Fisker
Fisker secures funds to launch Karma plug-in hybrid this year
According to recent reports, California-based Fisker Automotive is likely to launch its Karma plug-in hybrid sports car sometime this year as the company has managed to secure enough funds to put the vehicle into production.
A total of US$189 million have been secured. Among others, it is made up by US$35 million of private equity that was announced yesterday and another US$115 million that was secured in January. The company also managed to get a US$529 million loan from US’ Enery Department last month.
The Karma plug-in hybrid will be built in Finland via contractor Valmet Automotive and each will cost about US$87,900. It can travel up to 80 kilometers over a full charge and it also features a gasoline range extender that can add another 402 kilometeres.
It was also said that Fisker is developing another vehicle that is scheduled to go into production in 2012. This would be a lower-cost rechargeable sedan with an estimated price tag of US$55,000.
Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid makes its world driving debut at the Laguna Seca circuit
The prototype Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid made its driving debut at the Laguna Seca circuit during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races. The hybrid sports car, which has an output figure of 403HP lapped that circuit in electric mode, meaning it did not use fuel. It managed to hit speeds up to 161 km/h. Behind the wheel was Fisker Automotive’s co-founder Bernhard Koehler.
The company is developing the production version, and revealed that the sports car can hit 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds flat, and will go on to a top speed of 201 km/h, while being able to deliver 100 miles to the gallon. The Karma can also run for 80 kilometers, with electric power. It can also collectively deliver 483 km/h with its 260HP 4-cylinder combustion engine, mated to two electric motors. The Fisker Karma is expected to go on sale towards the end of the year with an estimated price tag of US$ 87,900. Continue reading to watch the driving footage. Read the rest of this entry.
Fisker Karma S Convertible Hardtop Concept!
After launching the production version of the Fisker Karma Premium sedan at the Detroit Motor Show, the American plug in hybrid maker has also revealed its plans to build a 2 door convertible hardtop variant by showcasing the Fisker Karma S Convertible Hardtop Concept.
This concept features the similar aluminium space frame architecture and Q-Drive power system used on its sedan counterpart. Just to reiterate, the Q-Drive system comprises of two 201HP electric motors driving the rear wheels and a 260HP 2.0 liter ECOTEC combustion engine driving a generator to help extend its driving range after the 4-seater exceeds the 50 miles driving range of the twin electric motors.
The power retractable hard top, which is a first for Fisker, glides neatly into the trunk of the car. Expect a production version by 2011. Power, good looks, electric? Fantastic! Starting price of the Karma sports sedan is U.S $ 87,900, so expect a price of about U.S $ 95,000 for the Karma S.
Continue reading to view two more images. Read the rest of this entry.
2010 Fisker Karma Premium Plug-In Hybrid!
The four door coupe you see above is the Karma Premium by American based Fisker Automotive which is powered by two electric motors and an internal combustion engine which can help the vehicle achieve an annual average of more than 100 miles per gallon.
Both electric motors produce 201HP each, and are powered by an advance lithium ion battery pack and the combustion engine on the other hand features a 260HP turbocharged 2.0 liter ECOTEC engine with direct injection to help extend the Karma’s driving range. All three power plants are part of the Q-DRIVE system.
The premium sports sedan is able to hit the 60 mph mark in just 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 125 mph and promises to offer sports car like handling. Interior wise, the environmentally conscious vehicle is treated with a combination of enhanced reusable materials sourced from non-living trees, authentic fossilized leaves, and Bamboo Viscose, apart from other conventional materials.
There is also a 10.2-inch sensitive touch screen controlling HVAC, audio and other vehicle systems. LCD gauges behind the steering wheel provide display critical information like battery charge and vehicle speed. With a starting price of U.S $ 87,900, Fisker will begin deliveries of 1000 pre-ordered Karmas this year.
Continue reading to view two more images. Read the rest of this entry.
