Fisker Karma

Infobox Automobile


name = Fisker Karma
manufacturer = Fisker Automotive
parent_company =
aka =
production = 2009
assembly =
predecessor =
successor =
class = plug-in hybrid luxury sports car
body_style = sedan
layout =
platform =
engine =
transmission =
wheelbase =
length = 195.67 inches (4970mm)
width = 78.11 inches (1984 mm)
height = 51.57 inches (1310mm)
weight =
fuel_capacity =
electric_range = convert|50|mi|km
related =
designer = Henrik Fisker

The Fisker Karma is a plug-in hybrid luxury sports car revealed on 14 January, 2008 and manufactured by Fisker Automotive,cite web |url=http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/14/the-eco-chic-fisker-karma-and-150mpg-xh-150-hybrids-revealed/ |title=The "eco-chic" Fisker Karma and 150mpg XH-150 hybrids revealed |accessdate=2008-01-14 |last=Ricker |first=Thomas |date=2008-01-14 |format=HTML |work=Engadget |publisher=Weblogs, Inc. |language=English] a joint venture of Quantum Technologies [ [http://www.qtww.com Quantum Technologies ] ] and Fisker Coachbuild, LLC, announced September 5, 2007.cite news | title=Drive the Future with Fisker Automotive, A New Green American Premium Car Company | date=5 September 2007 | url=http://www.fiskerautomotive.com/pdf/FISKER%20AUTOMOTIVE%20-%20English.pdf ] The Karma was introduced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

The PHEV-50, mile|50 all-electric range, is anticipated in late 2009 to sell for US$ 80,000.Shirouzu, N., and Buckman, R. (January 14, 2008) [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120027887033287745.html "Electric-Car Firms Get Star Investors,"] "Wall Street Journal"]

The Fisker Karma is the first vehicle released by the Fisker Automotive Company. The Karma features Q-Drive technology, powered by an innovative plug-in hybrid gasoline/electric motors. The vehicle can run up to convert|50|mi|km solely on battery power when fully charged. After the charged batteries deplete, the Karma converts to its hybrid engines, constantly switching between gasoline and electric motors. Fisker will provide an optional solar panel to be mounted on the roof of the buyers house to charge the car completely off the grid. [Brumfield, Charlie (June 20, 2008) [http://www.performanceradionetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=1 "Fisker Karma - 4 Doors With Style,"] "Performance Radio Network"]

In addition to the advanced hybrid drive technology, a solar-paneled roof is optional. These solar cells collect energy to aide in cooling the vehicle’s lithium ion batteries as well as donate an extra boost to the Q-drive system. Although Fisker Automotive has yet to release solid statistics regarding Karma’s fuel economy, the company estimates the average driver will only have to refill the gas tank annually provided they do not drive more than 50 miles per day.

It features a convert|125|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on top speed and is capable of reaching convert|60|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on from a standstill in 5.8 seconds. [ [http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-fisker-karma-draws-a-crowd-impresses/ Detroit 2008: Fisker Karma draws a crowd, impresses - Autoblog ] ]

Production and Delivery

The Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat reported [cite web | url =http://www.hs.fi/talous/artikkeli/Hybridit+korvaamassa+Porschen+Uudessakaupungissa/1135237888298 | title = Helsingin Sanomat| date =2008-07-15 | accessdate =2008-07-16 Fi] that Fisker Automotive and Valmet Automotive had reached an early agreement to manufacture the cars in Uusikaupunki, Finland. The Valmet factory located there currently produces Porsche Boxster and Cayman models (until 2012), and has previously produced various Saab models as well as some other cars.

Fisker is accepting pre-orders and intends to sell its Karma PHEV by the fourth quarter of 2009 in the US. [ [http://www.calcars.org/calcars-news/944.html Small Carmakers: Fisker to Europe] ]

Fisker received 800 orders for Karma in Europe. Sales of the Karma in Europe are expected to begin in 2009, where it eventually plans to sell more than half of the units of its debut car. [ [http://autonewsreport.com/go/?lname=Fisker%20received%20800%20orders%20for%20Karma%20in%20Europe&url=http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/-fisker-received-800-orders-for-karma-in-europe-ar59337.html Fisker received 800 orders for Karma in Europe · Auto News Report ] ]

Tesla Lawsuit

On April 14, 2008, Tesla Motors filed a lawsuit against Fisker Automotive, alleging that Henrik Fisker stole Tesla's Model S hybrid technology and are using it develop the Karma. Tesla's suit claims that the design work done for the Model S sedan by Fisker Coachbuild was substandard, and that Fisker diverted its best ideas to the Karma [cite web
last = Migliore
first = Greg
title = Tesla sues Fisker, alleges theft of trade secrets
work = AutoWeek: News & Views
date = 2008-04-16
url = http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200804161045/FREE/512789873
format = HTML
accessdate = 2008-04-16] .

References

External links

* [http://www.fiskerautomotive.com Fisker Automotive]