Photo courtesy of Fisker Automotive

A wallet-friendly version of the Fisker Ocean debuted at CES earlier this year. Now, the company is teasing an off-road variant of the model via founder Henrik Fisker's Twitter feed.

With flared fenders, cladding, a shovel out back, a roof rack, and a tire on the hood, the Fisker Ocean is a proper rugged-looking SUV.

Fisker has teased the vehicle as being adventure-ready.Photo courtesy of Fisker Automotive

How capable is it? In truth we really don't know.

The model is powered by an 80-kWh battery and will go around 300 miles on a full charge. All-wheel drive is available on all but the base model.

Much off-roading prowess comes down to the ability of the vehicle's tires and the driver. But hey, if the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, which is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, can be considered off-road ready, why can't the Ocean?

The Fisker Ocean is on sale via the Fisker app and is slated to go into production in mid-2021. It is priced to start at $37,500 before any tax incentives.

 

Fisker recently tweeted, then deleted an image of what appeared to be a truck, named the Fisker Alaska.

Photo courtesy of Henrik Fisker, Twitter

Is a Fisker Alaska electric pickup on the way? All signs point to yes

New Model Nenws

Henrik Fisker may rue the day he "accidentally" tweeted, then quickly deleted, a teaser for what AutomotiveMap can only assume is a forthcoming electric truck. Or, he may not. The CEO of Fisker Inc. is known for his showmanship and the company is facing stiff competition for its new Ocean SUV in an electric vehicle market that is heating up.

What better way to stir up some publicity than "accidentally" tweeting an image of a possible forthcoming product?!

2021 Fisker Ocean SUV EV 2022 Fisker OceanThe Fisker Ocean SUV was recently revealed during CES in Las Vegas.Photo courtesy of Fisker Inc.

Fisker's tweet included a image of what appears to be a slightly different take on the design of the Fisker Ocean SUV with the word "Alaska" across the backside, and the words "Electric pickup truck!"

What the image didn't look like was a pickup truck. Well, at first glance.

Turn up the brightness on your screen and take a closer look to see the differentiation between the cab and bed, as well as beefy tires. Still, it doesn't have traditional pickup styling, if the rendering is to be believed.

It looks like the Fisker Alaska pickup truck would have dimensions more similar to the forthcoming Hyundai Santa Cruz, which the company considers to be more of utility truck than a typical pickup.

As a startup, it's likely that Fisker would be looking for ways to keep costs down while delivering a good product. Because of this, it's probable that any Fisker truck would be built on the same platform as the Fisker Ocean. That could mean that any pickup would be midsize rather than full-size.

In the next three years, the electric pickup truck market is looking to explode with promise. Ford has promised an electric F-150. General Motors is reviving the Hummer brand for an all-electric pickup truck under the GMC nameplate. Rivian, Tesla, and Nikola have all recently thrown their hats in the ring as well.

Photo courtesy of Audi AG

BlackBerry, Amazon team up to create connected, intelligent, and secure vehicles

CES 2020

Most of us have seen the stories about hackers getting into a vehicle and taking over its controls. Some might even call them horror stories. As vehicles become more connected to the internet, their vulnerability increases and so does that of the vehicles' occupants.

BlackBerry is teaming up with internet giant Amazon and its Amazon Web Services business to create a a customizable solution that original equipment manufacturers can use to "future-proof" their vehicles and fleets. BlackBerry says that companies across the transportation spectrum will be able to develop artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) "software-driven use cases with a view to enhancing the overall safety and security of their vehicles."

Karma Automotive Screen Amazon BlackBerryKarma will be the first automaker to use the technology in a vehicle.Photo courtesy of Karma Automotive

This new offering is the first time BlackBerry Cylance's AI and ML technologies have been integrated with BlackBerry QNX solutions, which currently are embedded in more than 150 million cars on the road today. That is an increase of 30 million cars over 2018.

"The world's leading automakers, tier ones, and chip manufacturers continue to seek out BlackBerry's safety-certified and highly-secure software for their next-generation vehicles," said John Chen, Executive Chairman and CEO, BlackBerry. "Together with our customers we will help to ensure that the future of mobility is safe, secure and built on trust."

Automotive brands including Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, KIA, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen use BlackBerry QNX technology in their driver assistance and safety technology, connectivity modules, hands-free systems, and infotainment systems.

BlackBerry QNX solutions also play critical roles in the medical and industrial automation industries.

In vehicles, the BlackBerry QNX solutions portfolio will identify vulnerabilities in software used in automobiles; allow preventative software maintenance over the lifetime of a car; deploy malware-free applications to managed vehicles; provide insights into cybersecurity and operational events on vehicle(s) and complete remediation; ensure the identity of the vehicle's driver is known and trusted in relation to their driving profile; proactively scan the vehicle for signs of trouble or software anomalies before they lead to maintenance issues, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, or accidents; predict, prevent, detect, and remediate advanced malicious threats and malware in the vehicle infotainment system; and provide a secure and reliable foundation for safety-critical applications.

"This solution represents a major milestone in the company's continued efforts to integrate BlackBerry Cylance's innovative prevention-first, predictive security products with our vast range of industry-leading technologies," said Charles Eagan, Chief Technology Officer, BlackBerry. "With the average new car containing more than 100 million lines of code and some of the most complex software ever deployed by automakers, the need for a holistic view into the overall health and security posture of a vehicle's entire code base throughout its full lifecycle is absolutely critical. No one knows security better than us and we now have a transportation-focused framework that the industry can tap to enhance the security, trustworthiness, and safety of connected vehicles, providing peace of mind to drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike."

At CES, the partnership of BlackBerry and Amazon Web Services allowed the tasks done by BlackBerry QNX to be made by combining the "safety and security of BlackBerry's QNX real-time operating system with AWS' Internet of Things (IoT) Services in the cloud and in the car," according to a release. This also allowed BlackBerry to combine all of its offerings into one cloud-based solution.

Automaker Karma (not Fisker, Karma as in Fisker Karma but now Karma Automotive; yes, it's confusing) will be one of the first manufacturers to take advantage of this technology.

"Combining the safety and security of QNX with AWS cloud and edge intelligence has the potential to speed the development of Karma's connected car ecosystem," said Lewis Liu, Vice President, Business Development and Strategy, Karma Automotive. "It shows how Karma's vehicle platform is being used by technologists as a test-bed to prove new innovation, speed product development and ultimately to provide owners with leading cyber-security resources and predictive maintenance information via the latest artificial intelligence applications. The result is enhanced VVIP treatment for our discerning luxury-customer base, and cutting-edge technology that can lead to new business opportunities for Karma beyond pure automotive retail sales."

While many of the ideas and concepts presented at CES seem far off, this one hits a little closer to home with a real possibility for innovation in the modern automotive market.

Photo courtesy of Fisker Inc.

Fisker Ocean all-electric SUV makes official debut, priced at $37,500

CES 2020

The battle to claim the interest of buyers in an emerging electric vehicle market continues to develop and Fisker is showing its hand now with the reveal of the Ocean all-electric SUV.

The size of the new SUV puts it in direct competition with the Tesla Model Y and Kia Niro EV. It is expected that Fisker will officially launch the car in the second half of 2021.

Priced to start at $37,500 before any tax incentives (which could drive the price below $30,000 to start), the Fisker Ocean is a compact SUV that Fisker Inc. is calling it one of the most ecologically conscious vehicles ever produced. It features recycled materials, such as fishing nets, in the SUV's cabin, which also sports vegan components made of 100 percent polycarbonate polyurethane, recycled t-shirts . A Dinamica "eco-suede" is made of recycled polyester and other consumer plastics, features inside the cabin as well as rubber recovered from tire recycling efforts.

 

The company has previously teased that the vehicle will be able to be leased for $379 per month with no long term contract and just $2,999 down. Lessees can choose a one-month, eight-month, 22-month, or years long lease with a 30,000-mile annual limit.

On the outside, the Fisker Ocean is much like a conventional SUV. There's nothing particularly fancy or forward-thinking in terms of exterior design save for the solar roof and rear downward sliding window.

 

Fisker is saying that the SUV will have a 275-300-mile range that can be enhanced with an available range extender. That range comes from a 80 kWh battery pack that is paired with a solar roof in its top trim level, a feature that the company claims could provide 1,000 additional miles of charge over the course of a year.

The SUV will be available in four-wheel drive with one front and one rear electric motor. It can get from zero to 60 mph in a zippy 2.9 seconds.

 

There will be a "small, center high-mounted radar" that resides behind glass and a parametric pattern takes the place of a the traditional grille, allowing on-demand airflow.

The touch of a button will allow for an open-air experience. Fisker will offer available 22-inch wheels.

Fisker Inc. isn't just stopping with one vehicle. They have plans to develop two more vehicles using the same underpinnings as what's in the Ocean.

Fisker is currently accepting reservations for the Ocean via their app. All reservations are refundable, save a $25 fee.

Fiskar to reveal new Ocean all-electric SUV in January

CES 2020

The pictures have been out there for some time. Now, it's time for Fishker to make good on its promises. The company will unveil the 2022 Fisker Ocean at CES in January.

Priced from around $40,000, the SUV features an all-electric powertrain, in a final prototype format.

"The world will get to see the fully engineered vehicle, which rides on a production-ready platform – signaling our intent to get it to market efficiently," said Henrik Fisker, CEO, Fisker Inc.

Fisker AppFisker will sell the SUV direct to consumers via a mobile presence. Photo courtesy of Henrik Fisker, Twitter

The company is calling it one of the most ecologically conscious vehicles ever produced. Fisker Inc. is touting the vehicle's use of recycled materials, such as fishing nets, in the SUV's cabin, which also sports vegan components made of 100 percent polycarbonate polyurethane, recycled t-shirts . A Dinamica "eco-suede" is made of recycled polyester and other consumer plastics, features inside the cabin as well as rubber recovered from tire recycling efforts.

The company will also offer a large head up display for drivers.

Fisker is saying that the SUV will have a 275-300-mile range that can be enhanced with an available range extender. That range comes from a 80 kWh battery pack that is paired with a solar roof in its top trim level, a feature that the company claims could provide 1,000 additional miles of charge over the course of a year.

The SUV will be available in four-wheel drive with one front and one rear electric motor.

There will be a "small, center high-mounted radar" that resides behind glass and a parametric pattern takes the place of a the traditional grille, allowing on-demand airflow.

The touch of a button will allow for an open-air experience. Fisker will offer available 22-inch wheels.

It is slated to have a starting price below $40,000, putting it in direct competition with the Tesla Model Y and Kia Niro EV. It is expected that Fisker will officially launch the car in the second half of 2021.

No dealerships are in the works. Fisker intends to sell its vehicle via a direct-to-consumer e-mobility platform. The company will offer a nationwide concierge service model to address repairs and customer service concerns.

Fisker intends to produce the vehicle in the U.S.

New Fisker Ocean is an eco-conscious SUV looking to make a splash in the EV market

New Model News

It's best to never completely write off Henrik Fisker. The automotive design visionary has had his hand in some of the most beautiful vehicles ever produced - the BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, and Fisker Karma, just to name a few.

The Fisker Karma was the world's first premium plug-in hybrid (PHEV) but it failed to gain traction with its biggest obstacles being the high price tag, lack of charging infrastructure, and alleged corporate mismanagement.

Enter the next chapter of Fisker's life: the Fisker Ocean. Fisker Inc. is calling it one of the most ecologically conscious vehicles ever produced. Fisker, the company, is touting the vehicle's use of recycled materials, such as fishing nets, in the SUV's cabin, which also sports vegan components made of 100 percent polycarbonate polyurethane, recycled t-shirts . A Dinamica "eco-suede" is made of recycled polyester and other consumer plastics, features inside the cabin as well as rubber recovered from tire recycling efforts.

2021 Fisker Ocean 2022 Fisker OceanFisker has released this image of the front end of the new Fisker Ocean SUV.Photo courtesy of Fisker Inc.

The company will also offer a large head up display for drivers.

Fisker is saying that the SUV will have a 275-300-mile range that can be enhanced with an available range extender. That range comes from a 80 kWh battery pack that is paired with a solar roof in its top trim level, a feature that the company claims could provide 1,000 additional miles of charge over the course of a year.

Fisker Ocean solar roofFisker Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker has teased this image of the SUV's solar roof on Twitter.Photo courtesy of Henrik Fisker, Twitter

The SUV will be available in four-wheel drive with one front and one rear electric motor.

There will be a "small, center high-mounted radar" that resides behind glass and a parametric pattern takes the place of a the traditional grille, allowing on-demand airflow.

Fisker Ocean drive mode shifterThis rendering from Henrik Fisker's Twitter timeline shows what appears to be a drive mode selector.Photo courtesy of Henrik Fisker, Twitter

The touch of a button will allow for an open-air experience. Fisker will offer available 22-inch wheels.

It is slated to have a starting price below $40,000, putting it in direct competition with the Tesla Model Y and Kia Niro EV. It is expected that Fisker will officially launch the car in the second half of 2021.

Fisker Ocean California Mode SUV roofFisker has teased a "California Mode" in the Ocean, which would include an open roof.Photo courtesy of Henrik Fisker, Twitter

"Our team set out on a mission to create an affordable EV that's more exciting and emotion-stirring than what the market has been offering," said Henrik Fisker. "We're now excited to be introducing a vehicle that truly reinvents the SUV. At an affordable price point, starting below $40,000, we're delivering a desirable, luxuriously rugged and green vehicle – complete with unique new experiences and technologies – that's accessible to people across the USA and the world."

Fisker Ocean mobile app connectivityFisker will sell the SUV direct to consumers via a mobile presence.Photo courtesy of Henrik Fisker, Twitter

Fisker's app and pricing information will be available November 27. Customers can begin putting down deposits on the vehicle then, though the model will not be officially unveiled until January 4.

No dealerships are in the works. Fisker intends to sell its vehicle via a direct-to-consumer e-mobility platform. The company will offer a nationwide concierge service model to address repairs and customer service concerns.

Fisker intends to produce the vehicle in the U.S.

Ad Placement 300x100
Ad Placement 300x600

CultureMap Emails are Awesome

Automotive Map is moving to Your Test Driver

New website

Big news! Automotive Map has moved to a new site and has changed its name to Your Test Driver. You'll notice the same format, writing style, and content on the new site. That's because Your Test Driver is run by Chris Teague, the former editor of Automotive Map. We hope to see you there for continued coverage of news, reviews, and features from around the automotive industry.

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan AltimaNissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan AltimaThe Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.