Fisker Says Karma will Reach its 2011 Sales Target, Pushes Back Production of $50k Nina to Mid-2013

Just yesterday, Fisker sold the first example of its Karma extended-range hybrid sedan after receiving the necessary EPA certification - though the mpg numbers weren't exactly what the company hoped for…

Despite the delay, Henrik Fisker, CEO and co-founder of the company, insists that the Karma will reach its sales target for 2011, which is a rather optimistic 7,000 units.

Read more »

Fisker Karma Rated at just 52 MPGe by EPA, Records its First Sales

Even though Fisker delivered the first examples of its new Karma sedan last month, these were used purely as demo vehicles since Fisker’s extended-range plug-in hybrid hadn’t received the required Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification.

With this final hurdle now behind, Fisker announced today that it sold its first $97,000 Karma. “With receipt of EPA certification in hand, we have achieved a major milestone by recording the first sales of our groundbreaking Karma sedan”, said an exuberant Henrik Fisker who is the CEO and founder of the company.

Read more »

First UK Fisker Karma Sold for Charity Double the Normal Price

The first example of the Fisker Karma to be available for sale in the UK was auctioned off at a charity event held at Camden’s Round House. The highest bidder paid £140,000 ($220,689 US) – or more than double the car’s sticker price. The model in question will get a unique plaque signed by the company’s CEO, Henrik Fisker. Read more »

IAA 2011: New Fisker Surf adds a Shooting Break Twist to the Karma

As it turns out, Fisker's shadowy teaser sketch of its Frankfurt Motor Show debut was somewhat deceiving as the Surf turned out to be five-door version of the Karma sedan with a shape that is more shooting break than it is station wagon.

Nevertheless, the California based automaker that is headed by former BMW and Aston Martin designer Henrik Fisker, says that the Surf combines the performance, luxury, economy and style of the sedan model with increased space and practicality.

Read more »

New Fisker Surf Concept Outlined Ahead of the Frankfurt Show

The teaser sketch you are looking at previews the new Fisker Surf concept that's scheduled to make its first public appearance at next week's 64th IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany.

The company of former BMW designer Henrik Fisker reveals very little about the Surf study expect that it is an electric vehicle with extended range (EVer) capability, much like it’s stable mate the four-door Karma sports saloon.

Read more »

Fisker Signs Deal to get BMW 2.0-liter Turbo Engines

The man behind the design of BMW's Z8 roadster and now the owner of the brand that bears his name, Henrik Fisker, has announced a new deal with BMW that covers the supply of engines and other components for future Fisker models.

Under the agreement, BMW will supply its new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine for the next generation of Fisker cars, code-named ‘Project Nina’, which are scheduled to enter production in the re-commissioned former GM plant in Wilmington, Delaware at the end of 2012 and be on sale the following year.

Read more »

First Fisker Karma to be Delivered to Leo Di Caprio, Company has More than 3,000 Orders

Fisker is finally starting deliveries of its Karma luxury plug-in hybrid sedan later this month –and the lucky person to get the first car will be none other than Hollywood star Leonardo di Caprio (....the spicy female model featured in the firm's print advert is not included with the car).

The company says it has already received 3,000 pre-orders with the waiting list reaching until early 2012. Other famous customers for the $100,000 hybrid sports sedan are former US Vice President Al Gore and former National Security Advisor and Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Read more »

Fisker Starts Production of the Karma Plug-In Hybrid Sports Saloon in Finland

Fisker Automotive kicked-off production of its Karma plug-in hybrid sedan in Finland this week, with the company planning to sell the first cars in the United States and Europe from April. The California-based automaker assembles the Karma at Valmet Automotive's plant located in Uusikaupunki, Finland. The same factory also builds Cayman and Boxster models for Porsche.

"We're going to be ramping up very slowly, very carefully to ensure quality. This year we want to get over 7,000 deliveries," said Fisker spokesman Roger Ormisher. Priced at $88,000 in the U.S. (€62,000 at current exchange rates), the Karma can run on electric power alone for about 50 miles (80 km) before the gasoline engine kicks in.

Read more »

Fisker Releases New Photos of its 408HP Karma Hybrid Sports Sedan

These are the first official photos of the production-ready Fisker Karma hybrid sports sedan that will make its world debut at the Detroit Show in January. Compared to last year's prototype model -see here, very few details have changed with the Karma retaining its sensual 4door-coupe styling. Up front the production model features an upper grill that is graphically enhanced while the lower air intake has been enlarged to allow for more airflow. Also, underneath the rear bumper, an aerodynamic diffuser includes the integration of a cooling cover for the electric drivetrain.

"We are very excited to be bringing the Fisker Karma back to NAIAS," said Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker. "In the year since we debuted the Karma, the reception we've received has been tremendous. I'm proud to announce at this time that we are already sold out on the car until mid-2010."

The Karma is equipped with a hybrid powertrain called "Q-Drive", originally developed by Quantam Technologies as a confidential project for the US military's Delta Force. The Q-drive powertrain utilizes a large, powerful lithium ion battery and a GM-sourced 2.0-liter direct injected turbo-charged 4-cylinder Ecotec gasoline engine developing 260 HP. The two electric motors deliver a combined 408 HP.

The system works in a similar way with the one found in GM's Volt Hybrid with the Karma having an all-electric range of 50 miles (80km). After the 'all electric' 50 miles, the gasoline engine turns a generator to charge the lithium ion battery. Once the 50-mile electric range has been exceeded, the Fisker Karma can be used as a normal hybrid vehicle.

Fisker estimates that most Karma drivers who charge the Karma overnight and commute less than 50 miles per day will be able to achieve an average fuel economy of 100 mpg (2.4L/100km) per year. As for performance, the Karma can achieve a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h) and a 0-60mph sprint in 5.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 6.0 sec).

The Fisker Karma will be assembled by Valmet Automotive in Finland with yearly volume anticipated to reach 15,000 cars per year. According to the California-based company, the Karma will carry a base sticker of $87,900 in the States with first deliveries scheduled to begin delivery in November 2009. European pricing will be announced at the International Geneva Motor Show in March, 2009.