Friday, August 28, 2009

Fisker Karma Hybrid Automotive Data



Via: Wiki

The Fisker-Karma is a plug-in hybrid luxury sports sedan revealed on 14 January 2008 and manufactured by Fisker Automotive, a joint venture of Quantum Technologies[2] and Fisker-Coachbuild, LLC, announced 5 September 2007 and to be sold in the summer of 2009, manufacturing in this year fall, and delivering cars in early-mid 2010. The Karma was introduced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
The PHEV-50, 50-mile (80 km) all-electric range, is anticipated in late 2009 to sell for US$ 80,000.
The Fisker-Karma is the first vehicle released by the Fisker-Automotive Company. The Karma features the Q-Drive technology and is powered by a innovative petrol engine/electric motors combination; Q-Drive is a series hybrid system meaning that the engine is mated with a generator to provide an electrical connection to the motors and also recharge the batteries and as such the electric motors are the only mechanical driving force connected to the wheels. As a factory option the Karma can be fitted with a solar paneled roof not only to aid in the recharging of its Lithium-Ion batteries but also to aid the cabin climate control system. The solar roof is capable of a half kilowatt-hour a day and is estimated to provide up to 4 to 5 miles (6.4–8.0 km) of additional range a week assuming continuously sunny days. Additionally, the car will offer a set of solar panels for the garage/house which may charge the Karma entirely 'off the grid'.
Although Fisker-Automotive has yet to release solid statistics regarding Karma’s fuel economy, the company estimates the average driver will only have to refill the fuel tank annually provided they do not drive more than 50 miles (80 km) a day. Fisker-Automotive have also suggested that when in 'sport-hybrid' mode the Karma will be capable of doing 100 miles a gallon (2.35 l/100 km) of fuel consumed for a range of 300 miles (480 km). Despite its eco-friendly background the Karma features a 125 mph (201 km/h) top speed and is capable of reaching 60 mph (97 km/h) from a standstill in 5.8 seconds.

Production and delivery

The Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat reported that Fisker-Automotive and Valmet Automotive had reached an early agreement to manufacture the cars in Uusikaupunki, Finland. The Valmet factory located there currently produces Porsche Boxster and Cayman models (until 2012), and has previously produced various Saab models as well as some other cars. On 13 November 2008, the final assembly contract was signed by both parties.
Fisker-Automotive is accepting pre-orders and intends to sell its Karma PHEV by the fourth quarter of 2009 in the US. Base sticker is $87,900.
Fisker-Automotive received 800 orders for Karma in Europe. Sales of the Karma in Europe are expected to begin in 2009, where it eventually plans to sell more than half of the units of its debut car.
Fisker-Automotive also announced the creation of a 34,000-square-foot (3,200 m2) research and design center in Pontiac, Michigan.

Official Website of the Fisker Karma.

2010 Fisker Karma Video


From the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, Cars.com's Joe Wiesenfelder takes a first look at the 2010 Fisker Karma. Shot and produced by: Lindsay Bjerregaard and Eric Rossi Edited by: Matthew Avery