Fisker Karma Plug-In Hybrid Launch Delayed Until Q3 2010

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Editor BIO

Vik is an Editor at High Gear Media and contributor for a number of sites within the High Gear Media network. He was a co-founder of Motor Authority... More

LATEST ARTICLE
2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Spy Shots
The convertible version of the new 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish, a Volante in Aston Martin speak, has... Read More

• #1LEADERBOARD RANK
• 9131ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
• 127COMMENTS POSTED

6 2,385 views Dec 6, 2009

Follow Viknesh

Add to circle

2009 fisker karma plug in hybrid live 08

Originally slated to go on sale in November 2009, the all-new Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid luxury sedan will now go on sale in the third quarter of 2010.

The Karma was first showcased as a concept at last year’s Detroit Auto Show and since then the project has experienced several major developments.

Despite the delay, going from concept to production reality in less than three years is an impressive feat for any automaker working on a plug-in hybrid vehicle, let alone a small start-up like California-based Fisker Automotive.

Significant investments from major venture capital firms, a half-billion dollar conditional loan from the U.S. government and the establishment of a global network of independent retailers highlight Fisker’s rapid growth.

Since its founding in August 2007 the company has developed a new plug-in hybrid car, appointed a network of 42 independent U.S. retailers and three European distributors, been awarded $528.7 million in loans from the U.S. Department of Energy, and announced the development of a second, more affordable model codenamed Project Nina.

As for the Karma, the luxury plug-in hybrid sedan is expected to keep its sticker price of $87,900 when it goes on sale late next year. For this money, customers will receive one of the most fuel efficient sedans on the market, with claims of up to 100 mpg in fuel economy and a healthy 408 horsepower and a monstrous 959 pound-feet of torque on tap.

[Fisker]