Henrik Fisker is getting back into the electric car game with a new design seemingly aimed at both Tesla Motors and his old company, which has been reconstituted as Karma Automotive. Now we know what that car will be called.
Say hello to the Fisker EMotion, a name that is sure to confound spellcheck programs everywhere. As shown in previous teaser images, the EMotion is a sleek sedan that bears a familial resemblance to some of Fisker’s other recent designs. It will make its official debut sometime in 2017.
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The car itself is certainly striking but is not quite as pretty as the original Fisker Karma (which will soon re-enter production as the Karma Revero). The large, curved windshield, low hood, and butterfly doors are dramatic touches, but the rest of the car seems to just crib styling details from Fisker’s VLF Force 1 sports car, itself seemingly a restyled version of the Dodge Viper.
At least the specs are impressive. Fisker claims the EMotion will have a top speed of 161 mph and a range of 400 miles. That range, which beats the Tesla Model S by 85 miles, will be made possible by graphene battery cells, Fisker claims. The EMotion will also use a body structure made from a mix of carbon fiber and aluminum to keep weight down, with a battery-pack layout intended to maximize interior space.
Fisker says the EMotion will be built at “an existing facility in the U.S.A.” It is possible that facility will be VLF Automotive’s shop in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Fisker is the “F” in “VLF,” which was founded by former General Motors executive Bob Lutz and businessman Gilbert Villarreal. In addition to the Fisker-designed Force 1, VLF builds the Destino, a Fisker Karma with the V8 engine from a Chevrolet Corvette in place of the original extended-range electric powertrain.
Details on a production schedule for the EMotion will be revealed after the car’s official unveiling. Meanwhile, Karma Automotive continues to work to get the original Fisker Karma back into production as the Revero. Owned by Chinese auto-parts giant Wanxiang, Karma plans to build cars in the U.S. at a new factory in Moreno Valley, California.
