a build number, signed plaque, full leather interior and a colour and trim combination similar to the Detroit show car.

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