Fisker Automotive took last year's Detroit auto show by surprise with a plug-in hybrid concept called the Karma. The surprise wasn't that it was a plug-in — a technology that a year later still hasn't hit the market from any manufacturer — it was the fact that the Karma looked like an Italian supercar, and that it had four doors yet still looked stunning. Now, the Irvine, Calif.-based company has rolled out its 2010 production version of the Karma. Last year's concept was actually more of a prototype, so the real thing looks just as stunning.
The Karma is basically a battery-powered electric car with an onboard range-extending generator, not unlike Chevrolet's much-anticipated Volt. It's technically also a series hybrid because the generator's added power can increase the car's speed when combined with the juice from the battery. Running on battery alone — called Stealth mode — the car can reach 95 mph. In Sport mode, with the gas engine generating electricity, the top speed is 125 mph (electronically limited from a possible 150 mph, according to Fisker). Regardless of mode, the 0-60 time is 5.8 seconds. The two motors drive all four wheels, and safety features like antilock brakes and an electronic stability system are standard.
The Fisker Karma features cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology, penned 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 emission free for up to 50 miles a day provided the car is charged every evening. It's conceivable that if consumers follow this daily routine, they will only need to fuel the car about once a year. This Q DRIVE technology will provide a base for all future derivatives from Fisker Automotive.
Fisker Karma pic
Fisker Karma wallpaper
Fisker Karma photo
Fisker Karma image
Fisker Karma back side view
Fisker Karma Blue car
Fisker Karma black car photo
Fisker Karma
