Fisker set to debut eco-friendly concept

He's best known for penning the BMW Z8 and Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage, but Danish designer Henrik Fisker is now on the verge of debuting a hybrid sports car.

Currently at the helm of his own US-based company (Fisker Coachbuild), Fisker plans to unveil his latest creation at January's Detroit motor show.

Developed jointly with Quantum Technologies, the low-slung four-door concept will feature a plug-in hybrid system, whereby the batteries for the supplementary electric motor can be recharged via a household power socket. The batteries also derive charge from regenerative braking.

As per existing hybrids, the primary source of propulsion will be provided by a combustion engine, but Fisker/Quantum have as yet provided no details or specs pertaining to the latter.

Although its makers are at this stage being cagey about the nitty-gritty, they have announced their plans to produce and annually sell around 15,000 examples of the hybrid car.

"We want people to drive beautiful fast cars that make environmental sense -- cars that are eco-chic and will have less of an impact on global warming," Fisker said in a prepared statement.

The eco-friendly hybrid concept marks a change in direction for Fisker, who has in recent years been associated with conjuring up alternate-bodied versions of mainstream cars.

There's been the Fisker Tramonto (based on Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG) and the Fisker Latigo CS (built on BMW M6 underpinnings). Both these vehicles were targeted at well-heeled buyers for whom the donor cars lacked exclusivity.

However, Fisker is obviously now in tree-hugging mode, as he says: "The troubled environment is captivating the attention of the world. Developing a premium luxury green car that also delivers attractive design can make a difference.

"We are extremely excited to join our automotive design expertise with the plug-in hybrid technology of Quantum in Quantum Drive. This breakthrough chassis development will allow us to deliver a design with dramatic proportions -- one which will carry the Fisker badge."

While it won't be cheap, the Fisker/Quantum hybrid won't be absurdly expensive, as international sources are tipping a price around the $140K mark.

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