408bhp and 100mpg will be the headline grabbing numbers when the eye-catching Fisker Karma is unveiled in full production guise at the Detroit motor show in January.
Just one year after its launch as a ‘concept’, the production Karma is outwardly little changed. New design features will include a modified grille and lower air intake to improve airflow while the rear aero diffuser has an integrated cooling cover for the electric drivetrain components. The latest factory teaser pic showing the Karma’s rear end also reveals a side mounted exhaust vent for the internal combustion engine – exiting just behind the front wheel. We’ll have to wait until showtime for the first official pictures of the production interior.
The really intriguing stuff lies beneath the swoopy four-door’s aluminium and composite bodywork where an all aluminium spaceframe carries the Fisker Q-Drive ‘plug-in’ powertrain.
A press release describes the system as featuring a large, powerful lithium ion battery providing 22.6kWh to twin electric motors delivering a combined output of 408bhp. The electric bits are backed up by a 260bhp turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine (from GM), enabling the Karma to maintain a continuous maximum speed of 125mph while knocking off 0-60mph in a claimed 5.8secs in ‘sport’ mode.
The lithium ion battery gives an all-electric range of 50 miles, after which the Karma can be switched into hybrid mode. The company claims that most Karma drivers who commute less than 50 miles per day and charge the vehicle overnight will be able to achieve average economy of 100mpg.
The Fisker Karma will have a base price of $87,900 when deliveries start in November next year, and Fisker Automotive says pre-orders have already accounted for production up to mid 2010.
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