Henrik Fisker moves on from designing hybrids to superyachts
Sat, Dec 26 2015
The partnership announced between Fisker and Italian shipyard Benetti will see the Danish designer pen a new line of yachts measuring 164 feet long. That's roughly the distance covered by ten Karmas parked end to end. Benetti is designing the essential architecture of the vessels, while Fisker will be responsible for its styling inside and out. His vision is previewed by the simple sketch above, sent to Autoblog by a Benetti representative, who tells us that the complete design will be presented this coming February at the Miami International Boat Show.
Details are still to come, but Benetti says the superyachts will include "carbon fiber and other exotic materials, as well as optimized ocean views from all major cabins and use reclaimed wood, integrated solar panels and optional hybrid power." The design will be split across three decks incorporating a "beach club" at the rear, on-board spa, a pool, six guest cabins, accommodation for 11 crew members, and technological advancements including automated controls.
The Benetti collaboration is just the latest in many upon which Fisker has embarked lately. His recent work includes the Galpin Rocket, the aborted Aston Martin Thunderbolt, and two new vehicles to be unveiled in Detroit next month. These in addition to noteworthy creations highlighting his portfolio including the BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9, and, of course, his eponymous luxury hybrid sedan.
While naval architecture may be new territory for Fisker, this isn't the first time we've seen an automotive designer dip his toes in the water to design a yacht. McLaren design chief Frank Stephenson, for example, recently revealed his own wooden runabout with electric power, and Ian Callum penned a concept speedboat for Jaguar. The design divisions at BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche have dabbled in naval architecture as well, and both Bugatti and Aston Martin recently licensed their names to high-end motorboats too. However Fisker's design will be much bigger than most when it hits the open water.
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HENRIK FISKER AND BENETTI TEAMED-UP TO CREATE AN INNOVATIVE SERIES OF SUPERYACHT CONCEPTS
DECEMBER 21, 2015 (Los Angeles, Calif.) - Entrepreneur and acclaimed international designer Henrik Fisker, the founder of Henrik Fisker Design, and influential global superyacht builder Benetti are joining forces to create a series of innovative 50 meter - (164 feet) superyachts. The collaboration is focused on a new 50 meter yacht with naval architecture by Benetti. The yacht will be designed in California and built at the Benetti facilities in Livorno, at the heart of the Tuscan coastline.
The concept will integrate a new platform developed by Benetti's engineering team with Fisker's sporty exterior and interior designs. Fisker is pioneering a new design concept to enhance and optimize the onboard experience by utilizing more space on the vast superyacht for both hosting and leisure. The design will add a new "human flow" element to reduce unused space and increase its usability.
The yacht exterior will have a dramatic body using light weight carbon fiber and other exotic materials, as well as optimized ocean views from all major cabins and use reclaimed wood, integrated solar panels and optional hybrid power.
The interiors will feature the new design concept for each of the three decks that will enhance the space and emphasize comfortable and clean luxury living in a pristine environment. The interiors will feature advanced and sustainable materials, and state-of-the-art technology for automated controls and optimal power management.
Onboard amenities will include a beach club, spa, several bars, a pool and sunbathing areas on multiple decks. A future owner will welcome 12 guests in six cabins, looked after by 11 crew members with comfortable staff quarters.
Fisker is renowned as the international designer for famous iconic, exotic and collectable cars. He is best known for his BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, as well as the Artega GT, Fisker Karma Hybrid, the Viking motorcycle, Mustang Rocket and most recently, the Force 1 among others.
The company, Henrik Fisker Design, was founded in 2013 an industrial design house that works across numerous categories including luxury travel, automotive, architectural design, furniture, smart devices, consumer products and technology.
About Henrik Fisker & Henrik Fisker Design
Henrik Fisker is an entrepreneur and one of the world's leading automotive designers. Previously Fisker founded Fisker Automotive in 2007, where he launched the world's first premium plug-in hybrid, the Fisker Karma. Best known among his creations are BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9 and Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Among his latest creations is also the Lauge Jensen Viking motorcycle, Mustang Rocket and Force 1. Originally from Denmark, Fisker is now based in Los Angeles, and is the Founder of HF Design, a design and technology company with various automotive, technology and consumer product ventures underway in Europe, Asia as well as North America. More information can be found at www.henrikfisker.org.
Benetti
With the highest growth rate among the world's manufacturers of super and mega yachts, Benetti is an icon of timeless Italian style and elegance united with renowned building excellence.
Established in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian luxury shipyard. Every yacht is unique, built according her owners desires. Benetti designs, builds, and markets two product lines: Class - Displacement and Fast Displacement in composites from 93 to 145 feet; and Custom – in steel and aluminum over 45 meters in length. Benetti has facilities in Viareggio, Fano, Livorno and offices in Fort Lauderdale, Dubai and Hong Kong. Benetti is part of the Azimut|Benett Groupi, the world's largest private capital luxury yacht group.
DECEMBER 21, 2015 (Los Angeles, Calif.) - Entrepreneur and acclaimed international designer Henrik Fisker, the founder of Henrik Fisker Design, and influential global superyacht builder Benetti are joining forces to create a series of innovative 50 meter - (164 feet) superyachts. The collaboration is focused on a new 50 meter yacht with naval architecture by Benetti. The yacht will be designed in California and built at the Benetti facilities in Livorno, at the heart of the Tuscan coastline.
The concept will integrate a new platform developed by Benetti's engineering team with Fisker's sporty exterior and interior designs. Fisker is pioneering a new design concept to enhance and optimize the onboard experience by utilizing more space on the vast superyacht for both hosting and leisure. The design will add a new "human flow" element to reduce unused space and increase its usability.
The yacht exterior will have a dramatic body using light weight carbon fiber and other exotic materials, as well as optimized ocean views from all major cabins and use reclaimed wood, integrated solar panels and optional hybrid power.
The interiors will feature the new design concept for each of the three decks that will enhance the space and emphasize comfortable and clean luxury living in a pristine environment. The interiors will feature advanced and sustainable materials, and state-of-the-art technology for automated controls and optimal power management.
Onboard amenities will include a beach club, spa, several bars, a pool and sunbathing areas on multiple decks. A future owner will welcome 12 guests in six cabins, looked after by 11 crew members with comfortable staff quarters.
Fisker is renowned as the international designer for famous iconic, exotic and collectable cars. He is best known for his BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, as well as the Artega GT, Fisker Karma Hybrid, the Viking motorcycle, Mustang Rocket and most recently, the Force 1 among others.
The company, Henrik Fisker Design, was founded in 2013 an industrial design house that works across numerous categories including luxury travel, automotive, architectural design, furniture, smart devices, consumer products and technology.
About Henrik Fisker & Henrik Fisker Design
Henrik Fisker is an entrepreneur and one of the world's leading automotive designers. Previously Fisker founded Fisker Automotive in 2007, where he launched the world's first premium plug-in hybrid, the Fisker Karma. Best known among his creations are BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9 and Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Among his latest creations is also the Lauge Jensen Viking motorcycle, Mustang Rocket and Force 1. Originally from Denmark, Fisker is now based in Los Angeles, and is the Founder of HF Design, a design and technology company with various automotive, technology and consumer product ventures underway in Europe, Asia as well as North America. More information can be found at www.henrikfisker.org.
Benetti
With the highest growth rate among the world's manufacturers of super and mega yachts, Benetti is an icon of timeless Italian style and elegance united with renowned building excellence.
Established in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian luxury shipyard. Every yacht is unique, built according her owners desires. Benetti designs, builds, and markets two product lines: Class - Displacement and Fast Displacement in composites from 93 to 145 feet; and Custom – in steel and aluminum over 45 meters in length. Benetti has facilities in Viareggio, Fano, Livorno and offices in Fort Lauderdale, Dubai and Hong Kong. Benetti is part of the Azimut|Benett Groupi, the world's largest private capital luxury yacht group.
By Noah Joseph
See also: The Force will be strong with Fisker in Detroit, Karma Automotive partners with BMW for powertrains, Karma Automotive holding another hiring fair.