2010 Fisker Karma

Fisker Karma
Fisker Karma
Privately owned carmaker Fisker Coachbuild unveiled its first production-ready model at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The 2010 Fisker Karma promises high levels of luxury and spirited performance--all while producing nearly zero exhaust emissions.

The 2010 Fisker Karma is a 4-door gas/electric hybrid sedan that uses a lithium-ion battery pack powering an electric motor, which drives the rear wheels. Plug-in charging is required, though a small gasoline engine can charge the batteries as well. The gasoline engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower on its own. If that sounds familiar, it's the same engine that's used in the Chevrolet Cobalt SS and Pontiac Solstice GXP. Total output is 400 horsepower when combined with the electric motor.

The company calls the gas/electric powertrain "Q DRIVE." It features two modes: Stealth Drive and Sport Drive. Stealth Drive is designed for maximum efficiency and quietness. Sport Drive allows the car to run in an all-out performance capability. As such, officials claim the 2010 Karma can accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than six seconds and achieve a top speed of 125 mph.

Extensive use of aluminum during construction helps lower the car's curb weight. Company officials claim the Karma has an all-electric range of 50 miles, adding that if owners don't drive that much, they would only need to refill the gas tank about once per year.

CG Says...
Karma looks good, and the technology behind its nearly gasoline-free driving experience appears to be sound. Fisker also recently received a substantial cash infusion from a group of venture capitalists. It seems as if this project will truly get off the ground. It's definitely not without risk, though, as even a small technical glitch could potentially cost tens of millions of dollars to fix, thus driving the company into a quick bankruptcy. We hope all goes well for Fisker because the Karma could represent a big step forward toward changing the way the public drives.
As Fisker is pitching the 2010 Karma as a luxury sedan, it has many expected touches as standard equipment, including a navigation system and DVD entertainment. An optional solar panel roof provides some climate-control function by keeping the cabin cool on hot, sunny days. The panel is also capable of charging the batteries.

Deliveries of the 2010 Fisker Karma are slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2009. The first 99 cars will be numbered and signed by company founder Henrik Fisker and decked out in the same color and trim as the vehicle shown at the Detroit Auto Show. The 2010 Karma starts at $87,900 with the optional solar roof, and the company expects to produce 15,000 units annually.

The company also displayed a concept that it hopes to put into production by 2011. The Karma S is a 2-door, four-passenger convertible that has a power-retractable hardtop. It features the same Q DRIVE system as the sedan. No word on pricing, but it certainly will be more expensive than the sedan.

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