Fisker's Surf offers a more functional take on the California start-up's new plug-in hybrid.
Just weeks after delivering its first plug-in hybrid to actor Leonardo Di Caprio, Fisker is ready to roll out an all-new version of its coupe-like Karma sedan.
The new Fisker Surf offers an alternate take with a distinctly European flair that some might be tempted to compare to Ferrari’s new FF shooting brake – which can be found a few stands down at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
The sporty design is likely to connect with buyers on the Continent, where wagons remain extremely popular but, in fact, the name, Surf, suggests that Fisker’s design team had California in mind. The new model is now big enough to conceal a surfboard.
That’s good news considering one of the biggest complaints about the Karma is the lack of a useful trunk, its cargo compartment measuring a meager 7.1 cubic feet. The Surf nearly doubles that, at 12.7 cf, and with the rear seat down it jumps to 29.0.
The drivetrain, however, remains the same. The Fisker Karma is Dutch design and eponymous company founder Henrik Fisker’s high-lux response to the Chevrolet Volt. Under the skin, both Karma and Surf share a plug-in hybrid system that can get you 50 miles on a charge before its 260-horsepower turbocharged inline-four engine kicks in – adding another 250 miles on a tank of gas.
But besides the striking design, Karma and Surf offer performance to match, launching from 0 to 60 in Sport mode in just 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 125 mph. The two models also feature a so-called Stealth mode designed to be more energy efficient – this is a hybrid, after all – but even then, 60 comes around in just 7.9 seconds, with top speed cut only to 95 mph.
For his part, Fisker sidesteps references to the Ferrari FF and is more likely to offer a range of visual references that include the classic Chevrolet Nomad, Dodge Magnum wagon and even the legendary Lamborghini Espada.
Whatever the inspiration, the new model will come to market in 2013 – at a similar price to the Karma, starting at around $97,000 and nudging up to $110,000. Apparently, these will be going to the more affluent California surfers in Malibu.