Fisker Karma
The Fisker Karma is a plug-in hybrid luxury sports sedan produced by Fisker Automotive and manufactured at Valmet Automotive in Finland. The Fisker Karma was revealed at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It is the first car from Fisker Automotive, a new auto maker based in Anaheim, California, founded on 5 September 2007. The Karma is a pure series hybrid, driven by a pair of 120 kW (161 hp) electric motors that get their power from a 20 kWh lithium ion battery supplied by A123 Systems. The battery pack runs down the center of the car, between the pairs of left-hand and right-hand seats, preventing a rear bench and seating four rather than five passengers. Once the battery is depleted, or when the driver presses the "Sport" mode button, the front-mounted 260-hp, 2.0-liter Ecotec four-cylinder direct-injected and turbocharged gasoline engine powers a generator that sends electricity directly to the drive motors. The Karma's engine is mated with a generator to provide an electrical connection to the motors and also recharge the batteries, and as such the electric motors are the only mechanical driving force connected to the wheels.
The Karma includes as standard a solar paneled roof manufactured by Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH, a Quantum Technologies affiliate, not only to aid in the recharging of its lithium-ion batteries but also to aid the cabin climate control system. The solar roof is capable of generating a half kilowatt-hour a day and is estimated to provide up to 4 to 5 miles (6.4–8.0 km) of additional range a week assuming continuously sunny days. Additionally, the car will offer a set of solar panels for the garage/house which may charge the Karma without the benefit of conventional electrical sources.
The Karma's two 201 brake horsepower (204 PS) motors produce 1,300 newton metres (960 lbf·ft) of torque. The Karma features a 125 mph (201 km/h) top speed and is capable of reaching 60 mph (97 km/h) from a standstill in 6.3 seconds.
The base model features an 'eco-friendly interior', including salvaged/reclaimed lumber. Optional leather seating is available, but it will use much more of the cow hide than would customarily be found on luxury models; hides with scratches and other marks will be used.
Introducing the world’s first electric luxury vehicle with extended range. EVer stands for Electric Vehicle extended range, meaning Fisker drivers can either recharge or refuel to enjoy complete driving freedom.
The world’s largest seamless solar glass roof for a production vehicle provides Karma drivers up to 200 miles (321 km) per year of completely emission and cost- free driving.
A dynamic splayed pattern was developed to improve efficiency by optimizing maximum sunlight angles. This unique solar roof also produces energy to help power the Karma’s interior cooling system.
The interior wood trim is crafted from certified Fallen, Sunken and Rescued WoodTM, ensuring that no live growth is ever used.
The natural markings, grains and variations in color are part of the Karma’s unique interior trim making each car one-of-a-kind tribute to sustainability.
Diamond Dust is the first ever high-ratio glass flake paint used on a production vehicle. The 35%-55% recycled glass flake mixture releases zero volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere.