German Car Forum

The more I read about this the less I think its really going to happen. You're going to deliver a car with these specs by next year and no production base has been set yet? I really want this car to happen, but its sounding more and more like a pipe dream to me.

M

Sorry for not posting for such a long time guys. i've been lurking but didn't have the chance to comment on anything lately.

Anyway, I really like this car. mr. Fisker definitely knows how to give a car the right proportions to make it look unbeatably sexy. His previous creations speak for themselves.
there are spots that I don't like: the front grill for instance. i don't like the fact that it's seperated in the middle. And the vertical blades don't work for me neither. The placement of the shutlines at the rear give a slight cheap impression imo.
I don't see any similarities with the CS. Both cars have very different proportions and lines, i don't know how anybody could say they look similar.
I do see some similarties to the Gran Turismo, but as ageneral note to those who like seeing other cars in any car: cars are not generated in days, not even in months. And knowing that the Maserati was released about one year ago and so was the CS, I believe that the similarities are nothing but a coencidence. and IF I would suspect any of these cars as a copy, it would certainly not be the Karma, since it's classically Fisker-proportioned.

The interior is nice too, not great but ok. Heavily inspired by Motorola's mobile phones. One this is extremely annoying me: the red LEDs in the interior.. I just HATE red interior illumination! light blue or white would hev done it much better to me.

Overall, i really like the car and the fact that it's pushing the 4-door-coupé/GT theme to an extreme that now even the Rapide could reach (which is indirectly design by Fisker as well).
I was waiting for something really cool since the I day I read the news about the new Fisker car, and i wasn't dissappointed

Fisker Karma Makes Euro Debut at Geneva

All round good karma was evident at the Fisker Automotive stand in Geneva as the company introduced its new Karma in Europe for the first time. Fisker we know as the “green” sports car company who research and build cars with above-average performance while respecting the environment. The use of light, eco-friendly materials is extensive in keeping with the greenness, if ever there was such a word.

Karma is the embodiment of this philosophy, with its 50 mile per charge plug-in hybrid. Power figures were not available at the time of publishing, but we do have claimed performance figures which are 0 – 100km/h in less than 6 seconds, top speed of over 200km/h, and maximum torque available from standstill.

The Karma runs on 22-inch light alloy wheels, features a satellite navigation system and a luxurious interior, Fisker says. What is the cost for the future sports car? Around USD80,000. Let’s wait and hear what the Chevrolet VOLT has to offer.

[Source: Fisker/WCF]

Fisker Karma Will be Made in Finland

The Fisker Karma caused great waves when it was first unveiled at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show and plans are in full motion to commence the production of the vehicle. In an announcement made today we can reveal Fisker has hired Finnish firm Valmet Automotive to build the car which will begin to arrive in dealerships in 2009.

"After an exhaustive global search, we are thrilled to have found the ideal manufacturing partner in Valmet Automotive," Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker said in a statement. "Valmet offers us the quality and speed necessary to meet our production goals, and given that more than half of Fisker Automotive's sales are expected to be outside of North America, Valmet represents an ideal international foothold. We do have a strategic plan to utilize an American manufacturing site for future models of the Fisker Karma."

The news is sure to come as some relief to Valmet after they recently lost their contract to build the Porsche Boxter and Porsche Cayman after 11 successful years and 200,00 units to Austrian firm Magna Steyr.

[Source: Fisker Automotive via WCF]

Here is the REAL car..production version..
And i must say it looks even better..



First image and details of the production Fisker Karma released

Fisker Automotive today announced that its first production car, the Fisker Karma, will be showcased at the 2009 North American International Auto Show.

With only minor design enhancements made to the exterior of the vehicle, the production Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid retains the extreme proportions and beautiful sculpture of the January 2008 Karma show car.

With a base price of $87,900 (USD), the Fisker Karma is scheduled to begin delivery in November 2009.


Featuring the proprietary Q-Drive powertrain, the Fisker Karma will have an all-electric range of 50 miles (80km). After the all electric 50 miles, the gasoline engine turns a generator to charge the lithium ion battery. Once the 50-mile electric range has been exceeded, the Fisker Karma can be used as a normal hybrid vehicle. With this balance of electric and gas range, Fisker Automotive estimates that most Karma drivers who charge the Karma overnight and commute less than 50 miles per day will be able to achieve an average fuel economy of 100 mpg (2.4L/100km) per year.

The production model to be featured at the 2009 NAIAS will include an upper grill that is graphically enhanced, being slightly larger towards the outer corners. The lower air intake has been enlarged to allow for more airflow and underneath the rear bumper, an aerodynamic diffuser includes the integration of a cooling cover for the electric drivetrain.

To optimize cooling and aerodynamics, the exhaust pipe from the ICE engine is routed directly out behind the front wheels. A small functional side vent will release the hot air when the ICE engine is turned on. The Fisker Karma also features a complete flush B-pillar. The B-pillar is a safety feature and already fulfills the proposed 2012 rollover protection safety regulations.

Underneath the Karma is an all aluminum spaceframe made in cooperation with Norsk Hydro. The exterior body is a combination of aluminum panels and composite panels.

The vehicle’s ride and handling is decisively sporty and includes very responsive steering. The Karma’s long wheel base, wide track and low center of gravity provide excellent cornering and stability at highway speeds.

The innovative powertrain, Q-drive, utilizes a large, powerful lithium ion battery and a powerful 2-liter direct injected turbo-charged 4-cylinder gasoline engine developing 260 hp, which enables the Karma to achieve a continuous top speed of 125 mph and a 0-60 of 5.8 seconds. The large powerful lithium ion battery provides 22.6 kWh, which has unique control software. The two powerful electric motors deliver a combined 408 hp.

The Fisker Karma will be assembled by Valmet Automotive in a highly automized assembly facility. Valmet Automotive is currently producing the Porsche Boxster and Porsche Cayman. The first Fisker Karma will be delivered to customers in November 2009. Yearly volume is anticipated to reach 15,000 cars per year.

European pricing will be announced at the International Geneva Motor Show in March, 2009

I just hope that the electric version isn't going to be the only version. This care deserves a BMW I6 or MB V8 for those who love the shape, but don't want electric car. Provided that those motors fit.

M

i dont mind the electric motor..
the car has great performance anyways..
5. something to 100
thats more than enough..and i would sacrfise 0. somethings for that fuel economy of 2.4l/100 km

It still has a 260hp+ petrol engine and a 400hp+ electric engines..

Sounds and looks...like a dream ..
I wonder if it works like one aswell

Watch and learn PorschHhhhh

^^^ I'll say the same... this car is better-looking by mile, compared to the fugly Panamera!

I will eat my words and admit that the production version looks quite stunning and is making the prospect of the EV more and more delightful. Of course, I still can't afford it, LOL.

The CLS may have found its first proper competitor. I've fully approved this car although I wouldn't mind a little tone down of some of the styling. But overall the car is hot and looks production ready too. Check out the US spec side indicators.

Peep Mr. Frisk himself.

Their battery supplier ENER1 is not able to supply batteries.

They signed a contract with a new one, A123 Systems:

UPDATE: A123 Systems In Battery Supply Pact With Fisker Automotive - WSJ.com

Hopefully there is a backup plan, with a clean V8.