IAA 2011: New Fisker Surf adds a Shooting Break Twist to the Karma

As it turns out, Fisker's shadowy teaser sketch of its Frankfurt Motor Show debut was somewhat deceiving as the Surf turned out to be five-door version of the Karma sedan with a shape that is more shooting break than it is station wagon.

Nevertheless, the California based automaker that is headed by former BMW and Aston Martin designer Henrik Fisker, says that the Surf combines the performance, luxury, economy and style of the sedan model with increased space and practicality.

The slick looking estate features the same electric motors (403HP in total) mounted at the rear, with a GM-sourced 260HP 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine located at the front and a 20 kW lithium-ion battery placed longitudinally below the floorpan.

In a similar fashion to the Chevy Volt, the electric motors drive the wheels while the gasoline engine turns a 175 kW generator that feeds the electric motors when the battery is out of juice.

In the sedan, the range is 50 miles (80 kilometers) on pure electric power, and 300 miles (482 kilometers) combined.

“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,” said Henrik Fisker.

The Fisker Surf will go on sale globally in 2013.

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