U.S. based Fisker Automotive, Inc., unveiled their first production four-door plug-in hybrid premium sports sedan dubbed the Fisker Karma at the Detroit Auto Show 2008.
The first Fisker Karma cars will ship in the 4th Quarter of 2009 and have a price-tag of $80,000.
The Fisker Karma features plug-in hybrid technology, dubbed as Q DRIVE,
developed by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive.
The Karma's 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 turning the rear wheels. This proprietary design allows consumers to drive the
car emissions free for up to 50 miles a day provided the car is charged every evening.
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.
The Karma will offer self-contained climate control, as you 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.
You race to 60mph in less than 6 seconds and the top speed is beyond 125mph.
Fisker Automotive also announced that the company has received a second round of venture capital funding from Kleiner Perkins
Caufield & Byers. The multi-million dollar investment builds on the
original venture capital funding from Palo Alto Investors.
About Fisker Motors:
Fisker Automotive is a privately owned car company with Henrik Fisker serving as
the CEO. Fisker Coachbuild, LLC will be the exclusive design house for Fisker
Automotive through the entire range of product development. Additional executive
team members include Vic Doolan, Board Member FA & Director of Retail
Development; Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum Technologies & Board Member
FA; Bernhard Koehler, COO; Thomas Fritz, Director of Engineering; and production
design by Alex Klatt, formerly of BMW and Mark Clarke formerly of Porsche.
Via the Fisker site.
