Autoblog

Has VP Joe Biden leaked Fisker's product plan?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Fisker

Regardless of what side of the political fence you find yourself on, it's hard to dispute that vice president Joe Biden has a reputation for saying more than he should. That's not always a good thing when you're privy to some of the most important secrets of what is arguably the most powerful nation on earth. Happily for car fans, our veep's "gift" seems to apply to automakers as well.

When Biden addressed the media at Fisker's recently purchased Wilmington, Delaware plant, the VP reportedly got pretty glib with Fisker's future product plans. Among the tidbits that Biden spilled beans on was the planned production volume of Project Nina. We already knew that Fisker was gearing up to build Project Nina - a plug-in hybrid rumored to cost less than $40,000 - somewhere in the States, but we didn't know that the fledgling automaker planned to build up to 100,000 copies of the still unseen and unproven PHEV, and that's exactly what our VP indicates. Biden also reportedly described the new sedan's design, saying it looks like a 'four-door Ferrari.' After the press conference, company founder Henrik Fisker apparently told Fox News that Biden "definitely told what our product plans are." Oops.

We don't know if Biden actually spoke out of turn or not, but given the VP's reputation for doing so, we're wondering if Fisker intended to tip its product plans hand this early in the game. Fisker can't complain too much, though, since the U.S. government loaned his company $529 million in spite of the fact that it won't make a car in the U.S. until the middle of the next decade. The automaker's first offering, the Karma, doesn't arrive until late next year, and it will be made in Finland.

[Source: The Car Connection | Image: Jeff Fusco/Getty]

Has VP Joe Biden leaked Fisker's product plan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Fisker gets $528.7 million loan from U.S. DOE for Karma, Project Nina

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Fisker, Electric

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fisker's goal of becoming profitable by 2011 received a shot in the arm today thanks to the U.S. Energy Department's announcement that the upstart automaker will receive a $528.7 million conditional loan. The DOE says the loan, "will create or save about 5,000 jobs for domestic parts suppliers." Highlights of the DOE's announcement include confirmation that the money will go towards "two lines of plug-in hybrids" ($39,000 PHEV, here we come?) and that at least some of those jobs will be "to manufacture a plug-in hybrid in the U.S." Fisker will perform final assembly of its first car, the high-cost Karma, in Finland with partner Valmet.

When we spoke with company head Henrik Fisker about a low-cost model back in January, he told us once DOE funding came through, it wouldn't take long to get the lower-cost plug-in hybrid on the road. The DOE loan specifies that $169.3 million is to be used for engineering integration costs, working primarily with U.S. suppliers to get the Fisker Karma finished, with the remaining funding to be used on Fisker's Project Nina. Project Nina? There's a name we haven't heard before, but the DOE says it will involve "the manufacture of a plug-in hybrid in the U.S." Fisker says the name was chosen as a reference to Christopher Columbus, and "is symbolic of the automobile industry's transition from old world to new."

Earlier this year, the DOE gave conditional loan commitments to Ford ($5.9 billion), Nissan ($1.6 billion) and Tesla Motors ($465 million). The money comes from the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan program. All the details are available in the press releases below the fold.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Fisker, DOE]

Continue reading BREAKING: Fisker gets $528.7 million loan from U.S. DOE for Karma, Project Nina

BREAKING: Fisker gets $528.7 million loan from U.S. DOE for Karma, Project Nina originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Fisker developing $39,000 plug-in hybrid

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Fisker, Electric

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from earth2tech.com, Ray Lane, an investor with Kleiner Perkins, has let slip news that Fisker is developing a new plug-in hybrid automobile to slot below its planned Karma sedan with a base price of just $39,000. No indication is made whether that price would be before or after the $7,500 federal tax rebate it would likely qualify for.

Kleiner Perkins is one of the major investors in Fisker Automotive, so there's reason to believe Lane has knowledge of the inner workings at the young automaker. Earlier, company CEO Henrik Fisker said that the automaker was looking to the Department of Energy for a loan of an undetermined amount in order to build a lower-cost plug-in automobile.

We haven't recieved word that Fisker's DOE loan was approved, so we're not really sure where the funds to develop the new machine will come from. In any case, the Fisker Karma isn't slated to go on sale until late 2010, so the lower-cost PHEV very likely has quite a ways to go before it hits the pavement to do battle with the likes of the Chevy Volt. Thanks for the tip, Jon!

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: earth2tech]

REPORT: Fisker developing $39,000 plug-in hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fisker announces fuel economy estimate for Karma - 67.2 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 83 g/km

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Fisker, Luxury

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

The miles per gallon rating of a vehicle that can get energy from an electrical outlet is a difficult thing to accurately calculate and get the public to accept. Just ask AFS Trinity, with their "150 mpg" SUVs, or GM with its 230 mpg number for the Chevy Volt. Still, it's valuable to have some sort of number to compare vehicles against one another, and Fisker Automotive has released the first such numbers for its Karma plug-in luxury hybrid: 3.5 liters per 100 kilometers (equivalent to 67.2 mpg U.S.) and CO2 emissions of just 83 grams per kilometer.

Fisker is basing these numbers on SAE methodology for measuring emissions for PHEVs. We're trying to confirm this with Fisker, but we think this means the J1711 methodology, about which you can read more here or in this PDF. (UPDATE: It's actually J2841) In any case, Fisker says that the Karma's CO2 emissions will be, on average, "less than that of today's cleanest production cars and 75 percent less than that of competing vehicles." If the company meets its ambitious goal of selling 15,000 Karmas a year starting when it goes on sale next year and then through 2016, they estimate that 248 million gallons of gasoline will be saved.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Fisker announces fuel economy estimate for Karma - 67.2 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 83 g/km

Fisker announces fuel economy estimate for Karma - 67.2 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 83 g/km originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2009: Fisker Karma, Devon GTX lap Laguna Seca

Drew Phillips — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Fisker, Electric

Devon GTX and Fisker Karma take to the track at Laguna Seca - Click above for a high-res image gallery

In addition to the eight classes of vintage racecars that took to the track at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on Saturday, spectators were also treated to a duo of special vehicles. The first was the 2010 Fisker Karma, which made its official driving debut (even though we saw it driving the day before at Concorso Italiano). We almost missed it since we couldn't hear it coming and it only did one lap, but fortunately we were able to grab a few photos. The next was the Devon GTX, which set a blistering lap time of 1:35.075 at MRLS just a few days earlier. After wowing the crowds, the GTX was loaded on a trailer and transported to Pebble Beach for its official debut. Our action photos of both cars can be found in the gallery below.

Gallery: Devon GTX and Fisker Karma on Track

Monterey 2009: Fisker Karma, Devon GTX lap Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fisker nabs ex-Maserati North America chief for sales and marketing duties

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:34:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising, Fisker, Electric

If there was any doubt that Fisker Automotive is keenly interested in attracting buyers from the luxury car sector - and, no, there really wasn't any doubt - today's announcement that the company has hired the former president and CEO of Maserati North America should put any lingering questions to rest.

Fisker has appointed Marti Eulberg to the position of vice president of global sales and marketing after being head of Maserati North America for less than one year. Eulberg's position means she will "develop global sales and marketing strategies and manage Fisker's worldwide retail network." Eulberg, a true auto industry veteran, has also worked for Jaguar, Volvo and BMW as well as managing Ford dealerships and interning at General Motors.

As we've seen, Fisker is not following fellow green luxury car maker Tesla down the independent store path. Instead, Fisker will license independent dealerships, hopefully to benefit from their expertise with selling expensive vehicles in local markets. Complete press release available after the jump.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Fisker nabs ex-Maserati North America chief for sales and marketing duties

Fisker nabs ex-Maserati North America chief for sales and marketing duties originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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

Filed under: Fisker, Electric, Luxury

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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VIDEO: Fisker Karma shows its mojo

Domenick Yoney — Sat, 16 May 2009 09:15:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Videos

Click above to watch video after the jump

A year ago, less a day, we showed you the first clip of the Fisker Karma in motion. More footage was shot that afternoon, but it's inexplicably taken this long for it to find its way onto the internet. What we have here is 52 seconds of exuberant, pedal-down slalom carving and skidpad circling in the Fisker Karma. The driver makes the tires squawk so much that you forget all about the unfortunate pop tune dubbed into the clip.

While not as polished as Fisker's recently-aired commercial, it does give a more accurate hint of how the luxo-sport hybrid-electric might handle. That is to say with a bit of understeer, though its wide stance does help keep the car from revealing its considerable weight. So ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts and hit the jump for some wheel-squealing Karma action. Scroll down a bit further to revisit the aforementioned commercial spot as well.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Fisker Karma S

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Fisker Karma shows its mojo

VIDEO: Fisker Karma shows its mojo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 May 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Fisker planning third Karma variant, low-cost hybrid

Chris Shunk — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green

Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker feels like the automotive world is at the beginning of a renaissance, and he believes now is the first time in 40 years that start-up automakers can compete and even thrive against the established OEMs. Fisker has already began to rage against the machine with the Karma. It looks great, promises terrific performance, and it plugs into a standard socket. The tree-hugging, tarmac-punishing Karma won't even be on the road until 2010, but that isn't stopping Fisker from dreaming big.

According to The Oakland Press, Fisker is looking to produce a lower cost, high volume plug-in that would likely thrust the Fisker brand into the mainstream. Fisker has already applied for federal loans with the Department of Energy, and if the request goes through, the vehicle could be on the road in 29 months. If the high volume Fisker sees the light of day, it could well be developed at the company's new technical center in Pontiac, Michigan, an area in desperate need of new jobs.

[Source: The Oakland Press]

REPORT: Fisker planning third Karma variant, low-cost hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Good Karma: Fisker investors reportedly bring in $85 million in capital

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Earnings/Financials

Fisker Karma - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Hybrid propulsion or not, wunder-designer Henrik Fisker couldn't have picked a worse time be to starting a new car company...especially in the United States. Fisker has been adamant that his company will get off the ground and begin production of its much-hyped Karma electric sedan and S convertible, but without the capital invested, speculation was that his efforts could run out of steam prematurely. However, Automotive News is reporting that the upstart automaker has received a healthy cash injection of $85 million to help get production started.

The funds come from two investors: Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, which was one of the first financial firms to invest in Fisker's enterprise, and a new investor Eco-Drive Capital Partners LLC. Will it be enough to get the Karma out on the street? Eighty-five mil is a big hunk of cash, but as any Detroit veteran could tell you, big money has a habit of running out fast in this business, and it generally takes hundreds of millions of dollars to launch new models.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Fisker Karma

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Fisker Karma S Concept

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Good Karma: Fisker investors reportedly bring in $85 million in capital originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fisker plans lower-cost model, may compete with Chevy Volt and Tesla Model S

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Fisker Karma

It's probably a bit premature to be talking about future models from Fisker, considering the automaker's plug-in Karma and Karma S have yet to hit the market, but that's never stopped us before, right? According to Russell Datz, head PR man at Fisker Automotive, "One of the future products we have is something that is significantly less than what will be on the market first," though it may still "be a step above" the Chevy Volt and Tesla Model S.

That's not a ton of information to go by, unfortunately. The Chevy Volt is expected to come in around $40K or so in late 2010 when it's finally released (hopefully), and the Tesla Model S will cost at least $10K more than that. For comparison, the Fisker Karma will carry a starting sticker of $87,900. In other words, there's plenty of room between the base price of a Volt and the base price of a Karma. Where the lower-cost model from Fisker would fall in that range is anybody's guess.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Inside Line]

Fisker plans lower-cost model, may compete with Chevy Volt and Tesla Model S originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fisker Automotive signs up 32 dealers in 17 states

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Green

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Running television ads. Taking orders. And now, setting up a network of dealerships. Fisker Automotive is starting to act like a real car company.

The company announced today that it has signed up its first group of 32 retailers. These outlets will be located in 17 states - Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Wisconsin - and one Canadian Province, British Columbia (see the full list after the jump). But Fisker isn't stopping there - the company hopes to have at least 40 dealers in the U.S. signed up by June. Deliveries of the $87,900 plug-in hybrid Karma should begin at the end of this year, and Fisker hopes to sell 15,000 units a year once they get up to full production.

Like the luxury PHEVs themselves, Fisker vows that their showrooms will make efforts to be eco-friendly, with natural and sustainable materials used throughout, and a solar-powered carport available.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Fisker Automotive signs up 32 dealers in 17 states

Fisker Automotive signs up 32 dealers in 17 states originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Fisker now taking orders for Karma S convertible

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Green

Click above for high-res gallery of the Fisker Karma S

Fisker is out to prove that green cars don't have to be boring with its extended-range plug-in hybrid Karma, available in both sedan and retractable hardtop variants. Potential buyers have already placed over 1,300 orders for the four-door model and now we hear that the burgeoning automaker is accepting deposits of $25,000 for the Karma S drop-top. Those placing orders early are being told they can expect a delivery date in late 2011.

Both Karma models come equipped with lithium ion battery packs that can provide gasoline-free travel for up to 50 miles, after which a GM-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct injected ~~Energizer Bunny~~ powerplant will kick in to recharge the battery. There's reportedly enough juice to power twin electric motors that offer over 400 horsepower to the rear wheels, which is sufficient to push the electric stunner to 60 in under six seconds and up to a top speed of over 125 mph.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Fisker Karma S Concept

[Source: eGMCarTech]

REPORT: Fisker now taking orders for Karma S convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Fisker runs commercials in L.A. before Oscars

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Lifestyle

Click above to watch the video after the jump

The Fisker Karma is on its way, and Henrik Fisker wants the world to know about it. The company bought two one-minute spots during the Oscars telecast, and they happened to play just before two of the evening's most hyped celebs did their turns on the crimson shag. You don't learn much about the car during the spot, and frankly it looks a little like something that should be Spike TV late at night, but hey, the word is out. Follow the jump to see it for yourself.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Fisker Karma

[Source: Wired]

Continue reading VIDEO: Fisker runs commercials in L.A. before Oscars

VIDEO: Fisker runs commercials in L.A. before Oscars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: Production Fisker Karma debuts for 2010 [w/VIDEO]

Chris Paukert — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Fisker Karma

It's been a scant 12 months since Henrik Fisker debuted the curvaceous Karma concept that bears his name, and today the former PAG design star returned to Detroit with a very similar looking production model and a business plan.

It's been a busy year for the upstart luxury manufacturer, and in that time, a development center has been built and staffed in nearby Pontiac, Michigan, and the Karma has received an all-new interior ("with eco-friendly materials and absolutely no black plastic buttons") that includes a new haptic touch-control system for the driver.

The aluminum spaceframe four-door is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that Fisker says will reach 60 miles-per-hour in 5.8 seconds and be able to cruise comfortably at 125 miles-per-hour. Power gets to the 22-inch wheels via a pair of 201 horsepower electric motors backed by a lithium-ion battery pack. A generator is affixed to a 260-horsepower version of General Motors' 2.0-liter Ecotec engine to provide extended-range capability.

Fisker says his company expects to sign 40 dealers up by year's end, and notes that he already has 22 on-board. Furthermore, Fisker says he expects production to ramp up to 15,000 units per year, and 1,300 units have already be pre-sold to early adopters. The asking price for the Karma is a reasonable-sounding $87,900, a number that has us wondering how Fisker and Co. intends to make money considering the modest volume projections and cost-intensive R&D. Check out the high-res gallery below, and the video and press release after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Fisker Karma

Gallery: Production Fisker Karma

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Production Fisker Karma debuts for 2010 [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: Production Fisker Karma debuts for 2010 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Fisker Sunset concept coming to Motown

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show

In addition to the debut of the production version of the Karma luxury plug-in hybrid, Fisker Automotive will also be unveiling a new concept at the Detroit Auto Show next month: the Fisker Sunset. We don't have much beyond the teaser shot above, but we do know that Fisker Automotive CEO and namesake Henrik Fisker will announce details about the Sunset at the company's press conference in Cobo Hall on January 12. Besides the green Karma, Fisker is perhaps best known for their coachbuilt SLs and BMWs, but Henrik Fisker is also one of the most influential designers in the last decade, with most of the current Aston Martin lineup and the late, great BMW Z8 attributed to his pen. We can't wait to see what this wunderkind is up to now.

UPDATE: AutoblogGreen has more on what's officially called the Fisker Karma S.

[Source: Fisker]

Detroit Preview: Fisker Sunset concept coming to Motown originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Finalists announced for Green Car Journal's Green Car Vision Award

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Green, Chevrolet, Honda, Mini, Mitsubishi, Misc. Auto Shows, Lifestyle

The Green Car Vision awards celebrate a car that's got its headlights pointed down the road of the future. Among this year's five finalists are two serial hybrids (Chevrolet Volt and Fisker Karma) two electric cars (MINI E and Mitsubishi i-MiEV), and one hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (Honda FCX Clarity). It seems like a pretty good breakdown of where things stand now, with serial, plug-in hybrids and electric cars duking it out in center court and a hydrogen vehicle thrown in to keep things honest. Three of those cars -- the MINI E, i-MiEV, and Clarity -- are on the roads right now, albeit in limited numbers, and the Fisker is due to hit the scene at the end of 2009, while the Volt bows in 2010. The winning car will be announced on February 3 at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show. You can read the full press release after the jump and check out a high-res gallery of the finalists below.

Gallery: Green Car Journal 2009 Finalists

[Source: Green Car Journal]

Continue reading Finalists announced for Green Car Journal's Green Car Vision Award

Finalists announced for Green Car Journal's Green Car Vision Award originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russell Datz, confirmed gearhead, to handle Fisker communications

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Click above for more high-res images of the production Fisker Karma

Henrik Fisker has a dream, and an honorable one at that. "We see no reason style and performance need to be sacrificed to attain fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility," says Fisker, designer of the Aston Martin DB9, V8 Vantage, BMW Z8 and the upcoming plug-in hybrid Karma sedan. That's a tough message to get out there, though, since many people can't seem to reconcile the thought of driving excitement with environmentally friendly design. To help break down those obvious barriers, Fisker Automotive has brought aboard Russell Datz, a man who has previously worked with Lotus for the U.S. launch of the Elise and Panoz, makers of Ford-powered boutique sportscars. Datz is also familiar with going as fast as possible, having owned an Audi 5000 Turbo Quattro and autocrossed a Honda CRX. Welcome aboard, Russell! We're happy to see a longtime gearhead filling another desk at Fisker Automotive and wish you the best of luck in your new position.

Gallery: Production Fisker Karma

Continue reading Russell Datz, confirmed gearhead, to handle Fisker communications

Russell Datz, confirmed gearhead, to handle Fisker communications originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fisker offers up front view of production Karma PHEV

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:56:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Green

Click above for high-res image gallery of the production Fisker Karma

Fisker has just sent us a few more shots of the production-ready Karma plug-in so that we can get a better look at the car's newly revised face. The front intake has been mildly revised in order to let the GM-sourced 260-horsepower Ecotec engine breath a bit more fresh air. It's a subtle change, but we like the results and think that it makes a big difference to the overall look of the car. We also get a good look at those unique exhaust ports that emit the turbocharged mill's spent gases just aft of the front wheels.

Lastly, we have an interesting view beneath the slinky bodywork, which shows off the aluminum space frame chassis that holds the car together. We presume that the pronounced center tunnel will house the lithium-ion battery pack. The chassis also shows the new flush B-pillars that were absent on the concept and are necessary to meet future safety requirements. Fisker plans to show the Karma, including its never-before-seen interior, at the Detroit Auto Show in January. We'll be there to deliver the goods in person.

Gallery: Production Fisker Karma

[Source: Fisker Automotive]

Fisker offers up front view of production Karma PHEV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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