Very interesting!
From the link:
Twenty Five Things you Didn't Know About Fisker Automotive and the Fisker Karma
- While Fisker Automotive is a new brand it is backed with a strong pedigree and a long history in the automotive industry. Co-founders Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler share more than 51 years of combined experience in the automotive world. They joined forces as Fisker Coachbuild in 2005, a venture which saw the team reviving the art of coachbuilding – designing custom automobiles to customer specifications. In 2007 the duo started Fisker Automotive to realize their vision of creating environmentally conscious vehicles that wouldn't sacrifice style, power or performance.
- Fisker's 'Horizon' logo represents a sunset over the Pacific Ocean. It is now also a symbol of the company's Southern California roots and the lifestyle that goes with it. The Fisker Horizon is representative of the company's look toward a cleaner tomorrow, as identified by the line where sky and ocean meet. Prominent vertical bars represent the two founders in the form of the designer's pen (Fisker) and the creator's tool (Koehler).
- As a Design Director, Henrik Fisker, is responsible for such iconic vehicles as the BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage. He also managed the design team behind the Ford Shelby GR-1 concept car, and penned the Artega GT. Fisker was also on the board of directors, and design director at Aston Martin; led design at Ford's Ingeni design studio in London; and was CEO of Designworks USA, BMW's North American design house. He grew up near Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Bernhard 'Barny' Koehler started as an apprentice at BMW when he was 16 and rose to direct business operations at DesignworksUSA, Ford's Ingeni Design Studio in London, and Director of Business/ Concept Build at Aston Martin. He was instrumental in developing the MINI Monte Carlo, the concept car that preceded the new MINI Cooper; the BMW R1200C Troika motorcycle concept; and the Aston Martin AMV8 concept. Koehler grew up in Munich, Germany.
- Fisker Automotive started after Fisker and Koehler learned of a high performance stealth vehicle being developed for U.S. military special operations. The hybrid-electric 'Aggressor', built by Quantum Technologies Worldwide, would enable soldiers to travel long distances before silently going behind enemy lines to complete their mission. The concept inspired Fisker to design what would become the Fisker Karma.
- In 2007 Fisker Automotive received an initial investment of $2 million from a businessman in Merano, Italy, who shared the company's vision of exciting environmentally conscious cars. This was quickly followed by an additional $2.5 million from Palo Alto investors. A $15 million investment led by Ray Lane of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB) would follow. KPCB is the venture capital firm behind Google, Amazon and AOL. Lane was the COO of Oracle responsible for that firm's explosive growth into the world's largest software company and is a Chairman of Hewlett Packard and Fisker Automotive. More substantial investments would quickly follow. Fisker now has a presence on both U.S. coasts, Europe and China.
- Fisker Automotive consists of a 'dream team' of designers, engineers and business executives from across the global automotive landscape: Top talent from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Nissan, Chrysler and Tier 1 suppliers who previously led and supported programs that created benchmark cars such as the Rolls Royce Phantom, Porsche Carerra GT, Ford GT, BMW 7- and 3-Series, Saleen S7, Aston Martin V8 Vantage and more.
- Fisker created the premium luxury EV segment when the Karma was unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. Since then nearly every premium manufacturer has followed with concepts of their own high-end, high-performance luxury EVs. However, Fisker was first to market with the Karma.
- In just 37 months, Fisker Automotive was created and developed an all-new car with all-new technology, set up a global retail network, raised $1 billion in capital and acquired major manufacturing capabilities in the US.
- The Fisker Karma has more torque than the $1.7 million (€1.225 million) Bugatti Veyron (981 lb/ft vs. 922), and gets more than 10x the gas mileage
- The Karma is the first production car to have 22-inch wheels as standard, and the only known production car to have larger tires than those on its concept car (255 vs. 245 in front, and 285 vs. 265 rear).
- In its quest to put design first, Fisker worked with Goodyear to develop a vehicle-specific front tire that would fit a 22 x 8.5-inch wheel without compromising the Karma’s industry leading tire-to-fender clearance and maintain the vehicle's performance ride characteristics.
- The Fisker Karma is a packaging marvel: In front, a 2.0 liter turbocharged gas engine, 175 kWh generator, three radiators, two mufflers, catalytic converter, intercooler, DC/DC converter, hydro-electric power steering system, brake controller and all associated wiring and plumbing fit under the hood. In the rear, two 201.5 hp (150 kW) electric motors, limited slip differential/transmission, independent SLA suspension, high voltage battery charger, fuel tank, and two AC/DC inverters fit between the seatbacks and rear bumper. The Karma's engine-generator set also sits low giving Karma a lower centre of gravity than many 2-seater sports cars.
- The Karma's signature solar roof is a wonder of art and engineering. To create it, a unique task force of designers and engineers was assembled and charged with turning Henrik's artistic interpretation of a full-length photovoltaic roof into a functional subsystem that could be manufactured, while maintaining the flavor of the original design and specific shape of the car. To package as many solar cells as possible within the aggressively tapered space, a dynamic splayed pattern was developed to actually improve efficiency by taking advantage of different sunlight angles. Because the roof is by design a very visible component, and one that most strongly communicates the electric nature of the Karma, more than 70 graphic proposals were evaluated before a design loosely inspired by a 1950's retro-geometric "electricity" pattern was chosen.
- In an effort to conserve power wherever possible, the Karma uses low-voltage LED exterior lighting, including the car's reverse, rear fog and side marker lights.
- The chrome accents behind the front wheel arches are actually heat extractors. The design shape carries to other parts of the car, including the taillights and keyfob.
- The profile of the Karma's gauge cluster cowling is identical to that of the front fenders'
- The chrome buttons on the inside of the Karma's front headrests are coat hangers. The one on the passenger seat is for the driver, and vice versa, for easy access.
- Circuit board-inspired design elements in the Karma's headlight assemblies, 22-inch wheels and windshield cowling communicate the electric nature of the Karma.
- The 'Fisker Diamond' elements seen in the front and rear bumper facias are replicated in the black frit line surrounding the windshield.
- The Karma's long wheelbase and self-leveling rear shock absorbers together eliminated the need for development and integration of costly and complex headlight angle adjusters required in many world markets.
- The Karma was inspired in part by actor and activist Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco. DiCaprio's role came when he was seen by Henrik Fisker arriving at the Academy Awards in a fuel-efficient Toyota Prius, even though he could be driving something much more opulent. His Royal Highness Prince Albert commented to Fisker and Koehler that he would like to drive a fuel-efficient luxury car, having seen the Fisker Tramanto, a high performance coachbuilt car based on the Mercedes-Benz SL500.
- When the battery is fully charged the Fisker Karma can operate on a 'Power Boost' which enables the car to reach a boosted top speed for a limited time.
- Great things often have humble beginnings. All of the Fisker Karma's power train development was undertaken clothed in the disguise of a Chevy truck, to enable engineers to test it out on public roads.
- To be sold the world over Fisker engineered the Karma to be compliant with all applicable regulations for crash, emissions and homologation in the US, Canada, the EU, Japan, China, GCC (Middle East) and Russia. The 840 rules, at an average of 54 pages each, encompass 43,000 pages and require the submission of an additional 30,000 pages of documents and images. Together they would fill 70 three-inch ring binders. Stacked atop each other these binders would reach more than 11 feet high.
From the link:
Twenty Five Things you Didn't Know About Fisker Automotive and the Fisker Karma
- While Fisker Automotive is a new brand it is backed with a strong pedigree and a long history in the automotive industry. Co-founders Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler share more than 51 years of combined experience in the automotive world. They joined forces as Fisker Coachbuild in 2005, a venture which saw the team reviving the art of coachbuilding – designing custom automobiles to customer specifications. In 2007 the duo started Fisker Automotive to realize their vision of creating environmentally conscious vehicles that wouldn't sacrifice style, power or performance.
- Fisker's 'Horizon' logo represents a sunset over the Pacific Ocean. It is now also a symbol of the company's Southern California roots and the lifestyle that goes with it. The Fisker Horizon is representative of the company's look toward a cleaner tomorrow, as identified by the line where sky and ocean meet. Prominent vertical bars represent the two founders in the form of the designer's pen (Fisker) and the creator's tool (Koehler).
- As a Design Director, Henrik Fisker, is responsible for such iconic vehicles as the BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage. He also managed the design team behind the Ford Shelby GR-1 concept car, and penned the Artega GT. Fisker was also on the board of directors, and design director at Aston Martin; led design at Ford's Ingeni design studio in London; and was CEO of Designworks USA, BMW's North American design house. He grew up near Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Bernhard 'Barny' Koehler started as an apprentice at BMW when he was 16 and rose to direct business operations at DesignworksUSA, Ford's Ingeni Design Studio in London, and Director of Business/ Concept Build at Aston Martin. He was instrumental in developing the MINI Monte Carlo, the concept car that preceded the new MINI Cooper; the BMW R1200C Troika motorcycle concept; and the Aston Martin AMV8 concept. Koehler grew up in Munich, Germany.
- Fisker Automotive started after Fisker and Koehler learned of a high performance stealth vehicle being developed for U.S. military special operations. The hybrid-electric 'Aggressor', built by Quantum Technologies Worldwide, would enable soldiers to travel long distances before silently going behind enemy lines to complete their mission. The concept inspired Fisker to design what would become the Fisker Karma.
- In 2007 Fisker Automotive received an initial investment of $2 million from a businessman in Merano, Italy, who shared the company's vision of exciting environmentally conscious cars. This was quickly followed by an additional $2.5 million from Palo Alto investors. A $15 million investment led by Ray Lane of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB) would follow. KPCB is the venture capital firm behind Google, Amazon and AOL. Lane was the COO of Oracle responsible for that firm's explosive growth into the world's largest software company and is a Chairman of Hewlett Packard and Fisker Automotive. More substantial investments would quickly follow. Fisker now has a presence on both U.S. coasts, Europe and China.
- Fisker Automotive consists of a 'dream team' of designers, engineers and business executives from across the global automotive landscape: Top talent from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Nissan, Chrysler and Tier 1 suppliers who previously led and supported programs that created benchmark cars such as the Rolls Royce Phantom, Porsche Carerra GT, Ford GT, BMW 7- and 3-Series, Saleen S7, Aston Martin V8 Vantage and more.
- Fisker created the premium luxury EV segment when the Karma was unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. Since then nearly every premium manufacturer has followed with concepts of their own high-end, high-performance luxury EVs. However, Fisker was first to market with the Karma.
- In just 37 months, Fisker Automotive was created and developed an all-new car with all-new technology, set up a global retail network, raised $1 billion in capital and acquired major manufacturing capabilities in the US.
- The Fisker Karma has more torque than the $1.7 million (€1.225 million) Bugatti Veyron (981 lb/ft vs. 922), and gets more than 10x the gas mileage
- The Karma is the first production car to have 22-inch wheels as standard, and the only known production car to have larger tires than those on its concept car (255 vs. 245 in front, and 285 vs. 265 rear).
- In its quest to put design first, Fisker worked with Goodyear to develop a vehicle-specific front tire that would fit a 22 x 8.5-inch wheel without compromising the Karma’s industry leading tire-to-fender clearance and maintain the vehicle's performance ride characteristics.
- The Fisker Karma is a packaging marvel: In front, a 2.0 liter turbocharged gas engine, 175 kWh generator, three radiators, two mufflers, catalytic converter, intercooler, DC/DC converter, hydro-electric power steering system, brake controller and all associated wiring and plumbing fit under the hood. In the rear, two 201.5 hp (150 kW) electric motors, limited slip differential/transmission, independent SLA suspension, high voltage battery charger, fuel tank, and two AC/DC inverters fit between the seatbacks and rear bumper. The Karma's engine-generator set also sits low giving Karma a lower centre of gravity than many 2-seater sports cars.
- The Karma's signature solar roof is a wonder of art and engineering. To create it, a unique task force of designers and engineers was assembled and charged with turning Henrik's artistic interpretation of a full-length photovoltaic roof into a functional subsystem that could be manufactured, while maintaining the flavor of the original design and specific shape of the car. To package as many solar cells as possible within the aggressively tapered space, a dynamic splayed pattern was developed to actually improve efficiency by taking advantage of different sunlight angles. Because the roof is by design a very visible component, and one that most strongly communicates the electric nature of the Karma, more than 70 graphic proposals were evaluated before a design loosely inspired by a 1950's retro-geometric "electricity" pattern was chosen.
- In an effort to conserve power wherever possible, the Karma uses low-voltage LED exterior lighting, including the car's reverse, rear fog and side marker lights.
- The chrome accents behind the front wheel arches are actually heat extractors. The design shape carries to other parts of the car, including the taillights and keyfob.
- The profile of the Karma's gauge cluster cowling is identical to that of the front fenders'
- The chrome buttons on the inside of the Karma's front headrests are coat hangers. The one on the passenger seat is for the driver, and vice versa, for easy access.
- Circuit board-inspired design elements in the Karma's headlight assemblies, 22-inch wheels and windshield cowling communicate the electric nature of the Karma.
- The 'Fisker Diamond' elements seen in the front and rear bumper facias are replicated in the black frit line surrounding the windshield.
- The Karma's long wheelbase and self-leveling rear shock absorbers together eliminated the need for development and integration of costly and complex headlight angle adjusters required in many world markets.
- The Karma was inspired in part by actor and activist Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco. DiCaprio's role came when he was seen by Henrik Fisker arriving at the Academy Awards in a fuel-efficient Toyota Prius, even though he could be driving something much more opulent. His Royal Highness Prince Albert commented to Fisker and Koehler that he would like to drive a fuel-efficient luxury car, having seen the Fisker Tramanto, a high performance coachbuilt car based on the Mercedes-Benz SL500.
- When the battery is fully charged the Fisker Karma can operate on a 'Power Boost' which enables the car to reach a boosted top speed for a limited time.
- Great things often have humble beginnings. All of the Fisker Karma's power train development was undertaken clothed in the disguise of a Chevy truck, to enable engineers to test it out on public roads.
- To be sold the world over Fisker engineered the Karma to be compliant with all applicable regulations for crash, emissions and homologation in the US, Canada, the EU, Japan, China, GCC (Middle East) and Russia. The 840 rules, at an average of 54 pages each, encompass 43,000 pages and require the submission of an additional 30,000 pages of documents and images. Together they would fill 70 three-inch ring binders. Stacked atop each other these binders would reach more than 11 feet high.
