2006 Fisker Tramonto: First Look

Motoring Channel Staff - 15/9/2005

The 2006 Fisker Tramonto is a sculpted statement of exotic, two-seat, open-air motoring. Beneath the skin, the engineering excellence of what its base architecture once was - a Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG - remains.

The myriad array of Mercedes-Benz's finest technological innovations, from the power-retractable hardtop to Active Body Control (ABC), remain untouched - as do safety systems, including crumple zones and airbags.

At the same time, the Tramonto has become something much more, and the differences go beyond what meets the eye.

The stance is wide and low. Ground hugging. The lines flow smoothly from start to finish - unbroken in the signature Fisker style. The overall look conveys movement, speed and power, whether the power retractable hardtop is secured for foul-weather driving or stowed for open-air motoring.

Compared to its original platform, the Tramonto is reproportioned with a shorter back end, a longer-looking hood line with a pronounced power dome, and no visual bumpers. It is poised, balanced, sculptured and exotic.

From any angle, the message is uncompromisingly beautiful.

Take a casual glance at the new car's muscular lines. Gaps between body panels are tight and uniform. Aluminium and carbon fibre - materials that befit an exotic sports car - make up the body panels.

The grille design was inspired by highly sophisticated aircraft designs, such as the F/A-22 Raptor. The Fisker Tramonto's stunning front silhouette is similar to this sleek jet aircraft, with the large center opening tying into the fuselage and the two wings expanding from the mouth. Distinctive, indeed.

Interior design is as crucial as the exterior - after all, it is here that driver and machine become one. To bring the Fisker Coachbuild design to life, the small exotic car maker has teamed with Distinctive Industries, the American-based leather interior experts.

All seat and fascia surfaces are expertly hand trimmed and hand stitched, in a selection of super-premium, soft yet durable Italian leathers.

Milled aluminium highlights the center console, and aluminium details accent the switch gear - joining with leather to form the strong Fisker logo bars on the gear shift knob. The multifunction steering wheel is a Fisker original, with built-in sound system controls.

"There is a unique sense of intimacy with the interior design through the use of natural materials," expresses Henrik Fisker, CEO of Fisker Coachbuild. "Close attention to detail ensures a high quality fit, finish and feel."

The cabin experience is rounded out with such technical niceties as the standard Comand system with DVD navigation, and the digital Bose Cabin Surround sound system.

This audio tour de force features multichannel architecture, utilising eight speakers and 5.1-channel Bose Centerpoint signal processing to generate a 360º field of sound. And Bose AudioPilot digitally compensates for unwanted ambient noise, to maintain clarity with no perceptible change in volume.

The Fisker Tramonto is powered by a Mercedes V8 engine complete with lag-free forced induction via a supercharger. Handcrafted by a dedicated AMG technician, a 5.5-litre 24-valve V8 features forged aluminium piston, precision-balanced crankshaft and ultra-efficient liquid-to-air intercooler delivering 362kW (493hp) and a 0-96km/h in 4.5 seconds.

For those who crave even more, the Performance Plus package is also available. Fisker Coachbuild has teamed with Kleemann, the world's leader in Kompressor (supercharger) technology for Mercedes-Benz, to create the Fisker/Kleemann 449kW (610hp) supercharged 5.5-litre V8 with a 0-96km/h (0-60mph) sprint in just 3.6 seconds.

The performance starts with custom-made ECU program, redesigned pulley wheel and Super Sport Camshafts, to maximise engine output. Enlarged stainless steel tubular exhaust headers, down pipes and 70mm dual exhaust system with four steel cats allow for freer breathing - a system which is further enhanced with Kleemann 120-cell metal catalysts for maximum performance gain.

All of these modifications result in rewards that range from the concrete to the visceral. The supercharged engine produces over 880Nm (650 lb-ft) of torque, delivering smooth power throughout the entire operating range. And while it cannot be quantified, the music of the Fisker/Kleemann engine produces some strong feelings of its own.

Power delivery is controlled through a 5-speed AMG SpeedShift transmission, with Fisker-modified aluminium paddle-shift controls for manual-style shifting. "This is one of the most technically advanced powerplants ever undertaken by Mercedes-Benz with AMG-enhanced dynamics," notes Bernhard Koehler, the CEO of Fisker Coachbuild. "We wanted to offer a little something more to those that may just have to have it."

A class-leading suspension and braking system are absolutely essential for something so powerful, so the independent suspension is 4-link in the front, 5-arm multilink in the rear setup, optimised with an AMG-enhanced version of Active Body Control (ABC) that continually adjusts each wheel's suspension in response to road conditions and driving style.

Electronic Stability Control (ESP) imparts even greater levels of handling confidence. Rack-and-pinion steering features vehicle-speed sensitive power assist with integrated hydraulic damper.

Stopping power is provided by standard AMG-enhanced 4-circuit electrohydraulic brakes, or by the Kleemann High-Performance Brake system as part of the Fisker Performance Plus Package. The Kleemann system represents a major advance in brake technology, setting new standards for response, fade resistance, stability and long-term endurance.

Massive disc pads provide nearly 85% greater area compared to other high-performance pads, and an innovative design allows for very high and consistent friction coefficients during deceleration, regardless of weather.

The Kleemann High Performance Brake system features fully floating, directional, ventilated front discs front and rear. 380mm, 8-piston calipers front; 330mm, 4-piston calipers rear. The system is fully compatible with Mercedes-Benz Sensotronic Brake Control, Anti-lock Braking System and Brake Assist.

The Fisker Tramonto boasts high-style, lightweight alloy five-spoke, three piece 20-inch wheels with high-performance tyres. And if you have to ask how much the new Tramonto supercar is, you probably can't afford it...