One of the highlights of this year’s Detroit Auto Show is a new plug-in hybrid four-door coupe from California’s Fisker Coachbuild. The new car is called the Karma and it sports advanced technologies such as a lithium-ion battery array, aluminum construction and varying driving modes dubbed ‘Stealth’ and ‘Sport’ modes.
Developed exclusively for Fisker by Quantum Technologies, is a new Q-DRIVE plug-in hybrid powertrain that features in the Karma. The set-up features a small petrol engine turning a generator to power the car’s lithium-ion battery pack. The technology will be used to power future derivatives under the Fisker brand. Regenerative braking will be employed to regain power otherwise lost from braking, while an optional solar roof will charge the battery and maintain partly self-contained climate control when parked.
The new Karma offers up to 50 miles of electric-only driving and a claimed top speed of more than 125mph. The 0-60mph takes just six seconds. Its sleek body, the result of an all-new chassis built specifically for the development of the new powertrain, places the battery pack in the centre of the vehicle - improving weight distribution and dynamics.
The Karma will be going into full production unchanged, with first deliveries starting in the last quarter of 2009.
I question the safety of this thing. Not too much engine info as well.
Quote, originally posted by MEIN_VW »
This place is is insane - the biggest complaint I hear in the Car Lounge is that VW's are too expensive when loaded up with options and yet when they want to decontent and lower the price, the complaints get even louder. You can't have it both ways.
I say good job Fisker! This will absolutely help pave the way for the Volt, and for other cars of this nature to become commonplace.
It doesn't look that bad either.
Quote, originally posted by MBeroose »
In all fairness, if this was posted in the MKIII/MKIV/MKV Forums, you'd probably get a much better reception. If the cover photo was dripping with HDR, you could probably hear the man-goo smacking their monitors.
Dear lord, this thing is HOT!! I'm curious how close this car represent of a supposed production model appearing in late 2009. I can kinda see it being close to production form but the solar panels and a $80k price tag feels unrealistic to be honest. I thought this would be a $200k car.
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