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Fisker Karma |
LEADING THE FUTURE: FISKER AUTOMOTIVE UNVEILS
2010 FISKER KARMA PREMIUM PLUG-IN HYBRID
PRODUCTION AUTO
100mpg Fisker Karma Makes its World Premiere at the 2009 North American
International Auto Show
DETROIT, MI. Jan. 12, 2009: Fisker Automotive, Inc., the new American
manufacturer of premium green automobiles, unveiled its first production auto -- the
2010 Fisker Karma – at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)
in Detroit today. .
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With a starting price of $87,900 ($80,400 after US government
tax credits), 1,000 orders for the 100 mile-per-gallon luxury plug-in hybrid have
been received since the prototype debuted at the 2008 NAIAS. Karma deliveries
are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2009 through the Fisker Automotive
Retail network. More information can be found online at
www.fiskerautomotive.com
The four-door, four-seat Karma fuses the traditional & timeless styling of veteran
auto designer & Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker, with Quantum
Technologies' clean Q-DRIVE® plug-in hybrid powertrain to become the world's
first luxury plug-in hybrid auto.
Q-DRIVE®: POWERFUL TECHNOLOGY
Exclusive to Fisker Automotive, Q-DRIVE® provides the best combination of power,
efficiency & low emissions. The system is comprised of two 201hp electric
motors powered by an advanced lithium-ion technology battery pack.
A generator attached to a 260hp turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec® direct injection
(D1) gasoline motor provides extended range capabilities.
"More than 60 percent of America's 200 million drivers travel less than 50 miles per
day. With Q-DRIVE®, the 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® features two operating modes: Stealth Mode & 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® gasoline motor to turn a generator that powers two electric
motors on the rear differential. A fully charged Karma can achieve an annual average of more
than 100 miles per gallon.
With a top speed of 125 mph & a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, the Karma is the world's first
true premium plug-in hybrid sports sedan. The Karma's low center of gravity & performance
oriented, A-arm suspension system offer a world class driving experience. Tall, wide tires
deliver immense lateral grip while electrohydaulic disc brakes provide effortless stopping power.
LUXURY & STYLE
Karma's exterior design features the continual flow of sculpture & dramatic proportion that is
signature Fisker style. A low, wide stance & raised front fenders offer the driver a unique
view of the auto's design. Modest changes from the original Karma prototype include an
enhanced upper grill & an enlarged lower intake for improved airflow. A new aerodynamic
diffuser under the rear bumper helps cool the electric drivetrain. Instantly recognizable, the
Karma also benefits from having the world's largest continuously formed glass solar panel roof
on a auto – an industry first & a st&ard feature on all Karma sedans.
"From initial concept to final production, it is important for Fisker to maintain a singular design
language & to keep the integrity of the original design, inside & out. Extreme proportions,
beautiful sculpture & earth-friendly materials are key elements that set the Karma apart," said
Fisker Automotive, Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker. "An inspiring drive is also an important & crucial
element. Our hope is that the Fisker Karma will create a new segment of eco-friendly
transportation & will become the most desirable plug-in hybrid sports sedan available."
A desirable auto of any kind requires an inviting cockpit. Fisker's interior design team focused on
sustainable design held accountable to the environment. Inspiration from nature's timeless
beauty & the quality of classic design composition provided immense inspiration. Karma's
Sustainable & Accountable Design is reflected in the use of reusable materials enhanced with
modern technology. For example, wood trim is sourced from non-living trees: 'Fallen Trees'
that have succumbed to age; 'Rescued Trees' burned in forest fires; & 'Sunken Trees' lying in
American lake bottoms.
Karma's instrumentation & controls focus on ease of use. Embedded in the layered
EcoGlass™ center console is a 10.2-inch touch sensitive screen controlling HVAC, audio &
other vehicle systems. LCD gauges behind the steering wheel provide display critical
information like battery charge & vehicle speed.
"The Karma's material philosophy balances sensuality & accountability," said Fisker. "We have
gone to great lengths to use only environmentally conscious, classic automotive materials that
support a commitment to our eco initiatives. At Fisker Automotive we are trying to inspire
change for the better."
Karma buyers will choose from three trim levels: EcoBase™, EcoSport™ & EcoChic™. The
most advanced sustainable material series, EcoChic™, is based on an animal-free approach that
still offers a luxurious environment. Leather is replaced by 100% Bamboo Viscose, a soft h&
textile, while EcoGlass™ trim frames authentic fossilized leaves. Karma's EcoSport™ series
incorporates h&-wrapped premium leather using a 100% sustainable manufacturing strategy,
which minimizes the number of hides required & highlights natural markings.
KARMA PRODUCTION & DELIVERY
To meet production goals, Fisker turned to specialty builder Valmet Automotive in Finl&.
Delivery of the more than 1,000 pre-ordered Karmas will begin this year. To commemorate
initial production, the first 99 examples will be trimmed to match both interior & exterior
specifications of the Karma prototype originally showcased at the 2008 NAIAS. Each will
feature a personalized plaque with a designated auto number & signature from Henrik Fisker
Also at the heart of defining the future is Fisker's retail network. A selective process to support
initial deliveries is underway & interest from established dealers is high. Customers can
expect a high level of service from retail partners that share their environmental & energy
values.
ABOUT FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
Fisker Automotive, founded in 2007 by Fisker Coachbuild, LLC & Quantum Technologies, is a
privately owned American auto company producing premium green automobiles. North
American corporate headquarters are located in Irvine, CA with Henrik Fisker as the Chief
Executive Officer. The company has backing from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Palo Alto
Investors & QIA. More information is available at www.fiskerautomotive.com. |
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Fisker Karma
Wheels & Tires - Hundreds of wheels &
tires for your car in stock, check out the online wheel choosing tool to
see how your car will look with the new
wheels. |
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Fisker Karma Parts Giant
- Many of the cars in our car videos have performance parts ranging from
exhaust systems, intakes, performance chips, & other parts that will
make your car go fast & corner great. Visit out parts section for
performance parts. |
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Fisker Karma Insurance
- Insurance offers personal automobile,
motorcycle,
& umbrella
insurance. The company receives much of its new business through
referrals from current policyholders; the average annual renewal rate of
existing policyholders is over 90%. |
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