Fisker Coachbuild

For the manufacturer of the Fisker Karma, see Fisker Automotive

Fisker Coachbuild was a car design firm based in Orange County, California. The company produced custom sports cars. It produced the Tramonto and Latigo CS. It also designed and manufactured aftermarket parts such as aluminum alloy wheels, engine covers and interior trim packages for select luxury vehicles. Fisker Coachbuild also provided design services for companies in various industries.

History

The company was founded by partners, Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler in January 2005.

Cars

Fisker Tramonto

Tramanto at the 2006 Paris Motor Show

The Fisker Tramonto is a hand-built sports car, launched in 2005.^[1] Original production was scheduled to be limited to 150 pieces world wide, but only 15 were ever built. It used the base architecture of the Mercedes-Benz SL, retaining the engineering and safety features of the original car. However, unlike the original, the Tramonto had a slimmer back end, a longer hood line and no visual bumpers. This look was created using a variety of different materials. The interior of the Tramonto was hand trimmed and hand stitched using Italian leather. Each car was built in California and was individually numbered.

The Tramonto used the hand-built AMG power plant and customers had the choice of 8-cylinder or 12-cylinder engines. The Tramonto has a 0-62 time of 3.6 seconds for the V-8 and 3.2 for the V-12. The top speed is 202 mph (325 km/h) for the V8 and over 205+ for the V-12. The only Tramonto V-12 built (car 15 of 15) had an output of 700 BHP and 1000 lb-ft torque.

Fisker Latigo CS

Fisker Latigo CS at the 2005 Frankfurt International Auto Show.

The Fisker Latigo CS, the second design from Fisker Coachbuild, was initially shown at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, and was subsequently launched in 2007^[2] with production limited to 150 world wide. It uses the base architecture of the BMW 6-series and M6. As in the Tramonto, all electronic and safety systems remain untouched. The car is built in California using the most advanced materials in carbon fiber, aluminum, stainless steel and magnesium alloy. The Latigo CS interior is hand trimmed and hand stitched using Italian furniture leather and each car is individually numbered.

Fisker uses the V-10 BMW power plant to power the Latigo CS. Fisker also teamed with RDsport to provide broader tuning choices for their customers. The reduced weight and increased engine output results in a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds and top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).

Fisker Coachbuild manufactures cars to the exact specifications of a customer and do not carry cars in inventory. The first delivery was September 2007.^[3]

Fisker performance wheels

Henrik Fisker also designed 20 inch 3-piece aluminum alloy wheels. The 5-spoke model known as the FT-5, is originally designed for the Tramonto and the 10-spoke model known as the FL-10 was designed for the Latigo CS. The company announced that these performance wheels are now offered for BMW and Mercedes-Benz models. Various finishes and colors are offered through Fisker with their wheel designs and are equipped with Michelin PS2 tires.

External design projects

Fisker designed a men's watch for Danish company Rosendahl.^[4]

Fisker Coachbuild designed the Artega GT sports car for the German based company Artega. It carried a badge which read – "Designed by Fisker Coachbuild."

Joint ventures

Fisker Automotive is a joint venture between Quantum Technologies and Fisker Coachbuild. All models will feature cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology penned as Quantum Drive, developed by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive.

The Fisker Karma made its debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in January 2008.

Executives

Henrik Fisker graduated from the Art Center College of Design in 1989 and began his career at BMW in Germany. He is famous for the Z07 Concept car and the Z8 roadster. The Z8 was driven by Pierce Brosnan in the James Bond movie The World Is Not Enough. In January 2001, Fisker became the president and CEO of BMW's California-based subsidiary, DesignworksUSA. From there he moved to Ford Motor Company as Creative Director for Ingeni, Ford's London-based design and creativity center. He also sat on the Board of Directors for Aston Martin and was chief of Design. Director of Ford's Global Advanced Design Studio in Irvine, California was also added to his global tasks. He now holds the position of Chief Executive Officer at Fisker Coachbuild, LLC.

Bernhard Koehler, Chief Operating Officer of Fisker Coachbuild was born in Munich, Germany. He holds degrees in 3D design and Business. Bernhard held positions at BMW for 22 years and at Designworks/USA, he served as the Director of Operations. In 2002, he became Director of New Business Development at Ingeni, Ford Motor Company's design center in London. In January 2004, Koehler became the Director of Business and Operations for Ford's Global Advanced Design Studio in Irvine, California.

Cristina Cheever, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Fisker Coachbuild, was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and holds degrees in International Business and Finance. She began her career at Jaguar North America. From April 2001, she served at Aston Martin North America as the Marketing Communication Manager. There she led the launch of DB9 and met her future colleagues.

See also

• Fisker Automotive

References

External links

• Official web site
• Fisker Automotive :
• http://www.calcars.org/calcars-news/842.html
• Quantum Technologies.