Fisker and Panasonic Automotive joined forces to create the Pulse Premium sound system. It'll be installed on the all-electric Ocean. Their partnership isn't an absolute novelty. The two brands worked together before on this front. What's different now is that the midsize crossover SUV gets a renewed iteration of the tried and tested ELS Studio 3D. Here's the gist of it.
If you don't like the Chevy Bolt, Tesla Model Y, the Volvo C40 Recharge, Hyundai Ioniq 5, the VW ID.4, the Kia EV6, or the Ford Mustang Mach-E, then the Fisker Ocean might be something that could look good in your driveway.
Sadly, there aren't more viable options available when writing. The market will eventually get filled with EVs boasting improved ground clearance. But until Acura, Honda, Alfa Romeo, Chevy, Cadillac, and others get their act together, Fisker has a shot at becoming a serious industry player. However, it must move fast because the window is closing soon. Legacy automakers might still be outsiders, but they're not waiting around.
Henrik Fisker's previous experience at Fisker Automotive, which failed because the Karma plug-in hybrid sedan wasn't what its creators thought it would be, allows the designer-turned-CEO to make the right moves today. The deal with Panasonic is one of them.
A car is more than a skateboard chassis and a motor or two. That becomes evident when you plan on asking over $50,000 before tax. You may have to deal with audiophiles or people who love listening to music that sounds beautiful. Some customers prefer to buy the entry-level car, which, in this case, would be Ocean Sport, and then add the options they think will make it better. A premium sound system can definitely enhance the ownership experience.
Panasonic provides a top-level audio system that can transform any song into an immersive listening experience. It's probably why Fisker chose the ELS Studio 3D in the first place. The recently announced collaboration isn't the brands' first rodeo. It's also worth noting that Acura uses too on some of its models.
Photo: Fisker
However, the Ocean now gets the newest version of the system. Both Fisker and Panasonic claim this one can offer "best-in-class audio performance with sustainability-focused design." The automaker prides itself on manufacturing "the world's most sustainable vehicle," which comprises over 100 lb of recycled and bio-based materials.
Panasonic also claims that its sound system features neodymium that reduces the overall weight of a speaker and the energy consumption by up to 60%.
The refreshed 575-watt ELS Studio 3D has:
three speakers along the instrument panel meant to accentuate vocals and instruments;
four speakers in the headliner that should fill the cabin with lively sound;
four slightly larger carbon fiber woofers for low-distortion bass;
a subwoofer that provides that deep, vibrating sound which brings music to life.
There should be three more speakers, but Panasonic doesn't share their location. In total, the system is made of 15 speakers and a 19-liter (0.67 cu-ft) subwoofer enclosure. Interestingly enough, Fisker's ELS Studio 3D is less powerful than the 710-watt one found on certain Acura models.
This revision also gives us a sneak peek at the new infotainment system. When in portrait mode, the driver can access more information and various new shortcuts. It could be made available to existing owners soon via an OTA update.
Panasonic's ELS Studio 3D is standard on the Fisker Ocean Extreme but can be optioned on lesser versions of the all-electric crossover SUV.
The Ocean is manufactured by Magna Steyr in Austria, Europe. Fisker plans to move part of the production to the US, but that depends on a deal with iPhone maker Foxconn.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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