Good Karma? Fisker Karma @ 2009 NAIAS

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Fisker Automotive will unveil the production version of its Karma plug-in hybrid sports car at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, the company has announced. The car has only "minor design enhancements" from the concept that made its debut one year ago.

This is the first production vehicle from the California-based company. Fisker has already said that its initial production run has been sold out and new orders can't be taken until mid-2010.

The Fisker Karma will start delivery to the initial buyer list in November 2009. The car is priced at $87,900.

The Karma has Fisker's "Q-Drive" powertrain with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a lithium-ion battery pack. It's a setup that gives the car a range of 50 miles on electricity alone and then calls on a gasoline engine with a generator that charges the lithium-ion battery. Fisker says "most" Karma drivers who plan to charge the vehicle overnight and drive less than 50 miles per day will get a whopping 100 mpg in fuel economy, averaged over a year. Top speed is 125 mph.

Powertrain-related physical attributes of the Karma are an enlarged lower air intake and diffuser in front, with a cooling cover for the electric drivetrain, an exhaust pipe routed directly behind the front wheels and a functional side vent to release hot air. The Karma is built on an all-aluminum spaceframe and has aluminum and composite body panels.

There's also a glass solar roof panel with a splayed solar cell array that converts the power into stored electric energy to increase driving range.

The interior seats four, but other than calling it "a luxurious tailored space," Fisker has revealed few details prior to the Detroit show unveiling.

The Karma will be built by Valmet Automotive in Finland, and Fisker plans to build 15,000 per year.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Fisker
• Karma
• 2009
• NAIAS
• Detroit
• Auto
• Show
• Edmunds
• Inside
• Line
• gas
• electric
• hybrid

[esteem2]

It's fast enough AND I think you'll make more of an impact pulling up in a Fisker Karma than a Honda. I've had 5 japanese motorcycles in my life. I used to go 172 miles all of the time, so I like a rush. I've had a vette convertible, I've had a M6 convertible, etc., my point is rarely did I ever use the power in those cars. I got more of a hard on being recognized when I valet my cars at the restaurants. Horsepower is over rated

[mtooshort20]

why not? 400hp is 400hp, plus its electric so its instant, not like a V8 that has to build RPMs and only peaks at max power for a short time. so what's not to like?

[Comicguyable]

perfect car best of both worlds

[chrisrosell9002]

NO LO LEAS NO LO LEAS!!NO LEAS ESTO!!SI LO AS LEIDO COPIA Y PEGA ESTO EN 5 VIDEOS MAS SI NO LO HACES TU MADRE MORIRA EN 3 DIAS POR FAVOR HACEME CASO ES UNA MALDICIO

[dimak444]

sex machine

[luckyceltic69]

Wow, people are stupid commenting on last generation cars having more power. Thats not the point here. They want to make a sexy beautiful exotic looking car with an environment friendly vibe. Its not meant to pull up and race another sports car. GET THE POINT!

[Framboiseman]

@Clemsonandcubsfan1

Yo, that's so exotic, man, word life son!

[Clemsonandcubsfan1]

my dad is probaly buy this car or tessla

[HeadTater]

With as many steps that are involved, such a method is very efficient. That is why hybrid get better fuel economy. The gas engine won't have to work as hard and can keep a more even pace. This increases efficiency. Besides, like the Chevy Volt, the Karma runs on battery power to begin with.

[Wormtail81]

It only has one gear, so it takes 6 seconds or so to get to 60 and tops out at 125.

[ahusain06]

960 torques at the rear wheels seems like a pretty sufficient amount of pull

[UrbexNW]

It's basically an electric car with a generator in tow. You're going from gas to mechancial to mechanical to electrical to electrical back to mechanical. I'm not sure how efficient that is when you're just cruising along a long stretch of road.