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Fisker Karma's public driving debut coming to Monterey's Classic Car Week

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

While we've seen the Fisker Karma surrounded by velvet ropes and models plenty of times, we've yet to experience the sight of the Karma spinning its wheels on the open road. The good news is that this luxury plug-in hybrid will make its public driving debut during the Monterey Peninsula's Classic Car Week (part of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance) in the middle of August. Not only will August 15 mark the first time outsiders get to see the Karma in action, but it'll be first time any plug-in hybrid joins the track cars at the event. The plan right now is to send the Karma on two laps of the Laguna Seca course, starting at 11:10 a.m.

The Karma concept will also be on display at Concorso Italiano on Aug. 14, along with the Karma Sunset convertible, while the Karma S will bask on the 18th hole of Pebble on Aug. 16.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

Continue reading Fisker Karma's public driving debut coming to Monterey's Classic Car Week

Fisker Karma's public driving debut coming to Monterey's Classic Car Week originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fisker Karma Sunset, Converj, BlueSport Roadster win Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars

Fisker Karma Sunset Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fisker's undeniably gorgeous Karma Sunset concept was named the 2009 Production Preview Vehicle of the Year at the North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards last night at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Detroit. Organized by the South East Automotive Media Organization, the jurors also lauded VW's Concept BlueSport Roadster as the 2009 Concept Car of the Year and named the Cadillac Converj

"The Fisker Karma Sunset is just drop dead gorgeous" - juror Michael Bettencourt

the Most Significant Concept Vehicle of 2009. The Kia Soul'ster won Concept Truck of the Year.

Aside from the Soul'ster, the winners combine an alternative fuel powerplant (plug-in hybrid, diesel or ER-EV) with lust-worthy design. We'll see if this does anything to dispense with the myth that green = fugly. The jury considered 23 concepts and 11 production preview vehicles that were introduced during the 2009 auto show season before selecting the top cars. See more pictures of the winners after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Fisker Karma S

[Source: Southeast Automotive Media Organization, Fisker]

Continue reading Fisker Karma Sunset, Converj, BlueSport Roadster win Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards

Fisker Karma Sunset, Converj, BlueSport Roadster win Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Fisker Karma S Sunset concept

Dan Roth — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Performance, Rendered Speculation, Specialty

We're all jazzed up to see what the Fisker Karma S will look like when Henrik yanks the cover off it at Cobo, and we wonder how close KorsDesign has come. To us, the speculative rendering looks an awful lot like a BMW Z8 that's been poked and prodded by a pixel jockey, but Fisker did draw that car, so a strong resemblance wouldn't be entirely far-fetched. Thanks for the tip, Neil!

[Source: KorsDesign]

Rendered Speculation: Fisker Karma S Sunset concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: Fisker Karma draws a crowd, impresses

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Green

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.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

Detroit 2008: Fisker Karma draws a crowd, impresses originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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