Fisker: Likes Priuses. Usually for breakfast.
The world’s first plug-in hybrid sports saloon, the Fisker Karma, will go into production late next year at the Valmet Automotive factory in Finland.
A final assembly contract has been signed by both parties that will see the radical Karma built on a new production line – ultimately employing up to 500 workers – alongside Valmet’s existing facility that makes the Boxster and Cayman models for Porsche. A statement from Valmet says a new body welding line will be built for Fisker while existing painting and assembly processes can be adapted to integrate the new model’s production.
Annual Karma production is scheduled to reach 15,000 units, with deliveries starting for North America in the final quarter next year. European deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2010.
The Karma is a swoopy four door designed by Henrik Fisker, with a body that makes extensive use of lightweight materials to wrap up a leading-edge hybrid drivetrain. A top speed beyond 125mph is claimed, with 0-60 mph despatched in less than 6 seconds from a standing start.
The Karma’s Q Drive technology features a small petrol engine turning a generator that charges a lithium ion battery pack, powering an electric motor that drives the rear wheels.
Fisker is committed to producing a range of hybrid models in future, all to be built by Valmet as the California-based company’s contracted engineering and manufacturing supplier.
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