Detroit 2008: Fisker Karma draws a crowd, impresses
Click above for more high-res images of the Fisker Karma
Fisker's premium hybrid sports sedan finally has a name: Karma. It is particularly apt since the coach builder's aim is to give customers a luxury sports sedan about which they can feel proud for what it does, or doesn't do, to the environment. The Karma is powered by what's being called Q-DRIVE, a system developed by Quantum Technologies that combines a four-cylinder engine sending power to a generator to propel the four-door sedan. Fisker claims that the Karma can run from zero to sixty in 5.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 125 mph.
There are two different modes available to drivers; the first, dubbed "Stealth Drive" is a pure electric mode which should allow the Karma to run off the lithium ion battery pack for 50 miles before the engine kicks into boost the juice. The second, a sports mode, integrates the four-banger for peak performance and, according to Fisker, makes the Karma sound like a combination of a jet fighter and an F1 car. The batteries themselves are placed smack dab in the middle of the vehicle, which lowers the car's center of gravity and improves weight distribution. Of course, the Karma is a luxury vehicle at heart and will include a navigation system and DVD player with headrest-mounted displays.
As for the design, it's unique and we're totally crushing on it. It's like a Maserati Quattroporte with more curves and character. Make no mistake, if you eventually own one you'll never see another on the road. If you're interested, however, you'll have to wait until late 2009 to take delivery, although we're certain Fisker wouldn't mind accepting a deposit before then. The first batch of 99 will be signed by the designer, Henrik Fisker, and coated in the same color as above. Price? $80,000.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
werner 2:48PM (1/24/2008)
great looking sportscar for 4 persons and lowest emissions.I did order one because I like the idea from Henrik Fisker.
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Kent Beuchert 11:14AM (3/06/2008)
Fisker can start production in 2009 because 1) these are handbuilt cars and require no efficient production line 2) they are expensive and are using a very expensive battery that requires less engineering. It's tons easier to build an expensive car than an economical or affordable car. Anybody can do that. GM's Volt will have a real impact on the environment because of itslarge numbers. This one will not.
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Karma 12:29PM (3/28/2008)
My name is Karma; could I get a special break from Fisker?
I led the Team that developed 'Heat Pump' system for GM's Impact electric car more than 15 years ago. Battery technology innovation was needed, and hybrids such as 'Karma' and Prius will make the difference to most consumers.
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FThorn 12:35PM (1/14/2008)
Looks ill-proportioned to my eyes, from the pics. The hood/nose is very long. Not a close duplicate, but reminds me of the Chrysler Atlantic.
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Craig 5:36PM (1/14/2008)
Reminds me of that Chrysler branded Dodge Viper based sedan from the early 90's...
Craig 5:26PM (1/16/2008)
Reminds me of that Chrysler branded Dodge Viper based sedan from the early 90's...
Andrew Tanasescu 1:04PM (1/14/2008)
I know exactly what your saying (in terms of proportion). I keep looking at the car from all the angles, but everything just seems really strange. I think the really large wheels, long front end just kind of throw things off a bit.
but I think its gorgeous
Nathan 5:23PM (1/14/2008)
Anyone else think this bad boy looks like the Joker?
http://batman.ugo.com/images/galleries/batman_roguesgallery_filmtv/joker_180.jpg
cereal, that grille just screams Nicholson.
J M C 3 10:21AM (1/15/2008)
I'd say the front looks like the Cheshire cat.
efm-7 12:40PM (1/14/2008)
to me, the side profile looks like a beefed up Pontiac Grand Prix... and for that... i can't like it
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Spike 12:56PM (1/14/2008)
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/fisker-karma-1/583252/
wha?
efm-7 1:01PM (1/14/2008)
yep http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery_v2/grandprix/2007-Pontiac-Grand-Prix_lg.jpg
ltboatshow 2:04PM (1/14/2008)
yes, I can totally see the similarities: they both have the same number of doors, wheels, and headlights.
Eriq 2:52PM (1/20/2008)
I agree. It's got 4 doors and 2 front headlights. Totally looks like a Pontiac...
Are you f'ing kidding me???
RMc 12:42PM (1/14/2008)
$80,000??? That has to be a typo. There's no way it's that cheap.
How can Fisker bring this production in 2009 and GM is in doubts that it can bring the Volt to production by 2010? This can apparently go 50 miles on battery alone; isn't that around what the Volt was attempting?
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sk 12:55PM (1/14/2008)
Durability and reliability standards for the batteries are much different on this car than what GM has to put into the Volt. Its pretty easy to build a car today that can go 50 or more miles on Lithium Ion Batteries. But doing that on a commuter car and with temperatures from -10F to 110F reliably is a another story.
Andrew Tanasescu 1:00PM (1/14/2008)
Id have to assume that it is a base of 80,000. Like all other automakers, they will offer certain packages and features. I doubt that for so cheap you can have such a multitude of screens in your car.
JayP 1:03PM (1/14/2008)
Maybe $80k for the special paint?
HotRodzNKustoms 6:40PM (1/14/2008)
That's what I said. I don't know how a low volume automaker like Fisker plans on building a car so cheap. But if they can deliver cars at that price and be profitable I think they have a winner.
pedr 12:49PM (1/14/2008)
It looks a ton like the original Chrysler 300 from the early 90's, and that's not a bad thing!
http://www.shorey.net/Auto/American/Chrysler/199x%20Chrysler%20300%20Concept%20Car%20Frt%20Qtr.jpg
http://www.madle.org/300conc2.JPG
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