Fisker Karma hybrid to source engine from GM

Fisker Karma

2.0-liter 260 hp battery charger

By Michael Gauthier
November 24, 2008 7:56 PM
Filed Under: American, Fisker, General Motors, Hybrid, Specialty Marques

Fisker has announced their new plug-in hybrid sedan called the Karma will use GM's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder which produces 260 horsepower. The engine will be used to generate electricity for the batteries after the hybrid has been driven past its 50 mile electric-only range. GM currently uses the engine in the Pontiac Solstice GXP and the Saturn Sky Red Line.

Fisker is also considering using several other parts from GM, stating that they are "confident that this is the beginning of an important partnership between GM and Fisker Automotive in developing the most desirable fuel efficient vehicles of the future."

The Fisker Karma will be built by Valmet in Finland starting in late 2009 with European deliveries expected to begin in 2010. Annual production is expected to reach 15,000 units for the sedan which will most likely be priced near $80,000 USD.

Source: Fisker Automotive

Press Release (Click to expand)

Fisker Automotive Announces Intent to Source General Motors Components

Fisker Automotive, Inc., a green American premium car company, today announced that General Motors has been selected to supply, through its on-highway integrator Powertrain Integration LLC, the gasoline engine that will be used in the Fisker Karma, Fisker Automotive's new Extended Range Hybrid Electric Vehicle. GM's Powertrain organization will supply the gasoline engine that generates electricity when the driver has exceeded the 50 mile electric-only range. The 2.0 direct injection, turbo-charged 4-cylinder Ecotec gasoline engine will deliver 260 horsepower. Fisker Automotive is also considering the purchase of several additional GM vehicle components to enhance the Karma.

"Given General Motors global leadership in the parts and accessories space, the fact that it is already engineering parts for extended range electric vehicles, and its commitment to helping the environment, it was clear that this was the right partner for us," said Fisker Automotive, Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker. "We are confident that this is the beginning of an important partnership between GM and Fisker Automotive in developing the most desirable fuel efficient vehicles of the future."

"GM is proud that Fisker Automotive has selected one of the world's best powertrains for installation into the new Karma," said Tom Stephens, Executive Vice President of GM Powertrain and Global Quality. "The advanced design of this engine offers a superior performance-to-weight ratio that makes it the right choice for the Fisker Hybrid Electric Vehicle. As a leader in the automotive industry in the development of fuel efficient and energy diverse powertrains, GM sees significant opportunity in working with Fisker Automotive, a visionary company developing products that embody both exciting vehicle design as well as technology friendly to our environment."

Initial domestic deliveries of Fisker Automotive's first car, the Karma, will commence in the 4th quarter of 2009 in North America with planned delivery to Europe in 2010. Fisker Automotive's annual production is projected to reach 15,000 cars, with more than half of sales expected to be overseas.

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Comments

Nurchus

November 24, 2008 9:29 PM

$80,000 USD for a GM made engine and other parts from GM... why do I think this is a rip-off?

Bristol411S3

November 25, 2008 12:44 AM

Have you not noticed the styling, innovation and tech? Those are definitely NOT Saturn or Pontiac. Plus Fisker cut his teeth designing Astons, so not a bad reputation either.

radmeister

November 24, 2008 11:13 PM

This engine is perhaps the most solid engine out of GM as long as it doesn't come with their crappy AC-Delco fixings. The engine is based on the SAAB engine which is an amazing block and handles boost well, turbo lag is well balanced. I would have gone with the Audi 2.0L TSI, or the new Merc. 2.2L Diesel, but i guess none of the other car companies other than GM was willing to sell an engine.

benz_man

November 25, 2008 6:23 PM

This is no Saab engine here kid. This is an Ecotec, (and the best yet). Saab's version of the Ecotec makes 210HP. This engine, with its DI, VVT on intake & exhaust, and dual scroll turbo puts out a substantial 260HP and 260tq from 2500-4500 RPM. That even beats VWs 2.0 TFSI. And electronics are Bosch MED9. F that AC-Delco stuff.

Joe_Limon

November 24, 2008 11:52 PM

lol at kitt reminiscent dash board.

Panamera

November 25, 2008 12:48 AM

This car looks brilliant. and GM makes great engine. they've been making engines before you could say mama. so before you go on blabbering on. think.

radmeister

November 25, 2008 1:06 AM

This car is a perfect example of how much of a failure GM is, why couldn't they build a car like this? Some dude from Finland with his own company and not even 1000th of the resources had to...Pathetic GM. 1 man greater than the so called biggest automotive company in the world.

gmfan09

November 25, 2008 1:56 AM

Wow your just dumb. Enough said. What an ignorant rant.

gmfan09

November 25, 2008 1:59 AM

So I guess if they got their engines from Toyota instead you would be saying the same thing. Yeah i don't think so. Radmeister you always post the most ridiculous crap. I can't be the only one to notice this.

Panamera

November 25, 2008 5:23 AM

i strongly agree with the ignorant rat bit. you are unbelievably stupid.

joelynn

November 25, 2008 1:15 PM

I think Radmeister has a point, not about GM but about all the major manufacturers... if a small company like Fisker or Tesla can create a viable electric car then why can't one of the mainstream manufacturers manage it?

foose1397

November 25, 2008 3:42 PM

Simple, cost. These vehicles cost nearly double what the "average" market is willing to pay. Whether people like to hear it or not technology is expensive and it cost a premium to get the latest things.

For all those bashing about there being a GM motor you have obviously not seen or used one of them. This is the problem the American companies face....ignorant Americans who get sucked into some tv or media's ideas instead of making a decision for themselves.

gmfan09

November 25, 2008 6:20 PM

Yea exactly. They biggest problem they will face after all of this is changing people perspectives.

radmeister

November 25, 2008 2:37 PM

The difference is Toyota isn't in desperate need for something like this. And are one of the most advanced companies in the terms of hybrid technology. You guys are all just sore about your dear American car makers becoming peddlers on the steps of congress. All i'm saying is that GM has been in desperate need for something new and fresh for the last 10 years, and they were clearly in contact with Fisker for a while (this deal didn't just happen overnight) why wouldn't they buy off his project or hire him to design something along the same lines for them? To me that's stupid, say what you want about me, i'm not the one making retarded business decisions at every possibility.

gmfan09

November 25, 2008 6:18 PM

All they are doing is supplying engines for another manufacturer. New and fresh? Toyota is the most boring automobile maker in the world. Nothing they have is exciting. I think you have some seriously flawed logic as for as business is concerned.

benz_man

November 25, 2008 6:34 PM

GM isn't a niche player. They have too much overhead to divert the resources required to risk being first at this. Notice how the Volt is accomplishing the same technical goals, but on a much broader scale. GM doesn't need to be the first manufacturer of an electric luxury sedan, thats a very small market. They need to be first for mass production of an electric economy sedan. Thats just business 201 Radmeister.

benz_man

November 25, 2008 6:36 PM

Oh, and Toyota supplies engines for Lotus. Does that make them desperate for money? No, its just business!

radmeister

November 25, 2008 7:52 PM

The volt will NEVER make it, it's ugly, it's american, and it's electric. If an electric car is going to take the market you can bet it won't be the volt but the Mini Cooper. And Toyota being boring? What vehicle does GM offers that is not beaten by a toyota, in sales, quality and reliability? There are only 2 cars that are exciting from GM, the vette and the solstice. The rest are all as boring as a Toyota but cost almost as much to buy and 2x more to repair over 10 year term.

foose1397

November 25, 2008 10:04 PM

You my friend represent the stereo type that gives American cars there bad name. Well lets see, how bout the Cts and the CTS-v for starters. You can say it goes against Lexus or Lexus F but frankly you don't know how to drive a car if you get one of those (I mean you can't get one in a damn manual). Chevy malibu is pretty high up there and frankly would choose it over the boring camry anyday.

Toyota isn't great, in fact they're boring. They make quality stuff (don't get me wrong) but so does GM if people would just get there head out of what every else has told them actually go drive these cars they might be surprised

radmeister

November 28, 2008 12:48 AM

I would get the VW Passat over the malibu or camry. I will let you guys in on a secret on GM and Ford tactics, ALWAYS buy a car when it first comes out. Once the first batch is run what they do is start cheaping out on materials and components. If you buy a CTS-V built in the first half of its production year it will be much better than one built afterwards. And this is coming from some fairly high ex managers that work with me now. GM is a rip, the CTS looks great, performs great, but honestly it's nothing WOW to drag anyone away from a BMW 5 Series or Audi A6. As great as the car can be it's not worth the $, and i see 10x more 5 series BMW than CTS's. GM is dead by their own blade.

benz_man

November 28, 2008 7:50 AM

Everyone knows the Passat is best in class because of its Teutonic engineering. Everyone also knows its priced like its the best in class too. "Once the first batch is run"? How does Radmeister define the first batch? Is that the first production year? The first production run? The pre-production tolerance checks? WTF man? HEY, you can't really (cost effectively) change many components or materials once suppliers are locked in for production. You'd have to re-tool production facilities, re-teach production techniques, re-certify all number of things... WHAT ARE YOU RAMBLING-ON ABOUT Radmeister?

gmfan09

November 28, 2008 9:14 AM

Radmeister is what we sane people call a moron.

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