Fisker's Project Nina has grown up and is now known as the Atlantic design prototype. Unveiled today (April 4, 2012) at the New York Auto Show the new saloon sees the Californian manufacturer move more towards the mainstream with the Atlantic set to slot in below the current Karma super-saloon and take on established premium cars such as the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C Class.

Like the Karma the Atlantic saloon utilises EVer (Electric Vehicle with extended range) technology with a BMW-sourced 2.0-litre petrol engine acting as a generator to power the lithium ion batteries that drive the rear wheels. Plans to offer an all-wheel drive version of the Atlantic are also in place.

Styling wise the Karma lineage is undeniable with strong lines and 'eagle eye' headlights that Fisker says give the Atlantic a greater rear-view mirror presence than any other vehicle in its class. Unique to the Atlantic is the ridged 'spider' glass roof structure that affords extra headroom in the coupé-like saloon, but is also said to surpass all current and future crash-test requirements. Whether the complicated structure makes it to production remains to be seen.

"Fisker Automotive is transitioning from a start-up automaker to a fully-fledged mainstream car manufacturer and the Atlantic is a crucial milestone in that process," said Tom LaSorda, CEO Fisker Automotive. "We have a long way to go, but in the near future Fisker intends to deliver this exceptional American-designed, engineered, and manufactured vehicle to showrooms worldwide."

More details on the Fisker Atlantic, including statistics, prices and an on-sale date will be given closer to the launch of the production car.

Paul Healy - 4 Apr 2012