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Irvine-based Fisker's Karma makes public driving debut
The plug-in hybrid was introduced as a concept less than 2 years ago.
By Kristen SchottPublished: August 19, 2009 11:55 AM
The innovative Karma Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle from Irvine-based Fisker Automotive, an affiliate of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, made its public driving debut this weekend – a little less than two years after its introduction as a concept car.
The prototype of the 403 horsepower full-size sedan hit speeds greater than 100 mph and used both its Sport (hybrid) and its Stealth (electric-only) modes during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. It was the first time a vehicle of its kind has appeared on track at the event, according to Fisker.
The car can reach 60 mph in six seconds and maintains a top speed of 125 mph, while also achieving more than 100 mpg. The Karma's carbon emissions are also lower than other hybrids on the market today. The vehicle's Q-Drive powertrain was designed and engineered by Quantum. It offers a number of groundbreaking features in its energy storage, electric drive architecture and control strategies.
"We are pleased at the progress of development and validation of the Q-Drive architecture, which delivers the ultimate combination of performance, range and efficiency," says Alan Niedzwiecki, president and CEO of Quantum.
The Fisker Karma sedan will retail for $88,000 and is scheduled to start customer deliveries next summer. Its O.C. retailer is the Shelly Automotive Group in Irvine.
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The prototype of the 403 horsepower full-size sedan hit speeds greater than 100 mph and used both its Sport (hybrid) and its Stealth (electric-only) modes during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. It was the first time a vehicle of its kind has appeared on track at the event, according to Fisker. The car can reach 60 mph in six seconds and maintains a top speed of 125 mph, while also achieving more than 100 mpg. The Karma's carbon emissions are also lower than other hybrids on the market today. The vehicle's Q-Drive powertrain was designed and engineered by Quantum. It offers a number of groundbreaking features in its energy storage, electric drive architecture and control strategies. "We are pleased at the progress of development and validation of the Q-Drive architecture, which delivers the ultimate combination of performance, range and efficiency," says Alan Niedzwiecki, president and CEO of Quantum. The Fisker Karma sedan will retail for $88,000 and is scheduled to start customer deliveries next summer. Its O.C. retailer is the Shelly Automotive Group in Irvine. Related headlines Santa Ana's Iteris, L.A. County Dept. of Public Works ink transportation deal Irvine's Kia set to build 2011 Sorento at its first U.S. plant ‘OC METRO Minute,’ August 13: Kelly Blue Book’s list of cars with increased market share in July |
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