Fisker Karma S Unveiled

Fisker Karma S Concept at 2009 NAIAS

By Thami Masemola
January 12, 2009 10:03 PM
Filed Under: American, Detroit Auto Show, Electric Vehicle, Fisker

Fisker Automotive has unveiled the Karma S concept at the Detroit Auto Show. Based on the Karma sedan, the S has been transformed into a two-door convertible with seating for four. Just like the Karma sedan, the S is made of an aluminum spaceframe driven by a plug-in hybrid powertrain and features a power retractable hard top roof.

The powertrain used is dubbed Q-DRIVE. It is based on lithium-ion battery technology and has been designed exclusively for Fisker by a company called Quantum Technologies. It's the same one found in the Fisker Karma sedan. The Q-DRIVE's credentials read as follows; 50 emission-free miles on one charge and up to 430 miles from its two electric motors. These numbers compare favourably to those supplied by some mass auto manufactures that are in the process of building lithium-ion battery powered vehicles.

Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker said: "Our objective is to create a singular design language and heritage around our state-of-the-art Q-DRIVE powertrain. The Karma S is an extension of the Fisker Automotive product range of eco-conscious automobiles and sets the tone for our future."

Source: Fisker Automotive

Press Release (Click to expand)

FISKER UNVEILS KARMA S PLUG-IN HYBRID HARDTOP CONVERTIBLE CONCEPT AT 2009 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Fisker Automotive, the new American manufacturer of premium green automobiles, unveiled the Fisker Karma S concept at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today. The four-seat, plug-in hybrid hardtop convertible furthers the company's belief that driving style and performance need not be compromised for environmental friendliness.

The open-air Fisker Karma S concept shares its aluminum spaceframe architecture and clean Q-DRIVE® powertrain with the Fisker Karma sedan. Designed and engineered by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive, Q-DRIVE® provides 50 emission-free miles on a single charge to its lithium-ion battery pack, and up to 403hp from two electric motors. The power retractable hard top, a first for Fisker, glides neatly into the trunk and a unique design language sets the Karma S concept apart.

"Our objective is to create a singular design language and heritage around our state-of-the-art Q-DRIVE® powertrain," said Fisker Automotive, Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker. "The Karma S is an extension of the Fisker Automotive product range of eco-conscious automobiles and sets the tone for our future."

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Comments

dmanero

January 12, 2009 10:42 PM

Looks alright, but my concern is, if it has a power driven retractable roof - how much power does it drain from the battery?

Joe_Limon

January 13, 2009 2:22 AM

I am guessing not nearly as much as a full throttle launch. hmm on second thought, what do you call full throttle on an electrically driven car?

edubruell

January 12, 2009 11:15 PM

Wow, I love it. Very fine design. And very good technology.

joshg_5

January 13, 2009 1:31 AM

What a gorgeous vehicle.

I think that'll go down as one of the sexiest cars in history.

rcw

January 13, 2009 2:57 AM

Another Fisker beauty. One area where they do not have a problem is styling. With the top down the body lines remind me of a Jaguar XF but I do not think that is a negative at all.

rcw

January 13, 2009 2:57 AM

Or Jaguar XK rather... Sorry!

eddie

January 13, 2009 3:44 AM

Just think if you only had to drive 50 miles everyday you would never need any fuel and if you had to go farther than 50 miles the series hybrid engine begins to charge the battery for an additional 440 miles

eddie

January 13, 2009 3:45 AM

This came out do fast vs chevy volt and this is such a tiny company with limit resources

benz_man

January 13, 2009 5:14 AM

Thats because most of the Karma is "off-the-shelf" parts from suppliers of other companies. The Volt is all new. The Karma is a mash of components from many other cars, with a trick propulsion system. Its very clever indeed...

daviepops

January 13, 2009 4:13 PM

Well ... if this is a "components mash with a trick' it's certainly a seriously good looking and well executed one ... why oh why can't any of the big auto producers come up with something even half as good? ... amazingly stylish and the quality appears to be top class plus it's environmentally forward looking ... INHO a WINNER in every sense of the word.

carcrazy1234

January 13, 2009 4:00 AM

wow that' sexy no matter WHAT anyone says :):)!!!! beautiful!!!

lucifa

January 13, 2009 11:04 AM

interesting the difference in cities/cultures. out here in perth, if you work in the cbd of the city you'll probably be able to afford a house well within 50 miles of your workplace - more like 20-30ks is seen as a commute down here. but in say tokyo, 50 miles would get you from one side of the cbd to the other, let alone from your house...

xLumino

January 13, 2009 5:32 PM

As already said: The cabrio has an awesome design. It's long time ago I saw an elegant car then this one. And then with such a great technique. It's a dreamcar, no question!!

eric_92

January 13, 2009 10:22 PM

WOW the best looking car ever!!!!!!!!! awsome curvesss

khartveli

January 20, 2009 2:45 PM

does anybody see a Ferrari California crossed with the Maserati Gran Turismo,with a not so good rear???

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