First Fiskers unveiled (updated)
Newswheel staff :: 12 September 2005 :: Filed under Coupe, Front engine sportscar, Roadster, BMW, Fisker Coachbuild, Fisker Coachbuild Latigo CS, Fisker Coachbuild Tramonto, Mercedes Benz, Europe & UK, US
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Bespoke barges from the creator of the Aston Martin DB9 and BMW Z8
(Updated: scroll down for high res images)
Fisker Coachbuild. It’s surely a recipe for automotive nirvana. Take Henrik Fisker, acclaimed designer of such tin-topped totty as the Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage (not to mention the BMW Z8), add a choice slice of German-manufactured machinery, stir in some creative freedom and simmer over a low heat. Et voilà, the performance and reliability of Germany’s finest combined with stunning showcar styling. Sounds tasty, eh?
Disappointed!
Fisker Coachbuild has dished out pictures of its launch models, the Tramonto and Latigo CS, prior to their official Frankfurt show unveiling. And we’re a bit disappointed. Instead of the sort of unambiguous beauty that typically gets snuffed out the product planning stages in large automakers, it looks like the cars will be something of an acquired taste. Attractive and eclectic this new pairing may be. But beautiful? Probably not.
The low down
Based on the Mercedes SL 55 AMG and BMW M6 respectively, the new models boast bespoke panel work along with some judicious drivetrain and chassis mods. In the case of the Tramonto, the power output of AMG’s supercharged V8 jumps to 610bhp and 650 lb/ft courtesy of a Kleeman performance kit. Meanwhile, the Latigo CS will be offered with both the BMW 650 Ci’s 360bhp V8 or the mighty 500bhp 5-litre V10 from the M6. Fisker has yet to provide details on the interior upgrades, but we doubt the Newport Beach, California-based upstart has the resources to tool up for comprehensive overhauls. So expect some high-end leather and alloy accoutrements, rather than an all-new dash.
Pricing and availability information is currently incomplete, but the action kicks off at a surprisingly reasonable $128,000 for a Tramonto powered by a standard SL 55 mill, with the Kleeman performance package adding another $43,000. The M6-powered Latigo CS is yours for a cool $197,900. Oh, and both cars come with exclusivity built in. Only 150 of each will be produced.
Those before and after pics in full:
BMW begat Fisker: Glasshouse and roof aside, the Latigo CS gets an all new body.
Merc’s gloopy and swoopy SL has been transformed into the Tramonto, an F22 Raptor fighter jet-inspired road rocket.
One more for the road: a Mercedes SL 55 AMG butt-lift, courtesy of Fisker’s Tramonto.
Click click below for high res images of the Tramonto:
The Tramonto interior: as expected, lots of dead cow, some sparkly bits, but no new mouldings. Chintzy!
Linkage:
Fisker Coachbuild
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