Henrik Fisker, if I am honest, has had a rough few years. After deciding he wanted to take his remarkable design talent elsewhere, he started his own coachbuilding company. Fisker turned BMW 6-Series and Mercedes-Benz SL-Classes into the Latigo CS and Tramamoto.
I don't believe it ever really took off as I've yet to see one in the flesh.
Henrik Fisker Thunderbolt
Then came the ill-fated Fisker Automotive that built and distributed the legendarily beautiful but senseless Karma. After his involvement was dissolved, my interest has been completely lacking in that endeavor; however, last I checked some Chinese investors were trying to concoct some hare-brained idea.
Considering how much success Fisker had previously, it's been a shocking decline if you ask me. Remember, this is the man that designed the BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9 and Aston Martin V8 Vantage — in my opinion, the best looking vehicle probably ever.
Well, he's turned up again.
It seems he's been teaming up with Galpin Auto Sports to turn out coach-built creations for those with a lot of disposable income. His latest project is the Thunderbolt.
The Thunderbolt is essentially the Aston Martin Vanquish that's been reskinned. On the inside, the prototype features a curved screen that's a prototype from Panasonic.
To be clear, the vehicle has ZERO affiliation or sponsorship from Aston Martin, nor is this Fisker's return to Aston.
As of now this is merely a design study though its debut at this weekend's Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is likely an effort to drum up interest in the high dollar, coach-built car. If there's interest, we're sure Galpin will productionalize it.
**To learn MORE about Fisker's latest project, the Thunderbolt, check out the FULL press release below!
Henrik Fisker Thunderbolt
Henrik Fisker Thunderbolt
Galpin Auto Sport's press release follows:
HENRIK FISKER UNVEILS HIS LATEST DESIGN STUDY, A TIMELESS GT COUPE, AT 2015 AMELIA ISLAND CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE
One-Off V12 Vanquish-Based Coupe Features Carbon Fiber Coach-Work and World's First Panasonic Curved Screen Infotainment System
Amelia Island, Florida (March 14, 2015) – Henrik Fisker today took the wraps off of his latest design study, the "Thunderbolt," at the 2015 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. Designed by Henrik Fisker as a powerful GT coupe; this is his personal interpretation of how his Aston Martin V12 Vanquish coupe could look like.
The Thunderbolt's powerful exterior profile is the result of hand-laid, coach-built carbon fiber bodywork that incorporates Henrik Fisker's characteristic design cues such as a clean body side with no creases and deeply sculpted air ducting.
The hood on the design study is dominated by a large power dome with long triangular sculpted air intakes and also incorporates fitment of unique head lamps; thin protruding, blade-like, tail lamps; a wraparound rear window and panoramic dark tinted glass roof; as well as updated exterior detailing including aluminum grille and assorted bright work. Performance upgrades include lowering the standard ride height of the car by 15 millimeters and fitment of 21-inch alloy wheels with performance tires.
"I wanted to create an elegant beautiful GT sports coupe, with pure emotional sculpture, that would stay timeless," said Henrik Fisker.
Inside, the changes are no less dramatic. While maintaining a traditional elegance, Thunderbolt's concept interior features class-leading connectivity and user interfaces. Among its range of new appointments, the Thunderbolt concept features the world's first application of Panasonic's 11.6-inch Curved Control Screen in a car, as a result of a research partnership between Panasonic and Henrik Fisker. Designed to reduce reflections and glare, the screen's extraordinary resolution is complimented by the fact that it is adjustable in height according to driver preference.
Another outcome of a longstanding partnership between renowned Swiss watch maker Maurice Lacroix and Henrik Fisker, is a Skeleton chronograph integrated into the dash, as well as specially trimmed leather surfaces from Italian furniture manufacturer, Natuzzi. Thunderbolt also includes a unique champagne/wine bottle holder – the first of its kind in a two-seat sports coupe – for securely transporting a bottle or two, to dinner parties as a gift.
It should be noted the Thunderbolt is in no way affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by Aston Martin. Developed purely as a design study, the prototype unveiled at Amelia Island is a design study only, and Henrik Fisker's personal view. There will be no commercialization of the prototype shown at Amelia.
Based on initial response however, an extremely limited number of additional cars could be made on a special order basis, available exclusively through Galpin Aston Martin, ensuring that the vehicle remains a true collectible and rare sight.
These secondary coach-built Thunderbolts would feature a revised front end as shown on the red rendering, a new unique grill and a revised infotainment system without the curved Panasonic screen – as it is a prototype.
All body modifications, would be performed through a program using renowned concept car builder GFMI Metalcrafters Inc., of Fountain Valley, Calif., to handle all the carbon fiber coach work. Additional performance and interior upgrades would be executed through Galpin Auto Sports.
"Aston Martin already makes some of the most beautiful and powerful cars available today," said Galpin Aston Martin President, Beau Boeckmann. "Henrik's design builds upon this. It's simply beautiful and really must be seen in-person to understand what an amazing piece of sculptural art it is. The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is one of the premier car shows in the world, celebrating coach building and fine design, this was the perfect place for Thunderbolt's debut."
For more information on Thunderbolt, or to discuss commissioning a built-to-order version of the car, owners are encouraged to contact Steve McCord from Galpin Auto Sports at (818) 922-3800, or visit www.GalpinAstonMartin.com.