Frankfurt Live: 2013 Fisker Surf

A quick history lesson for you: the term "shooting brake" has been in existence since the early 19th century to describe a car which features aspects of both a wagon and a coupe. More recently, the Ferrari FF (with its four seats and four wheel drive) came out to show us how they would build a brake.

Now at Frankfurt IAA 2011, Fisker has pulled out all the stops to show off it's production concept dubbed the Fisker Surf. Set for release in 2013 the Surf physically stuns in person. The thronging crowds around Fisker's albeit small set in Hall 5 meant that I couldn't get a decent front shot of the car (hence the press photography), however creeping around the back I was able to capture the essence of what the Surf is about.

With a wide, angular rear and Fisker-style lights and exhaust pipes, the car appears to have a menacing ride height and on the road it's set to turn heads. The car is set for deliveries worldwide by July 2012 so it isn't so much as a production concept than a taste of what is about to become. The Surf is 77 pounds heavier than the Karma but affords much greater room for passengers and luggage.

The Surf's entire chassis, powertrain and interior will be the same as Fisker's debutant Karma which we snapped above. Interior headroom for rear passengers is up by 1.2 inches over the rear seats in the Karma, so sure to put a smile on the faces of any tall passengers.

Just as a refresh it's important to note that the Karma runs a direct-injected 2-litre turbocharged GM Ecotec engine which puts out 255 horsepower and which strengthens the output of the 315-cell lithim ion battery pack. Critics haven't been too kind with regards to engine noise but apparently with an order list of 3,000 Fisker seems to be hitting their stride. All we know is that judging by their stand at Frankfurt, this automotive brand seem to be climbing the ranks already.