Fisker’s follow-up to the Karma, the highly-anticipated Project Nina, has now made its official world debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show as the Fisker Atlantic.
The car on display in New York is labeled a “design prototype” but as the Karma has proven, Fisker isn’t afraid to introduce concept-like, bold designs on its production models.
Project Nina was only a running code-name for the Atlantic, which like its Karma big brother comes powered by a range-extended electric drivetrain dubbed EVer.
The Atlantic produces significantly less power than the 408-horsepower Karma, but offers the choice of standard rear-wheel or optional all-wheel drive.
Its four-cylinder gasoline engine, which acts as a generator to charge a lithium-ion battery, is not mechanically connected to the wheels and is likely to be a BMW unit. It has been tuned to offer maximum economy and high torque.
One major difference between the Karma and the Atlantic is that the smaller sedan will be built in the U.S. and will be significantly more affordable, though it still won’t be cheap. Pricing should be similar to the $57,400 ($49,900 after tax credits) starting price of its main rival, the Tesla Model S, though Fisker is being tight-lipped on specifics.
Fisker Atlantic Design Prototype - 2012 New York Auto Show
Overall, the Fisker Atlantic’s dimensions are comparable to those of an Audi A5 though it has seating for five. It has been engineered inside and out to offer a dynamic yet compact feel on the road. It features a unique glass roof that shows off a ridged ‘spider’ structure. This design allows the Atlantic to offer a remarkable amount of rear headroom for a car with its sleek, coupe-like stance.
Other notable features of the design are Fisker’s signature grille, sharp headlights, rear door handles mounted on the C-pillars and slim LED tail-lamps.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Atlantic, Fisker chairman and design boss Henrik Fisker said, “We are exceptionally proud of the Atlantic design prototype and believe we have created another groundbreaking car that looks and will drive like nothing else on the road in this class.”
Fisker says its Atlantic is aimed at young families who want to drive an impactful, high-end vehicle while making a positive statement about responsibilities--both in terms of their commitment to sustainability and the practicalities of everyday life.
More details, including final specs, prices and an on-sale date will be given closer to launch.
The development of the Atlantic has not been without any hurdles. Fisker was recently forced to stop work and lay off employees at its plant in Delaware, which is scheduled to start building the car towards the end of the year. And just last week A123 Systems, Fisker’s main battery supplier, announced a recall of its U.S.-manufactured lithium-ion battery after a fault was discovered when several owners of the Karma couldn’t start their cars.
