Fisker Automotive has unveiled the actual production version of the Karma plug-in-hybrid at the NAIAS. We knew this years North American International Auto Show would be a big hit with hybrids and EV concepts but this is just interesting. It seems majority of the cars are a derivative of a hybrid or electric hybrid vehicle. This shows we have reached a turn in the automotive industry in our changing times and Fisker is joining the rankings with it’s new Fisker Karma.
The Fisker Karma’ production form is not much different from the concept vehicle that we saw at last year’s show. The Fisker Karma will have a proprietary Q-Drive powertrain with a 50 mile all-electric range. It even includes an array of solar panels on the roof. Interestingly enough it uses a GM Ecotec engine to turn a generator to charge the battery after the 50 miles very similar to the Chevy Volt. Basically, if you commute 50 miles per day you could in theory achieve 100mpg. That’s much better than a Toyota Prius’s claimed 50mpg but at $87,900 the Fisker Karma may have to sit at the dealership on full charge until you can save up some extra cash in our slumping economy.
[source: Autoblog]
