Wednesday 3rd December 2008

Fisker Karma

More details on hybrid monster

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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.

[tonytifoso]

If this is the future, it's not too bad!

[ironictwist]

tonytifoso said:

If this is the future, it's not too bad!

+1. Looking very promising, this is the direction hybrids should always have been heading for.

[simoncarlo]

I like the look of that! Wonder what front is like?

[chunkymonkey71]

They could make a coupe version and call it the Fisker Jalfrezi...

[ChrisE]

100mpg, but how much will your electricity bill go up by if you need to charge it every night.

[dublet]

simoncarlo said:

I like the look of that! Wonder what front is like?

ChrisE said:

100mpg, but how much will your electricity bill go up by if you need to charge it every night.

The same as it would cost you to fill up a 100mpg car.

Edited by dublet on Wednesday 3rd December 11:58

[UKDavo]

simoncarlo said:

I like the look of that! Wonder what front is like?

It looks just like this:

www.fiskerautomotive.com/

Ooops, too slow!

Edited by UKDavo on Wednesday 3rd December 11:57

[New Scot]

That front 'gappy grin' grille reminds me of 'cars of the future' in Dan Dare comics!

Better for the greenies than Lady P's Roller anyway . . .

[SiMan]

I love it. Only trouble with all of these plugin jobbies is that the electricity you're piping in is probably fossil-fuel generated, so whilst its still pocket-friendly, this is no eco-car.

Does anyone know how much it costs people with plugin electric cars (e.g. the cursed 'Gee Whizz') to charge 'em up?

[taldo50]

i liked it! then i saw the front end! still though step in the right direction i reckon.

[Tonto]

If I saw one in the flesh, I doubt I'd be able to resist running some Wensleydale across the front grill!

[White-Noise]

Haha! Inspired by Movember I think!

Its a step in the right direction but these hybrid cars need to focus on the masses surely and not just the rich.

Not taking anything away though, 100mpg is really impressive for a huge car like that.

[LewisR]

"408bhp and 100mpg..."

but not at the same time!!

[Frimley111R]

It'll be a stunning achievement to pull this off at that price if they can do it.

[toohuge]

Looks great, i hope they can do it for that price.

[Alfanatic]

LewisR said:

"408bhp and 100mpg..."

but not at the same time!!

True! I was wondering what they think it is about this hybrid that makes it so much more effective than the Toyota / Lexus efforts. Sounds like they're quoting extremes.

[johnag007]

Ordered 1 12 months ago, let us see what it will give.

[smele]

After seeing the front, I thought "Ding Dong"...

[Droptheclutch]

SiMan said:

I love it. Only trouble with all of these plugin jobbies is that the electricity you're piping in is probably fossil-fuel generated, so whilst its still pocket-friendly, this is no eco-car.

Does anyone know how much it costs people with plugin electric cars (e.g. the cursed 'Gee Whizz') to charge 'em up?

Please see http://www.goodenergy.co.uk/ for 100% green leccy

[morgrp]

Surely if it will do 50 miles on leccy power how come they claim you'll be getting 100mpg if you commute less than 50 miles - surely you'll use no fuel other than electric unless they are claiming you commute in hybrid mode in which case I don't believe them - I would think a stinking Prius would struggle 100mpg on a commute. Looks great though!