2009 DETROIT AUTO SHOW: Fisker Has Some Good Karma Ready For The Industry in 09'
Fisker Automotive, Inc., a green American premium sports car company, today announced that Fisker's first production car, the Fisker KARMA, will be showcased at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit, Michigan, January, 2009. 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. Quantum will supply its proprietary "Q-Drive" high-performance plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle architecture for the current Fisker Hybrid sedan as well as all future Fisker models. The Q-Drive plug-in hybrid electric drive system is designed to achieve 50 miles of zero emission, battery-only range while providing combined gasoline-electric hybrid operation to enable uncompromised vehicle range and performance. The Q-Drive system will be integrated into a unique chassis developed by Quantum that will enable optimizing the performance and vehicle dynamics. Benefits of the Q-Drive system include optimized fuel efficiency and superior performance, unchanged refueling infrastructure, and home-based battery recharging with any 110-volt outlet or, as an option, 220/240-volt fast-charging using Quantum's solar energy powered re-charging station. With this balance of electric and gasoline 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 Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) 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 KARMA has a unique sustainable interior strategy. The design of the interior cabin is a luxurious tailored space for four adults. The interior will be unveiled for the first time in its final form at the 2009 NAIAS.
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.
Quantum's 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.
A total of 40 retailers for the U.S. will be established by October 2009. Fisker Automotive will announce 20 of their Retailers in January 2009. European pricing will be announced at the International Geneva Motor Show in March, 2009.
Henrik Fisker, CEO of Fisker Automotive, stated, "We are very excited to be bringing the Fisker KARMA back to NAIAS. In the year since we debuted the KARMA, the reception we've received has been tremendous. I'm proud to announce at this time that we are already sold out on the car until mid-2010."
Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum, stated, "We are pleased with the development and integration of the Q-Drive architecture and the early success of this vehicle program."
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