Motor Authority - blog Tag: NAIAS

  • Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid Makes Public Driving Debut At Laguna Seca

    Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid Makes Public Driving Debut At Laguna Seca August 17th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, August 17th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 2 Comments

    Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid Makes Public Driving Debut At Laguna Seca

    Fisker Automotive's long awaited plug-in hybrid Karma sedan had previously only ever been seen in its complete production-ready form in photographs and at car shows, but for the first time onlookers got to see the luxury hybrid stretch its legs during its public driving debut at this year's Monterey Historic Automobile Races, held during the Pebble Beach Concours D’ Elegance.

    The Karma was a quickly-realized product by any standard, with Fisker taking just 19 months to take the car from concept to reality. Fisker will also exhibited its new hardtop convertible concept, the Karma Sunset, which recently won a SEAMO award for Concept Car of...

    Fisker Automotive's long awaited plug-in hybrid Karma sedan had previously only ever been seen in its complete production-ready form in photographs and at car shows, but for the first time onlookers got to see the luxury hybrid stretch its legs during its public driving debut at this year's Monterey Historic Automobile Races, held during the Pebble Beach Concours D’ Elegance. The Karma was a quickly-realized product by any standard, with Fisker taking just 19 months to take the car from concept to reality. Fisker will also exhibited its new hardtop convertible concept, the Karma Sunset, which recently won a SEAMO award for Concept Car of the Year. The public drive debut saw the Fisker Karma take to the legendary 11-turn Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca course, where onlookers got to see the capabilities of the two 201-horsepower electric motors that power the car as it maneuvered around the track. Now you, too, can see the car in action thanks to the video below. For those interested in paying the $87,500 purchase price for the sleek Fisker Karma, the waiting list is expected to be lengthy, with Fisker's CEO Henrik Fisker claiming that the entire production run has been sold out until mid-2010. For full details on the car's production, drivetrain and availability, check out our previous story by clicking here. Read More

  • Dodge exec: Circuit EV headed for production

    Dodge exec: Circuit EV headed for production July 21st, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 21st, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 5 Comments

    Dodge exec: Circuit EV headed for production Chrysler intends to launch its first all-electric model by next year according to a recent interview with Lou Rhodes, Chrysler's ENVI division president, and unlike its rivals, the now-Fiat-aligned carmaker is planning a high-performance sports model as its entry into the burgeoning segment.

    Chrysler’s pre-bankruptcy viability plan also told of the Circuit EV's production, but intervening events but the plan under considerable doubt. But the interview with Rhodes makes it clear that the company’s first electric car will be a production version of the Circuit EV.

    With performance that rivals the Tesla Roadster but a price that... Chrysler intends to launch its first all-electric model by next year according to a recent interview with Lou Rhodes, Chrysler's ENVI division president, and unlike its rivals, the now-Fiat-aligned carmaker is planning a high-performance sports model as its entry into the burgeoning segment. Chrysler’s pre-bankruptcy viability plan also told of the Circuit EV's production, but intervening events but the plan under considerable doubt. But the interview with Rhodes makes it clear that the company’s first electric car will be a production version of the Circuit EV. With performance that rivals the Tesla Roadster but a price that will undercut by "tens of thousands", the Dodge Circuit EV should prove a huge success, provided it can deliver on its claims. We’ve already seen a preview of the car in the form of the Dodge Circuit EV concept from January’s Detroit Auto Show, and the production version would have its chassis assembled by Lotus in Europe, then shipped to the U.S. for the electric drivetrain install. As yet, there's not official timeline for the car's release, but prototypes are currently under testing. Following the sports car, CNNMoney previously reported that Chrysler will then add electric sedans, SUVs and crossover models, and some also based on Fiat platforms. Via: AllCarsElectric2009 Dodge Circuit EV concept Read More

  • Fisker signs deal with Quantum to source Karma plug-in hybrid system

    Fisker signs deal with Quantum to source Karma plug-in hybrid system July 8th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, July 8th, 2009 James Martinez 0 Comments

    Fisker signs deal with Quantum to source Karma plug-in hybrid system While big brand automakers like Toyota and General Motors are still more than a year away from launching their respective plug-in hybrid vehicles, small start-ups such as California's Fisker Automotive intends on having its own plug-in hybrid on sale this November. The company today took a step closer to production reality of its Karma plug-in hybrid luxury saloon by signing a $10.2 million deal with Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. to supply the car's advanced plug-in hybrid system.

    The deal calls for Quantum to supply its advanced Q-Drive powertrain for the Karma as well as the eventual Karma S convertible based on the ... While big brand automakers like Toyota and General Motors are still more than a year away from launching their respective plug-in hybrid vehicles, small start-ups such as California's Fisker Automotive intends on having its own plug-in hybrid on sale this November. The company today took a step closer to production reality of its Karma plug-in hybrid luxury saloon by signing a $10.2 million deal with Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. to supply the car's advanced plug-in hybrid system. The deal calls for Quantum to supply its advanced Q-Drive powertrain for the Karma as well as the eventual Karma S convertible based on the concept car of the same name unveiled earlier this year. Other partners involved in the Karma's gestation include General Motors, which will supply a 260hp 2.0L Ecotec four-cylinder engine to charge up the car's batteries, as well Finland's Valmet, which is contracted to manufacture the car. The new Q-Drive powertrain will give the Karma an all-electric range of 50 miles (80km). After the all-electric 50 miles, the petrol-powered, direct-injected Ecotec engine turns a generator to charge a lithium-ion battery. With this balance of electric and petrol power, Fisker estimates that most Karma drivers who charge the vehicle overnight and commute less than 50 miles per day will be able to achieve an average fuel economy of 100mpg (2.4L/100km) per year. There is also a roof-mounted solar panel for additional charge capacity of 0.5kWh per day. That's just a drop in the bucket of the 22.6kWh battery pack that the Karma is fitted with, however. The solar panel system can operate in any of three modes: auto, climate, and charging. When in climate, the power from the solar array is directed to the climate control system. Charging mode sends the sun's power directly to the batteries, and Auto mode, which is the default setting at power-on, allows the computer to select which is optimal based on current usage. Drive comes from two electric motors with a combined output of 408hp (300kW) and a monstrous 959ft-lb (1,300Nm) of torque, which is enough to send the vehicle to a top speed of 125mph and push it from 0-60mph in just 5.8 seconds. Those are impressive figures considering the 4,560lb (2,070kg) curb weight of the car. The vehicle also features two modes: stealth and sport. In stealth mode, which is the Fisker name for electric-only mode, the car has a max speed of 95mph, while in sport mode the car's internal combustion engine joins in and takes the top speed up to the 125mph mark. A third mode, called HEV, for hybrid electric vehicle, operates in a similar manner to a typical 'strong' hybrid: cutting the engine during deceleration, shutting the engine down at a stop, and using auto-start and electric take-off capabilities. Yearly volume is anticipated to reach 15,000 cars per year, with half of these expected to be sold in Europe. The first cars will be delivered to customers in the U.S. this November, with pricing starting at $87,900.2009 Fisker Karma plug-in hybridFisker Karma plug-in hybrid convertible Read More

  • 2010 Detroit Auto Show expected to lure big marques back to Cobo

    2010 Detroit Auto Show expected to lure big marques back to Cobo June 29th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, June 29th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 1 Comment

    2010 Detroit Auto Show expected to lure big marques back to Cobo Fear-mongering reached new heights in the automotive world on the eve of the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, with naysayers predicting more somber processions and hushed voices than the average state funeral. And while the show did prove somewhat subdued, it was far from dead. Now plans for renovations at Cobo Center are sparking new hope for next year's show.

    The Michigan state legislature enacted a plan late last week to let the city of Detroit regain control of the aging Cobo Center and to use hotel and liquor taxes to fix its main problems - notably a lack of space and a leaky roof. With a $299 million cap on the cost of the expansion, there's... Fear-mongering reached new heights in the automotive world on the eve of the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, with naysayers predicting more somber processions and hushed voices than the average state funeral. And while the show did prove somewhat subdued, it was far from dead. Now plans for renovations at Cobo Center are sparking new hope for next year's show. The Michigan state legislature enacted a plan late last week to let the city of Detroit regain control of the aging Cobo Center and to use hotel and liquor taxes to fix its main problems - notably a lack of space and a leaky roof. With a $299 million cap on the cost of the expansion, there's still room for a lot of improvement. And that has excitement rising over the potential return of carmakers absent this year, reports the Detroit News. Electric vehicles will be bigger than ever, with an expanded track in the Michigan Hall basement facility. Brands like Fisker, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Land Rover and some of the other manufacturers that skipped the 2009 show will find a planned doubling of an American Express-sponsored private event an enticing proposition, especially since this year's event of just 200 people saw the sale of two Maybachs, a Lamborghini and a Fisker. The whole mix of upgrades and expanded and returning exhibitors means there should be more cars on show in 2010, and more cars means more visitors, which means more revenue and more interest from the car manufacturers. Union concessions on wages and worker requirements are also helping to lower the cost of putting on the big show, but it will really be the return of key exhibitors like Ferrari and Rolls Royce that make or break the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Read More

  • Chrysler unveils $448 million electric vehicle plan

    Chrysler unveils $448 million electric vehicle plan May 26th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, May 26th, 2009 James Martinez 0 Comments

    Chrysler unveils $448 million electric vehicle plan Chrysler today submitted three proposals outlining a $448-million plan to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in order to rapidly bring electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid models to market. The proposals were submitted in order to receive two initiatives established by the DOE - the Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative and the Transportation Electrification Initiative.

    Both are designed to speed up development, demonstration, evaluation and manufacturing of EVs and plug-in hybrids. The programs represent a 50/50 cost-share opportunity, with $224 million to come from Chrysler and an equal amount... Chrysler today submitted three proposals outlining a $448-million plan to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in order to rapidly bring electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid models to market. The proposals were submitted in order to receive two initiatives established by the DOE - the Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative and the Transportation Electrification Initiative. Both are designed to speed up development, demonstration, evaluation and manufacturing of EVs and plug-in hybrids. The programs represent a 50/50 cost-share opportunity, with $224 million to come from Chrysler and an equal amount matched by the DOE. If approved, Chrysler plans to use the funds to build a demonstration fleet of EVs and plug-in hybrids, as well as create a new-vehicle electrification technology and manufacturing center located in Michigan. Under the plan, this new facility would be functional by next year and be capable of producing more than 20,000 vehicles per year. As for the demonstration fleet, Chrysler intends to build more than 365 EVs and plug-in hybrids for use by select customers and partners. The majority of the vehicles will be plug-in hybrid versions of the Chrysler Town & Country minivan and Dodge Ram pickup, as the regular petrol versions of these models already cover a wide range of drive cycles and consumer-usage patterns in diverse geographies and climates throughout the country. Read More

  • Ford working on next-generation lithium-ion batteries

    Ford working on next-generation lithium-ion batteries April 21st, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, April 21st, 2009 James Martinez 1 Comment

    Ford working on next-generation lithium-ion batteries One of the biggest things holding back the mass embrace of the electric car is their supposedly short driving range compared to conventionally powered cars, as well as their relatively expensive nature considering the youth of the technology and low production volumes.

    To combat this, Ford claims that it’s already in the process of speeding up the development of the current industry preferred battery, the lithium-ion cell. According to the carmaker, it’s co-operating with both industry battery suppliers and university research teams to help develop a next-generation battery system that could be implemented in Blue Oval vehicles... One of the biggest things holding back the mass embrace of the electric car is their supposedly short driving range compared to conventionally powered cars, as well as their relatively expensive nature considering the youth of the technology and low production volumes. To combat this, Ford claims that it’s already in the process of speeding up the development of the current industry preferred battery, the lithium-ion cell. According to the carmaker, it’s co-operating with both industry battery suppliers and university research teams to help develop a next-generation battery system that could be implemented in Blue Oval vehicles as early as next year. At the moment, Ford's batteries come in nickel-metal hydride form, but by next year it hopes to release the new lithium-ion system that will be around 5% more efficient than the batteries that Ford is currently using, as well as being almost one-third cheaper to manufacture - which could result in big savings for consumers in the near future. Ford's vice-president in charge of sustainability and the environment, Susan Cischke, explained to the The Detroit News that "significant research" has already been completed, which will help Ford to "accelerate its electric vehicle strategy". Ford is so faithful in the project that it’s also expecting that the research findings will help make it one of the first carmakers to be selling an all-electric vehicle in high volumes. Read More

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