14 DAY TRIAL // A new version of the Fisker Karma is currently on display at the IAA 2011 in Frankfurt, promising to create a new market niche. We are talking about the Fisker Surf shooting brake concept, which could soon become available worldwide as a 2013 model year.
Blending sports car and station wagon looks, the Fisker Surf has managed to impress the visitors to the German venue, especially the environmentally-conscious ones looking for luxury on wheels.
There are two driving modes available, Sport and Stealth, allowing the driver to choose how he/she wants to roll at all times. In Sport mode, there are 981 lb-ft (1,330 Nm) of torque available to enable the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 5.9 seconds, and achieve an electronically limited top speed of 125 mph (201 kmh).
In the default Stealth mode, the Surf uses only battery power and accelerates from 0-60 in 7.9 seconds. Top speed is 95 mph (153 kmh). Under normal driving conditions, battery power alone will drive the Surf about 50 miles (80 km). After that the gasoline engine/generator and 9.5-gal (36 l) fuel tank provide another 250 miles of range for a total of 300 miles (483 km).
But it’s not just what is under the hood that makes the Fisker Surf an eco-friendly vehicle. According to its creators, the Low-Carbon Leather used in the EcoSport interior trim comes from Bridge of Weir, a unique low-emissions and energy self-sufficient tannery in Scotland.
Moreover, EcoStandard and EcoChic interiors use entirely animal-free materials. Wood for the interior highlights is reclaimed from sunken logs and fire-damaged trees, not cut from living forests. Recycled, reusable and low-impact materials are used for seat cushions, carpet backing, trim pieces and more.
“The Surf is a first-of-its-kind eco-friendly lifestyle vehicle that offers space, performance and luxury design for people who live an active, environmentally conscious lifestyle and like to drive beautiful cars,” stated Henrik Fisker, CEO/Executive Design Director, Fisker Automotive.
If you hadn’t had the chance to visit the IAA this year, take a look at this set of images snapped on-site by autoevolution:
