2009 Fisker Karma luxury plug-in saloon
January 13, 2009 by George Skentzos
Fisker Automotive has today unveiled its first ever production car, the Fisker Karma, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
The four-door plug-in hybrid premium sports sedan is the first of its kind in the world, with prices starting from $80,000 in the United States.
It uses a hybrid system known as Q DRIVE which was developed specifically for Fisker Automotives, combining a small petrol engine that charges a lithium ion battery pack which powers an electric motor – much like the Chevrolet Volt.
This design allows the Karma to travel up to 80km on battery power alone before the petrol engine kicks in, provided the car is completely charged every evening – which for some drivers may mean almost never having to visit the petrol pump again.
“Our goal here is to deliver the advancement that Quantum Technologies has made in the area of plug-in hybrid technology. By combining our efforts with the renowned design talent of Henrik Fisker, we can produce cars that make a difference to the environment — without sacrificing the luxury that accompanies the finest automobiles,” stated Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum Technologies.
It has been designed as an eco-friendly alternative to the European luxury saloons, encouraging environmentally-conscious celebrities out of the poverty-pack Prius’ and into something more suited to their tastes.
Inside, electricity-draining features haven’t been deleted with the Karma boasting sat-nav, LED tail lamps, passenger DVD entertainment system and state-of-the-art push button controls.
The driver will be able to select two driving modes, the first being “Stealth Mode” which delivers quiet economy for relaxed and efficient driving, whilst “Sport Drive” offers the full power of the electric motor.
Performance is adequate, launching from zero to 100km/h in just over six seconds and on to a top speed of 201km/h on a wave of continuous torque.
Also on hand to help charge the battery is a regenerative brake energy system as well as a solar panel roof which also acts as a self-contained climate control system to keep the car cool.
Print it: 
This is the start of a revolution. The auto-manufacturing giants will only encounter more competition as new companies enter electric car manufacturing.
Top effort. Bring it on!
Oh the future looks gooooddd!!
that is one hot car
Now that is one.. aston martin looking car. Top effort though!
Sorry I meant Maserati
This is beautiful, I’m excited to see what else the future brings. Nice one!
Steve
Has it got flappy paddals or a manual tranny?
@The Slaesman – Probably none, it’s an electric motor, they don’t really need variable ratios to keep the motor in the torque band, since peak torque is available at 0rpm
and the low top speed indicates no gears too
At last the message gets through. An electric car needs to look like a car!!! Not some futuristic box with led headlights!!
Its these cars that will swing perception and allow EV’s to move away from the typical hideous concepts we’ve seen so far. I would love to see an electric Lambo for the same reason!!
I like dis car looks nice i like everything about this car except about the thingy.
Now this is what I’m talking about, stunning looks, great performance (albeit for about 80km’s), and an interior that one can be comfortable in. But will we see it in our life time in AUS? I seriously doubt it. And if we do chances are it will not look like the car pictured as its a concept and show me one concept car that when released looks like the model from the show. Anyway Kudos for trying.
This is not a concept car, productions starts October 2009 in Finland. At http://www.fiskerautomotive.com you can already select colors and options and place an order.
Fisker released also a convertible version of this car, Karma S, though that is still a concept car.
And the great performance does not stop at 80 km, think how much performance you can get with 260 hp average and 408 hp peak power is the sport mode ? As in the sports mode the gasoline engine is used to keep the batteries at adequate level all the time, as soon as you are not driving 300 km/h all the time (but the top speed is limited to 200 km/h anyway).