California Dreamin'
Karma plugs into Porsche production line
Fisker: Likes Priuses. Usually for breakfast.
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.
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.
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.
Is that realistic??
Its not a bad looking car , even thou I do think it would be updated a bit as this design is 3-5 years old now .
I read somewhere they sold all cars for the 1st year(dont know how many) , so yeah people are buying them . Dont know about 15,000 I guess it would be possible if they keep the price down .
the best way to do it, light, small and cheap battery pack, with long range, though it cant sustain autobahn cruising.
(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.)
SENSE PREVAILS !!
FEK - I have been saying that for years Small engine charging the battery much better idea until the real stuff is developed.
Beautiful car though.
TW>>>
Choice of petrol or diesel engines
Battery pack will give a range of 80km(~50miles)
Has a KERS system
Will have two operating modes: "Stealth Drive" and "Sports Drive"
http://www.valmet-automotive.com/automotive/bullet...
why do these hybrid vehicles always have to look as crap as they sound? The best fully electic vehicle i've seen for sale is the fiat 500 because at least it looks good.
Does the photo of it in blue remind anyone of a sausage dog?
"Its like the mating of a Maserati GranTorismo and a DB9. Strange that the company has been re bodieing Astons for some years now. http://www.fiskercb.com/ "
First of all, the cars built under the Fisker Coachbuilt banner were not rebodied Astons, the Tramonto was based on the Mercedes SL and the Latigo CS was based on the BMW 6-series. I have been fortunate enough to drive both and they were fantastic. Not only did they look great (alot better in person than they ever did in pictures) but thanks to their tuned engines, not only did they make great noises they were a lot faster too. Plus the quality of work was truly top notch.
As for the Karma, I saw it at the Detroit autoshow in January and it looks incredible, inside and out.
The technology behind it comes from Quantum Technologies which has been providing similar systems for military vehicles for about a decade, so it should be quite bullet-proof.
All in all, I think Henrik is onto a winner with the Karma and I can't wait to see these running around.
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