Henrik Fisker presents 'Thunderbolt,' a take on the Aston V12 Vanquish
Sat, Mar 14 2015
Debuting its carbon fiber skin at the 2015 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, Fisker keeps his transformation of the Vanquish far more subdued than his recent work on the Mustang. He enlarges the grille to take up the entire front end but retains Aston Martin's traditional shape, and the hood receives a power dome with triangular air intakes on each side. In profile, this is still clearly an Aston just sharper and leaner. It's also lowered 0.6 inches and rides on 21-inch wheels. A big change comes at the back where Fisker adds wraparound rear glass and transforms the taillights into thin strips of LEDs. The interior offers a mix of high-end leather and more carbon fiber, plus an 11.6-inch Curved Control Screen from Panasonic.
Unfortunately, even if you have the means and want to buy this Thunderbolt, it's not for sale. However, Galpin Aston Martin is taking limited orders for a tweaked version with a revised front end that includes different intakes on either side of the grille and without the Panasonic infotainment screen.
As designer for the Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage, the Thunderbolt can be thought of as Fisker's return to the British brand, albeit in an unofficial and extremely limited way. Still, it's fascinating to get a glimpse at what the marque's models might look like, if he were still there.
Related Video:
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.
About Henrik Fisker
Henrik Fisker is an entrepreneur and one of the world's leading automotive designers. Previously, Henrik 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 Rocket, BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9 and Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Amongst his latest creations is also the Lauge Jensen Viking motorcycle. 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.
About Galpin Motors
Galpin Motors, home to the world's largest volume Ford dealership for the 25th consecutive year, was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley. Galpin is comprised of a family of quality automobile brands that include Ford, Lincoln, Honda, Mazda, Subaru, Volkswagen, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus and Aston Martin. For additional information on Galpin Motors and Galpin Auto Sports, contact Marketing Manager Jeff Skobin at 818-778-2540/jeff@galpin.com, visit the dealer at 15505 Roscoe Blvd., North Hills, Calif. 91343, like on Facebook at Facebook.com/GalpinMotors or visit www.galpin.com.
About the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
Now in its second decade, the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is among the top automotive events in the world. Always held the second full weekend in March, "Amelia" draws over 300 rare vehicles from collections around the world to The Golf Club of Amelia Island, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for a celebration of the automobile like no other. The 20th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is scheduled for March 13-15, 2015. For more information, visit www.ameliaconcours.org or call 904-636-
0027.
###
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.
About Henrik Fisker
Henrik Fisker is an entrepreneur and one of the world's leading automotive designers. Previously, Henrik 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 Rocket, BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9 and Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Amongst his latest creations is also the Lauge Jensen Viking motorcycle. 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.
About Galpin Motors
Galpin Motors, home to the world's largest volume Ford dealership for the 25th consecutive year, was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley. Galpin is comprised of a family of quality automobile brands that include Ford, Lincoln, Honda, Mazda, Subaru, Volkswagen, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus and Aston Martin. For additional information on Galpin Motors and Galpin Auto Sports, contact Marketing Manager Jeff Skobin at 818-778-2540/jeff@galpin.com, visit the dealer at 15505 Roscoe Blvd., North Hills, Calif. 91343, like on Facebook at Facebook.com/GalpinMotors or visit www.galpin.com.
About the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
Now in its second decade, the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is among the top automotive events in the world. Always held the second full weekend in March, "Amelia" draws over 300 rare vehicles from collections around the world to The Golf Club of Amelia Island, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for a celebration of the automobile like no other. The 20th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is scheduled for March 13-15, 2015. For more information, visit www.ameliaconcours.org or call 904-636-
0027.
###
By Chris Bruce
See also: Rare 1958 Aston to be auctioned in Tennessee, Aston Martin On Ice reminds us how fun winter can be, Aston Martin to keep the faith with V12, manual transmission.