Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Convertibles, Green
Detroit 2009: Fisker Karma S Concept [w/VIDEO]
by Sam Abuelsamid on Jan 12th 2009 at 2:15PM 
Click above for high-res image gallery of the Fisker Karma S
Just after showing off the the production intent version of the Karma plug-in hybrid sport sedan, designer Henrik Fisker had his models pull the cover off a new concept: the Karma S. The Karma S takes the drivetrain and platform and loses two doors and the roof. The Sunset has a retractable hardtop over its four seats and, as usual in such configurations, the rear seating area loses out. Thankfully, the top folds into fairly compact pieces, so the Karma S doesn't suffer from long deck syndrome. Under the hood sits a GM 2.0L turbocharged and direct-injected EcoTec four-cylinder with 260 hp driving a generator to keep the car going after its 50-mile battery range has been depleted. Out back a pair of electric motors drive the rear wheels with 400 hp courtesy of the lithium-ion battery. If Fisker lasts long enough, the Karma S should be out in 2011. Video of the live reveal is available after the jump.
Gallery: Fisker Karma S Concept
Gallery: Detroit 2009: Fisker Karma S Concept
FISKER UNVEILS KARMA S PLUG-IN HYBRID HARDTOP
CONVERTIBLE CONCEPT AT 2009 NORTH AMERICAN
INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
DETROIT, MI Jan 12, 2009: Fisker Automotive, the new American manufacturer
of premium green automobiles, unveiled the Fisker Karma S concept at the 2009
North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today. The four-seat, plug-in
hybrid hardtop convertible furthers the company's belief that driving style and
performance need not be compromised for environmental friendliness.
The open-air Fisker Karma S concept shares its aluminum spaceframe architecture
and clean Q-DRIVE® powertrain with the Fisker Karma sedan. Designed and
engineered by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive, Q-DRIVE®
provides 50 emission-free miles on a single charge to its lithium-ion battery pack,
and up to 403hp from two electric motors. The power retractable hard top, a first
for Fisker, glides neatly into the trunk and a unique design language sets the Karma S
concept apart.
"Our objective is to create a singular design language and heritage around our state-
of-the-art Q-DRIVE® powertrain," said Fisker Automotive, Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker.
"The Karma S is an extension of the Fisker Automotive product range of eco-
conscious automobiles and sets the tone for our future."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
2004m3driver 2:20PM (1/12/2009)
Wow something unique and nice all at once. Mind exploding.
Reply
zamafir 2:31PM (1/12/2009)
Indeed, I hope it gets built, it's even hotter than the maserati GT.
Sean Flanagan 2:26PM (1/12/2009)
Oh my, is that pretty.
Reply
geo.stewart 6:17PM (1/12/2009)
not for nothing but those two seats are worth even less when the roof is up. notice the roof line.
but I do loves me some Fisker sunset.
Talisman 2:26PM (1/12/2009)
This car really reminds me of that Maserati coupe. Which is a good thing.
Reply
I-man 2:26PM (1/12/2009)
beautiful.
Reply
Epyx 2:27PM (1/12/2009)
The gear selector looks like it is on backwards. Beautiful car inside and out!
Reply
dausman 2:31PM (1/12/2009)
Stunning design......am getting used to the Cheshire cat front end the more I see it....
Reply
Fan of Torrent 2:34PM (1/12/2009)
Sweet concept, but I'll wait for my favorite robot to approve it before I commit.
Reply
Dude 2:36PM (1/12/2009)
Wow!
Reply
Mobius_1 2:36PM (1/12/2009)
Fisker is a design god.
Reply
Chris H 2:51PM (1/12/2009)
"If Fisker lasts long enough..."!? Good Lord I hope so. What a gorgeous car! And a hybrid, to boot.
Reply
Jake 2:57PM (1/12/2009)
Whenever I see Fisker, I think whisker; as in the porn-star mustache grill.
Also, a GM engine??? wtf?
No thanks
Reply
letstakeawalk 4:03PM (1/12/2009)
The 2.0L turbo I4 is used to run the generator to keep the battery powered. That should be pretty light work. The primary drive train consists of the two electric motors, and considering how bulletproof electric motors are, they should be plenty reliable as well.
Slizzo 4:04PM (1/12/2009)
GM still builds some of the best engines in the world, so I don't know where you're getting this snotty attitude from.
And BTW, does the front end on this car remind anyone of the Z8?
letstakeawalk 4:27PM (1/12/2009)
@ Slizzo
Why shouldn't it? Fisker designed both the Z07 concept and the Z8 while he was wilth BMW. He's probably better know for his work with Aston-Martin... DB7 Zagato, DB AR1, Vantage V8, DB9.
Don't forget Fisker Coachbuild, which rebodies Mercedes SLs and BMW 6s.
LBuzzer 3:06PM (1/12/2009)
How can Ferrari get it so wrong (California) when Fisker can get it soooo right!!!
Get rid of the little diamond thingies on the back bumper, and it's straight to the Classic file with this one!
NOICE!!!
Reply
tym 12:10AM (1/13/2009)
but those little diamond are soo modern looking they really add to the feel of the future this car is... what ever they are..
FOREIGNER 3:16PM (1/12/2009)
Nice, please release to the market asap, now Do this company need UAW to build a car like GM or FORD, hah hah hah
Reply
letstakeawalk 3:59PM (1/12/2009)
UAW need not apply. Fisker has already signed letters of intent to use Valmet Automotive in Finland to build the Karma. As long as they can handle the production volume, it makes sense to use the same facility to build the Sunset, if and when the time comes.
Valmet also builds Porsche Boxters and Caymans, BTW. They also built Saabs from 1969-2003, including hi-po models like the Viggen. I think they also built the bodies for the Renault Clio V6.