Fisker Karma Hybrid Sports Car Rollout

Fisker Automotive plans to start delivering its Karma plug-in hybrid sedan in late 2009. The Karma made its public debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show and the company has already received over 500 orders for the four-door, luxury hybrid sedan.

The Karma features Q-Drive, a plug-in electric hybrid drive system provided by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker. That's no surprise since Fisker Automotive is a joint venture between Fisker Coachbuild and Quantum. Southern California-based Fisker Coachbuild is noted for its handcrafted, exotic, high-end performance sports cars like its current limited edition Tramonto and Latigo CS. Henrik Fisker has also designed such luxury sports cars as the BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9, and Aston Martin V-8 Vantage.

Q-Drive is a series hybrid that uses a small gasoline engine to drive a generator, which in turn charges the car's battery pack. This energy powers the electric motor driving the rear wheels. Regenerative braking also helps keep batteries charged. The car's batteries were developed by Quantum's strategic alliance partner, Advanced Lithium Power Ltd. Details about Q-Drive's gasoline engine and electric drive motor are undisclosed.

With an emissions-free, all-electric range of up to 50 miles, many Karma owners could get by with filling the fuel tank but once a year. Charging can be done overnight from a 110 volt household source. Fisker Automotive will offer optional solar panels for roofs or garages to help facilitate daytime battery recharging. The battery is expected to have a greater than 10 year life.

The premium sports sedan can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than six seconds. Speed is capped at 95 mph when driving in electric-only 'Stealth Drive' mode. A driver can use a paddle behind the steering wheel to switch to 'Sport Drive,' which provides full power and enables a continuous top speed of 125 mph.

About as tall as a Porsche 911 and as long as a Mercedes Benz CLS, the Karma's structure and body panels make extensive use of aluminum to keep overall vehicle weight low for optimal driving dynamics. It rides on 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels. The drivetrain configuration places the battery pack at the center between the two axles to help achieve optimal weight distribution and a low center of gravity.

From the driver's seat, the car's low and wide stance offers a unique view of the fenders from inside the car. The Karma's luxurious interior features four individual first class seats, sophisticated interior design, and a spacious trunk with room for two golf bags and luggage. Electronics includes a navigation system, DVD system integrated into the seat backs, and state-of-the-art pushbutton controls. Buyers can opt for a climate control system with a full-length solar roof to provide interior cooling while the car is parked.

Three Fisker Karma prototypes have been built and are currently undergoing track testing in Southern California. Fine tuning of the battery software management system is also underway and Fisker Automotive is working on crash test simulation. Further validation and certification will be performed over the coming months.

Fisker says it will reach a full production of 1,250 vehicles per month by the end of 2010, for an annual production of 15,000 Karmas. It plans to allocate more than 50 percent for European sales starting in 2010. All retailers will be housed in eco-friendly facilities and offer consumers a unique personal approach, including the ability to ask questions via video conferencing with an expert at Fisker Automotive headquarters.

Beyond the $80,000 Karma, Fisker plans to use Q-Drive technology in other models including lower priced cars with price tags around $40,000.