Fisker Atlanic Hybrid Sedan Concept Revealed

Fisker's low-slung four-door coupe Karma will soon be joined by a new and more affordable offering: the Fisker Atlantic, shown here in 'concept' form.

Until now, the niche carmaker has released little more than a simple sketch of the new car. That image revealed that the Atlantic will utilise the same coupe-like approach as the Karma, but with a taller cabin and more compact dimensions.

Now, unveiled ahead of this week's New York Auto Show, the Atlantic concept wears a more practical shape that will target buyers looking to haul more luggage and taller friends in the back row. 

Fisker says the Atlantic is comparable in size to the Audi A5 Sportback.

Like the Karma, the Atlantic will utilise a petrol-electric drivetrain, operating in the same extended-range electric vehicle format as Holden's upcoming Volt passenger car.

Power will be sent to the rear wheels, and all-wheel-drive version is also planned.

Output and peformance figures have not been released, although Fisker has confirmed the petrol engine will be BMW's 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Known previously as Project Nina, the Atlantic has been on the cards since its coming was first revealed early last year.

"We are exceptionally proud of the Atlantic design prototype, and believe we have created another groundbreaking car that looks and will drive like nothing else on the road in this class," said Henrik Fisker, the company's co-founder, Executive Chairman and Design Director.

CEO Tom LaSorda says Fisker is transitioning from a start-up carmaker to a mainstream manufacturer, with the Atlantic marking a crucial milestone in the transformation.

"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."

Although the left-hook-only Karma is not expected to hit Australia, Fisker has confirmed right-hand-drive plans for the new sedan, pointing to a potential Australian debut.

While the Atlantic is due for a public unveiling this week, production is not scheduled to begin until the middle of next year.

• Fisker news
• New York Auto Show
• Green Car news and reviews