Fisker vs. DeLorean

[deloreanman14]

I wrote this piece tonight and it focuses on the striking similarities between Henrik Fisker, John DeLorean and their cars. I look forward to your comments and criticisms and hope you enjoy reading it.

http://rosecitywanderer.blogspot.com/2012/09/thirty-years-on-is-this-deloreanredux.html

[Dangermouse]

Nice piece, well written.

I'll even forgive you using the words DeLorean and Justin Beiber in the same paragraph. :tongue:

[dvonk]

the similarities are amazing... hopefully Fisker can pull things together, i would definitely like to see more from his company.

thanks for sharing. :smile:

[Rich]

Very telling, accurate facts and significant insights. All in all a good volume there. From the thread title I was expected a car performance comparison. Comparing the men and their business plans is more fun since DeLorean had access only to the technology of his day.

No comment on whether the Karma will live on as an icon of its times like the DMC-12 has. Check back in 30 years.

I've been all around a Karma at the local dealer. It's pretty much as reported in the buff books and your article. Swoopy, bloated, in-your-face styling, cramped inside, beautiful from some angles. Like a D, it tends to turn heads.

Some other random comparisons you may wish to consider.


Similarities:
1. Powertrain sourcing: Both were largely outsourced, or at least the internal combustion engines were. GM Ecotec 2.0L for Fisker, PRV 2.8L for the DMC.
2. Performance slips: The DMC-12's sales were hampered in part by the less-than-stellar acceleration, even for those times. The Karma's acceleration isn't terrible but it's EPA figures are dismal vs. what the market was expecting. The Karma's electric and fuel range/economy numbers are about 60% of what they were shooting for or pre-announced.
3. The "next car": There was going to be a Turbo DMC-12 and even further out, a 2+2. Fisker Sunset (convertible) concept debuted in 2009. Fisker Surf (wagon-y) concept was in 2011. Atlantic shown recently. Not likely we will see any of them soon.

Differences:
1. Factories - At least JZD built a dedicated DeLorean factory while Fisker outsourced the Karma to Valmet in Finland. Valmet has built Saabs, Boxters, Caymans - and Ladas. Yes, the next Fisker model might come from a Fisker-USA factory someday.
2. Design sourcing: John DeLorean went out and enlisted Giugiaro, arguably among the greatest vehicle designers, then of ItalDesign. Fisker did it himself. Same goes for Lotus on the chassis and engineering vs Fisker-sourcing.

This one doesn't matter much: The Fisker dealer south of San Francisco is part of the same dealer group that once had a least one.....wait for it.....DeLorean dealership here in the Bay Area.

[CEOofawesome]

Before this, I had never heard of Fisker, but I will have to do some more research on him now! As cool as it must be to be compared to DMC, it has to also be a very bad thing. The company may end, and then only be barley rembered. The Delorean is a pop culture icon because of Back to the Future but if these Fiskers don't get a role like that, they could be even worse of than the Delorean. Oh and, your writing is awesome! Thank you for introducing me to something so close to something I find very cool!

[bladerunner]

Before this, I had never heard of Fisker, but I will have to do some more research on him now! As cool as it must be to be compared to DMC, it has to also be a very bad thing. The company may end, and then only be barley rembered. The Delorean is a pop culture icon because of Back to the Future but if these Fiskers don't get a role like that, they could be even worse of than the Delorean. Oh and, your writing is awesome! Thank you for introducing me to something so close to something I find very cool!

Just saw a Fisker Karma in teh Fireball Run. Can't say I like the lines on it too much. When I first saw it I thought it was a modified BMW Z4 made into a 4 door sedan. I am sure behind the wheel tells a different tale.