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Fisker Karma
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The Fisker Karma is a plug-in hybrid luxury sports sedan revealed on 14 January, 2008 and manufactured by Fisker Automotive, a joint venture of Quantum Technologies and Fisker Coachbuild, LLC, announced September 5, 2007. The Karma was introduced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
The PHEV-50, all-electric range, is anticipated in late 2009 to sell for US$ 80,000.
The Fisker Karma is the first vehicle released by the Fisker Automotive Company. The Karma features the Q-Drive technology and is powered by a innovative petrol engine/electric motors combination; Q-Drive is a series hybrid system meaning that the 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.
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Encyclopedia
The Fisker Karma is a plug-in hybrid luxury sports sedan revealed on 14 January, 2008 and manufactured by Fisker Automotive, a joint venture of Quantum Technologies and Fisker Coachbuild, LLC, announced September 5, 2007. The Karma was introduced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
The PHEV-50, all-electric range, is anticipated in late 2009 to sell for US$ 80,000.
The Fisker Karma is the first vehicle released by the Fisker Automotive Company. The Karma features the Q-Drive technology and is powered by a innovative petrol engine/electric motors combination; Q-Drive is a series hybrid system meaning that the 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. As a factory option the Karma can be fitted with a solar paneled roof not only to aid in the recharging of its Lithium-Ion batteries but also to aid the cabin climate control system. Additionally, Fisker will offer a set of solar panels for the garage/house which may charge the Karma entirely 'off the grid'. The color blue will not be available until 2011.
Although Fisker Automotive has yet to release solid statistics regarding Karma’s fuel economy, the company estimates the average driver will only have to refill the fuel tank annually provided they do not drive more than 50 miles per day. Fisker have also suggested that when in 'sport-hybrid' mode the Karma will be capable of doing 100 miles per gallon (2.35 ltr/100 km) of fuel consumed for a range of 300 miles. Despite its eco-friendly background the Karma features a top speed and is capable of reaching from a standstill in 5.8 seconds.
Production and delivery
The Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat reported that Fisker Automotive and Valmet Automotive had reached an early agreement to manufacture the cars in Uusikaupunki, Finland. The Valmet factory located there currently produces Porsche Boxster and Cayman models (until 2012), and has previously produced various Saab models as well as some other cars. On 13 November 2008, the final assembly contract was signed by both parties.
Fisker is accepting pre-orders and intends to sell its Karma PHEV by the fourth quarter of 2009 in the US. Base sticker is $87,900.
Fisker received 800 orders for Karma in Europe and a special order from Australia by the entrepenuer pharmacist Ali Nazim. Sales of the Karma in Europe are expected to begin in 2009, where it eventually plans to sell more than half of the units of its debut car.
Fisker also announced the creation of a research and design center in Pontiac, Michigan.
Tesla lawsuit
On April 14, 2008, Tesla Motors filed a lawsuit against Fisker Automotive, alleging that Henrik Fisker stole Tesla's Model S hybrid technology and are using it develop the Karma. Tesla's suit claims that the design work done for the Model S sedan by Fisker Coachbuild was substandard, and that Fisker diverted its best ideas to the Karma
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On November 4, 2008, CNET News reported that Tesla Motors would discontinue its suit after an interim ruling in favor of Fisker Automotive, et al. A news release on the Fisker Automotive website stated similar news.
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