Announced back in November 2007, the Karma Concept was unveiled at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show. The
four-door plug-in hybrid premium sports sedan will go on sale in the 4th quarter of 2009, with a starting price of $80,000, and will be produced in 15,000 units per year.
The Karma adopts a plug-in hybrid technology - named Q DRIVE - developed by Quantum Technologies, which will serve as a basis for all future models from Fisker.
Among the technical highlights are the regenerative brakes that recapture braking energy.
The 0-60 mph sprint takes less than 6 seconds and thanks to the electric drive the maximum torque is available from 0 mph with a dramatic acceleration to its top speed, which is claimed to be higher than 125 mph.
The exterior desig of the Karma Concept was created from the ground
up: it features a continual flow of sculpture and
dramatic proportions.
Similar in height to the Porsche 911, the length of the Mercedes Benz CLS, and the width of a BMW 7-series, the Fisker Karma's structure and body panels will make extensive use of aluminum to keep the overall vehicle weight as low as possible.
Additionally, a new drive train configuration will provide optimal weight distribution.
The vehicle's low and wide stance offers the driver a unique view of the fenders from the inside of the car, once again taking the vehicles design beyond traditional boundaries.
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The Fisker Karma was developed using the traditional design process of sketching & clay models, as well as the latest digital tools for high efficiency and fast development.
Its sleek design accentuates the long hood, a direct result of the breakthrough all-new from the ground up chassis design with powertrain development.
This unique design places the battery pack at the center of the vehicle between the two axles, providing optimal vehicle driving dynamics, maximum safety, and proportionate design. Both the interior and exterior of the car will be put to market as seen at the NAIAS.
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According to Fisker Automotive, Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker, "While driving eco-friendly cars is important to today's consumer, they don't want to sacrifice the luxury and comfort they are accustomed to. By designing around the technology and the driver to deliver a car with comfort, convenience and great design we believe we have created a vehicle that will satisfy the consumer demand."
The luxurious interior features four individual first class seats and a spacious luggage capacity that can fit two golf bags and luggage in the trunk.
The Q DRIVE configuration consists of a small gasoline engine that turns the generator, which charges the lithium ion battery pack, powering the electric motor and driving the rear wheels.
Consumers can drive the car emission free for up to 50 miles a day provided the car is charged every evening. "It's conceivable that if consumers follow this daily routine, they will only need to fuel the car but once a year."
The Karma's luxurious interior boasts four individual first class seats, modern and
sophisticated interior design and a surprisingly spacious luggage capacity that can fit
two golf bags and luggage in the trunk.
The Fisker Karma will offer partly self-contained climate control, as consumers will have the option to purchase a full length solar roof that will help charge the car and provide cooling for the interior cabin while the car is parked.
Additionally, Fisker Automotive will offer consumers an option to purchase a set of solar panels for their roofs or garages where they can generate electricity during the day to charge the car overnight.
(Source: Fisker Automotive)
