Henrik Fisker is one of our generations great designers. His pen has been used at Aston Martin for the DB9 and the V8 Vantage, he created the Fisker Karma, and he even designed the wild Mustang Rocket that debuted a few months ago. Now the man has turned his considerable talents once again to Aston Martin to create a one-off design study. Dubbed the Tunderbolt, this luxurious GT is built on the bones of the Aston Martin Vanquish, but it adds a full custom carbon fiber body and bespoke interior to the mix.
In true Fisker style, the exterior of the new car is easily one of the most beautiful and stunning pieces of design in years, and the interior spares no expense to create a cabin that is luxurious and futuristic in every detail. One of the most dominant visual touches is the inclusion of a skeleton chronograph in the dash. Much like many modern watches, rather than a simple timepiece face, the Thunderbolt has a sectionally cut casing that allows for viewing of the inner workings of the clock.
The car itself is not endorsed by Aston Martin, and there are no plans to produce the car, but Fisker is quick to point out that if the demand is there, it could be possible to have a new Vanquish converted over to a Thunderbolt, albeit with a few minor alterations as some of the pieces used in the show car are prototype electronics.
You can read the full press release below.
Press Release
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/[email protected], 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.
