Frankfurt: Wagon version of Fisker Karma electric shown

Fisker today unveiled in Frankfurt the Surf, a striking wagon version of its soon-to-be-on-sale Karma extended-range electric sedan.

"With the Surf, Fisker has created a unique cross between a luxury sports car and a station wagon," said a statement from Henrik Fisker, CEO and chief designer for Fisker Automotive. He is a former designer for Aston Martin.

The name is a nod to the company's California base, but the sport wagon -- "shooting brake" in Eurospeak -- will be made in Finland alongside the sedan. The company says it is beginning to deliver the sedan to customers who pre-ordered. It says the Surf should go on sale next summer.

Fisker eventually plans to make them also at the converted General Motors plant it bought in Delaware to make a planned new model less expensive than the about $96,000-to-start sedan and more expensive, but price not announced, Surf.

The powertrain is the same as the Karma: a 260-horsepower, turbocharged 2-liter gas engine sourced from GM to drive a generator and extend range when the 20 kWh battery is depleted. A Sport mode turns on full power from the two electric motors for a 5.9-second 0-60 time. Eco-friendly Stealth mode conserves power for a 50-mile electric-only range, says the company. Charging is 14 hours on 110 volts; six on 220.

Unique to the wagon, in addition to fifth door and cargo bay, is an optional solar panel on the roof that not only creates power, but also is a translucent roof.

And in keeping with the green theme, Fisker says the wood trim is made only from salvaged dead trees and the leather upholstery comes from a special eco-friendly tannery in Scotland.