How one of the most legendary car designers is making a comeback
Fisker has played an integral role in the auto industry. He was involved in the initial design phase of the Tesla Model S, later breaking off to design the Fisker Karma - a $100,000 luxury electric sedan. He's gone toe-to-toe with both Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Aston Martin over separate lawsuits - and won both times.
But when his company Fisker Automotive, the one responsible for the Karma, went bankrupt in 2011, it left many wondering what Fisker's next big move would be.
And that's where the Force 1 comes in, Fisker's brand new car project. But the designer isn't just stopping at cars this time around - Fisker is dipping his toe in yacht design, teaching, and even a television show.
Here's what he had to say about what's to come.
Creating the 'ultimate American supercar'
Fisker's Force 1 is a $229,000 high-speed beauty. It can reach a top speed of 200 miles per hour and accelerate to 60 miles per hour in just under 4 seconds.
Perhaps most importantly when considering Fisker's involvement, the Force 1 is a far cry from electric. "More than half the car" is dedicated to a massive V10 engine, Fisker told Tech Insider.
"We wanted to create the ultimate American supercar," Fisker explained in a call while driving in Irvine, California. "I think creating an American supercar is special because we are used to all the European supercars and there isn't a true American supercar."
So why step away from electric? Well, as Fisker puts it, sometimes you just want something different.
"Just like food you may want to eat something healthy like a salad on some days, and once in a while you may want to have a steak or a big slice of apple pie and ice cream," he said. "The Force 1 is the big steak with apple pie and ice cream all in one."
But that doesn't mean Fisker wouldn't explore an electric car in the future. "I definitely do not want to put myself exclusively in one bucket," he added.
What Fisker does hope to do is produce exclusive and unique cars people can get excited about.
The Force 1 is being produced by Detroit-based VLF Automotive that is headed by three people, one of them being Fisker, hence the F in the name. The V stands for Gilbert Villarreal, an engineer, and the L is for Bob Lutz, the former vice chairman of product development for General Motors who held stints at other major car companies like BMW.
"Where we can stand out is, in driving a Force 1, we can always guarantee you'll be the only guy there with that car," Fisker explained. "That's something that brings it back to the days where you drove a Lamborghini and no one else had one. It's not as special anymore."
"We can come in and be that company that gives you exclusivity and uniqueness," he continued.
To give VLF cars that exclusive guarantee, the company will only produce a maximum of 50 of whatever car it is working on at a time. Keeping a low-production run also comes with its own design perks, Fisker explained. Each Force 1 will have unique head and tail lamps and their own distinct character.
But sticking to a limited production run poses its own challenges.
"It's always a challenge when you try to do something in low volume," he said. "You have to really convince suppliers to work with you."
There's also a matter of competition. Fisker noted that "Pretty much all of the European sport cars" in the $200,000 to $400,000 range could be seen as competitors to VLF Automotive. But he said he thinks making unique, American sports cars gives VLF a good chance of thriving.
'A yacht is always exciting'
Fisker decided to bring his design skills to yachts over "a nice glass of rosé" with representatives from superyacht builder Benetti.
"We were talking about yachts and how you use them and how they're designed and Benetti was looking for someone to come in and think out of the box," Fisker said. "I got enticed by the idea... yes it's on the ocean and doesn't have wheels, but I found it intriguing and exciting to do and it's been an amazing experience."
Renderings of the yacht won't be released until the Singapore Yacht Show in early April, but the current design includes three levels that can accommodate parties of more than 12 people, Fisker explained.
Early plans for the superyacht line draw design features from Fisker's previous and current work. He plans on using visible carbon fiber, which is what makes up the body of the Force 1. He also wants to include solar panels that he notes he "pioneered with [the] Karma on the roof."
Refined wood and a new radar system that will allow for a sleeker design on the top of the boat are also parts of Fisker's current design plan.
But, naturally, it wouldn't be a Fisker creation without some luxurious touches (after all, the Force 1 comes with its own champagne holder). The yacht will also feature an oversized Jacuzzi and movie screening room.
Looking forward
Fisker's ambitions for the future extend beyond design. He has agreed to teach a two-day course for executives at UCLA in May and is about to start filming a new television show.
The program at UCLA will teach executives about leadership and design and the best way to foster creativity in employees.
Meanwhile, his show could turn into the "Chopped" of car design. Fisker notes a budget and network are lined up but declined to disclose anymore details about the show.
"That's sort of slowly in the works and hopefully we do some filming this year and create something about design, but also a competition in it as well, maybe selecting the future superstar car designer," he explained.