Imagine the federal government giving you $7,500 when you bought your new car. That effectively takes the price of the Fisker Karma down from $87,900 to $80,400. Q-Drive, technology taken from Quantum Technologies, applies 201-horsepower of electric power with a 260-turbocharged four-cylinder accessible when needed. Though clearly not a pretty car from many angles, the Karma is hugely dramatic from any perspective and brings some much needed distinction to the luxury sedan crowd. Competing for dollars normally spent on the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class won’t be easy, but Henrik Fisker – responsible for drawing the BMW Z8 and Aston Martin DB9 – is content with small volume.
“More than 60 percent of America’s 200 million drivers travel less than 50 miles per day. With Q-DRIVE(R), the Fisker Karma can do that without using a drop of gas. This proprietary powertrain will provide a base for all future model derivatives from Fisker Automotive.” said Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum Technologies…… Q-DRIVE(R) features two operating modes: Stealth Mode and Sport Mode. In electric-only Stealth Mode, drivers can travel emission free for up to 50 miles on a full charge from any 110-, 220- or 240-volt electric outlet. A total range of up to 300 miles is estimated in Sport Mode, which utilizes the efficient Ecotec(R) gasoline engine to turn a generator that powers two electric motors on the rear differential. A fully charged Fisker Karma can achieve an annual average of more than 100 miles per gallon…… With a top speed of 125 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, the Fisker Karma is the world’s first true premium plug-in hybrid sports sedan….. Leather is replaced by 100% Bamboo Viscose, a soft hand textile, while EcoGlassTM trim frames authentic fossilized leaves. Karma’s EcoSportTM series incorporates hand-wrapped premium leather using a 100% sustainable manufacturing strategy, which minimizes the number of hides required and highlights natural markings.To meet production goals, Fisker turned to specialty builder Valmet Automotive in Finland. Delivery of the more than 1,000 pre-ordered Karmas will begin this year.”
