Spy Shots: Fisker Karma luxury plug-in hybrid

Posted Sat May 10 2008 1:21 AM by Ralph Hanson

Fisker Automotive is keen to launch its Karma plug-in hybrid by the end of the next year and is hard at work testing prototypes of the upcoming eco-saloon in Southern California. Less than five months out from the concept version’s debut at the Detroit Auto Show, the new prototype reveals Fisker is keeping its promise that the production version will be almost identical to the original concept.

The new Karma will be a plug-in hybrid vehicle, which means it will be able to run on electric power alone for short distances and relies on an internal combustion engine to generate power to top up the batteries when they’re running low. An optional roof-mounted solar panel will also be available as well as a regenerative braking system. Fisker has already confirmed the electric part of the drivetrain will be supplied by Quantum Technologies, and according to a company spokesman the engine “may” have a German origin. Rumor has it the engine will be a 1.4L petrol unit sourced from Volkswagen.

The car is said to offer up to 50 miles of electric-only driving on a single charge and a claimed top speed of more than 125mph. The 0-60mph sprint should take just six seconds.

Fisker is facing a number of challenges in getting its Karma to market. Namely, a new lawsuit that claims Fisker stole the original designs for the car from rival electric car company Tesla Motors. Another issue is the development of reliable and safe lithium-ion batteries.

If Fisker can overcome these two problems, we should see the Karma on American streets by the end of next year and in Europe soon after.

Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid concept

Via: Wired

Gallery: Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid concept

Reader Comments

Sat May 10 2008 11:14 AM
MyWheelsOnWalls.com says

Maybe its the paint scheme? But it looks as if someone stepped on it. Its to wide, to low and to long the proportion is off.
Sat May 10 2008 9:06 PM
Paul says

I think the profile and rear view are fantastic. I don't like the grille. It looks like a mean smiling cartoon character.
Sat May 10 2008 11:54 PM
Roy says

Two thoughts: 1) 50 miles? They have to do better than that - that's only a 25 mile radius, which is barely enough for an inconvenient shopping trip. 2) Why bother with camo? It looks pretty much the same as the pictures they've already shown. The stripes just draw attention to the car at this point (unless that was their whole plan).
Sun May 11 2008 2:18 AM
Blake says

It travels 50 miles on electricity. after that you can go as far as you want in hybrid mode and still achieve excellent gas mileage.
Sun May 11 2008 1:02 PM
Roy says

Thanks, Blake - I thought I remembered that it had a longer range. If I'd bothered to read the preceding paragraph, there would have been less confusion in my mind! I guess this drivetrain is a little more like the Insight than the Prius.

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