- Photo from Fisker Automotive;
Fisker Automotive unveiled the Atlantic sedan and as previous spy shots indicated, it is a striking vehicle. But it might not be built in Delaware, the New York Times and other publications reported.
Fisker describes the vehicle as an extended-range electric car. The introduction came at a VIP event before the New York Auto Show.
Plans have called for the Atlantic to be built in Delaware at the former General Motors Boxwood plant. Conversion of the plant to the new product line has stopped because federal loan funds have been withheld, due to the company not meeting unspecified financial goals. A conservative group, Judicial Watch, has been seeking information on the reasons for the Energy Department decision. Prior to that it has looked into the involvement of Vice President Joe Biden and others in the decision to grant the loan.
According to The Times, if Fisker can’t get the federal financing, it will build the Atlantic elsewhere, although Delaware remains the first choice.
Fisker currently produces the Karma, a high-end coupe assembled, in Finland that of late has been beset by problems with batteries that can power the car over short distances.
Described as a design prototype in a press release, the Atlantic is a luxury four-door that would head into a crowded market populated by BMW, Mercedes and other luxury automakers.
The Fisker release said the car “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.”
The Atlantic uses t second generation EVer (Electric Vehicle with extended range) technology. It will offer all the benefits of electric drive without the worry of the battery running down.
Like the Karma the Fisker Atlantic is a plug-in series hybrid vehicle that allows drivers to switch manually or automatically between electric and gasoline driving modes and sustain the charge of its lithium ion batteries.
Its four-cylinder gasoline engine acts as a generator and is not mechanically connected to the wheels.
This Atlantic EVer powertrain will offer highly competitive performance for a car in its class. The standard powertrain will be configured for rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive version will be offered as an option.
The Atlantic’s dimensions are similar to those of an Audi A5.
“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,” said Henrik Fisker, co-founder, executive chairman and chief designer.
“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.”
“I’m confident the Fisker Atlantic will inspire people and win the brand many new customers who may not have considered an EVer powered vehicle like this before.”
More details on the Fisker Atlantic, including statistics, prices and an on-sale date will be given closer to the launch of the production car, the company disclosed. – Doug Rainey. Photo courtesy of Fisker.
