When a Designer Builds a Car Company
Most car companies are run by accountants or engineers. Fisker is run by an artist. Henrik Fisker is the man who designed the BMW Z8 (James Bondâs car) and the Aston Martin DB9. When he decided to build his own cars, the priority was clear: They had to be beautiful. And they are.
Fisker's history is a tale of two eras: the original Fisker Automotive (which gave us the Karma) and the reborn Fisker Inc. (which gave us the Ocean). Both share the same DNA: aggressive curves, massive wheels, and a focus on sustainability that borders on obsession.
The First Act: The Fisker Karma
Launched in 2011, the Fisker Karma was a spaceship. It was a plug-in hybrid luxury sedan that looked like it was moving at 100 MPH while parked.
- The Solar Roof: It was one of the first production cars to feature a full-length solar roof that helped power the car's accessories.
- The Interior: Fisker used "rescued" wood from California wildfires and sunken logs from lake bottoms. It was eco-luxury before it was cool.
- The Flaw: Despite its looks, it was plagued by reliability issues and a battery supplier bankruptcy, leading to the company's initial collapse in 2013.
The Second Act: The Fisker Ocean
Henrik didn't give up. He returned with Fisker Inc. and a new mission: affordable electric luxury. The result was the Fisker Ocean. Built in Austria by Magna Steyr (the same people who build the Mercedes G-Wagon), the Ocean is a legitimate contender in the EV market.
California Mode: The Ultimate Party Trick
The coolest feature of the Ocean is undoubtedly California Mode. With the push of a single button, eight glass panels open simultaneously:
- All four side windows drop.
- The massive panoramic sunroof opens.
- The rear windshield (the "doggie window") rolls down.
It instantly turns the SUV into a near-convertible. It is the kind of feature that makes you smile every time you use it.
The Rotating Screen
Inside, the 17.1-inch center screen does a magic trick. When driving, it stays in "Control Mode" (portrait). But when you are charging or parked, you can rotate it to "Hollywood Mode" (landscape) to watch movies in 16:9 cinematic format. It captures the American desire for entertainment on the go.
Sustainability as a Status Symbol
Fisker markets itself as the creator of the "World's Most Sustainable Vehicle." The carpets are made from recycled fishing nets and plastic bottles. The tires are engineered to minimize particulate emissions. Owning a Fisker says, "I care about the planet, but I also want to look good saving it."
The Hugegarage Verdict
Fisker represents the struggle between art and commerce. The cars are undeniably stunning and packed with clever features like California Mode. However, the company's financial history is as volatile as a cryptocurrency. Buying a Fisker is a vote for design and a gamble on the futureâbut for the right driver, the beauty is worth the risk.