15 Jan 08
Former Aston Martin designer Henrik Fisker - who has been selling his own-brand coachbuilt high-performance vehicles from his new HQ in California - has revealed his hybrid. The Fisker Karma is a high-performance four-seater, with plug-in facility to boost battery power.
The Karma was developed for Fisker by Quantum Technologies and is capable of over 125mph and 0-60mph in six seconds. It can also go for up to 50 miles in electric-only mode and up to 620 miles on all power sources. Its battery pack is mid-mounted for optimum weight distribution, and its construction is aluminium, keeping weight down overall. Options will include a solar roof panel to collect energy to charge the battery and power the climate control system.
The hybrid system - incorporating a relatively small engine, regenerative braking and a pack of new-generation lithium-ion batteries - will also be used, says Fisker, for further models - both petrol and diesel hybrids may be offered.
Sales of the Karma will start late next year, and production of 15,000 a year is planned. No word yet on final pricing, but Fisker did originally indicate a starting price under the $100,000 mark when the car was first announced.
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