LexFather

The Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid will cost $87,900 and start delivery in November next year

California’s Fisker Automotive has confirmed today that its upcoming Karma plug-in hybrid will be shown for the first time in full production trim at next month’s Detroit Auto Show. With only minor design enhancements made to the exterior of the original concept, the production Karma, seen here for the first time, retains the extreme proportions and sculptured look of the show car.

"We are very excited to be bringing the Fisker Karma back to NAIAS," said Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker. "In the year since we debuted the Karma, the reception we've received has been tremendous. I'm proud to announce at this time that we are already sold out on the car until mid-2010." With a base price of $87,900, the environmentally friendly luxury saloon is scheduled to begin delivery in November next year.

Featuring a proprietary ‘Q-Drive’ powertrain, the Karma will have an all-electric range of 50 miles (80km). After the all-electric 50 miles, a petrol-powered GM Ecotec engine turns a generator to charge a lithium-ion battery. There is also a roof-mounted solar panel for additional charge capacity. With this balance of electric and petrol driving, Fisker estimates that most Karma drivers who charge the vehicle overnight and commute less than 50 miles per day will be able to achieve an average fuel economy of 100 mpg (2.4L/100km) per year.

Drive comes from two electric motors with a combined output of 408hp (300kW), which is enough to send the vehicle to a top speed of 125mph and push it from 0-60mph in just 5.8 seconds.

The production model will feature a revised upper grill that is slightly larger towards the outer corners. The lower air intake has also been enlarged to allow for more airflow and underneath the rear bumper, an aerodynamic diffuser includes the integration of a cooling cover for the electric drivetrain.

To optimize cooling and aerodynamics, the exhaust pipe from the petrol engine is routed directly out behind the front wheels. A small functional side vent will release the hot air when the engine is turned on. The production Karma also features a complete flush B-pillar.

Underneath the Karma is an all aluminum spaceframe made in cooperation with Norsk Hydro. The exterior body is a combination of aluminum panels and composite panels.

The Karma will be assembled by Valmet in Finland. Yearly volume is anticipated to reach 15,000 cars per year, with half of these expected to be sold in Europe.

ffpowerLN

iTrader: (1)

One of the best, if not the best, looking 4-door coupe.

farquad

see, it can't possibly be that hard to make a good looking car
i've never heard of fisker before, looks good

SoCalSC4

Hopefully this venture will go better than the practically stillborn Tramonto and Latigo projects.

Plans were to built 150 of each car. They built about 15 Tramontos and 5 Latigos, so that went well...

muhbuhtuh

that car is nice and everything but 50 miles doesnt sound too appealing to me. unless im reading it wrong

G Star

iTrader: (2)

haha forget all of you guys, this is the perfect opportunity to own the hottest 4 door sports sedan. If everything is right by the time the car is out, I will be down for one!

ren495

This is the type of car Lexus should be making.

My next car will probably be the Fisker Karma or the Tesla Model S

nabbun

fisker baby. i wish i had money to have one of his babies in my stable

Gojirra99

Not bad, but the Aston Rapide still looks the best.

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

Better get on the waiting list now then...

GFerg

Sounds great and looks awesome!! Hope the build quality is up to par.

JHStrange

I'm at a loss to understand how they can produce it in the time frame and cost they project, "With a base price of $87,900" Think about the prices of other 4 door cars in that range, Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, Cadillac, etc. etc.

Are there federal exemptions, based on low volume, for safety and other regulations that would enable them to design it simplier? Where is it being constructed/assembled? When compared to other mass market cars in that price range, what is it about their business model that enables them to do this?

Is it a case that mass production tooling doesn't reduce the cost but just enables a higher volume?

It's certainly a striking car and will have an impact on thinking about car production.

Mbenz528i

I absolutely love this car. From the moment I saw it, I thought it was the best 4 door car I have ever seen, until the AM Rapide that is. However, for the price and the efficiency of 50miles to the charge before it starts to use gas, I want one and just might put a deposit down for it! (Gotta talk to the wife first though!)

Stage3

iTrader: (3)

That's one fine looking vehicle...

robloc93

I love how the solar panels look on the roof,heres a better pic: