2009 fisker karma plug in hybrid live 13

2009 fisker karma plug in hybrid live 13

The luxurious Fisker Karma features a humble GM Ecotec engine for its range-extending duties, and in initial reviews there has been mention of the rough sound of the engine seeping into the cabin at times.

For its future models, including the U.S.-built Project Nina, Fisker will be going with BMW engines.

Fisker has announced the signing of an agreement with BMW that will cover the supply of engines and other components.

BMW will initially supply a turbocharged four-cylinder engine for Project Nina, which is scheduled to go into production in the re-commissioned former GM plant in Wilmington, Delaware at the end of 2012 and be on sale globally in 2013.

The agreement calls for up to 100,000 engine units per year at peak volume, alluding to the grand dreams Fisker boss Henrik Fisker has for his startup.

Note, Project Nina isn’t a single model but rather a family of different boydstyles all using a variation of the automaker’s latest EVer (formerly Q-Drive) range-extended electric drivetrain.

The first Project Nina derivative will be a mid-size luxury sedan slotting below the Karma. 

In a statement, Fisker said: “The BMW engine was an obvious choice for us, as BMW is known for producing the best and most fuel efficient gasoline engines in the world. We are very pleased to have signed this agreement with BMW."

Fisker has also announced that it has established a European office in BMW’s hometown of Munich, Germany.

The automaker is predicting that 40 percent of its sales will go to the U.S., another 40 percent going to Europe, and the remaining 20 percent going mostly to Asia.

Fisker's second model, however, is expected to be an upmarket crossover based on the same platform as the Karma, a concept version of which may be unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show in less than two weeks' time.