Yellowwheels

Fisker Karma ES show their production version

It’s been sometime coming, but Fisker finally showed a production version of their Karma ES. This plug-in hybrid is a full size 4 door saloon car with luxurious and sporty aspirations. That a new startup company should aim to be the first manufacturer to fill this sector of the market is staggering, when you see how many hurdles there are to pass. Just building a new factory for a conventional combustion engine car is a major undertaking. Even mighty Toyota are only just sorting out a plug-in hybrid version of their Prius, and the newly launched Lexus CT200h is a conventional hybrid. GM meanwhile are rushing to the market with their Chevy Volt and Opel Ampera plug-in hybrid, but in the economy/mid size market. Certainly no-one offers a fully integrated solar panel roof and luxury interior. We wish them luck, but wonder how they’ll reach their projected 100,000 car per year target…

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From Fisker
FISKER KARMA PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE: ZERO EMISSIONS, ZERO COMPROMISE

IRVINE, CA. – 2010: The Fisker Karma is the world’s first premium plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and the embodiment of Fisker Automotive’s commitment to creating environmentally conscious vehicles with passion, style and performance.

Designed and engineered in California, the four-door, four-passenger Karma is a series plug-in hybrid that combines the zero-emission benefits of an all-electric car with the full driving range of a conventional car. It will offer a responsible alternative to those in the market for traditional full size, fully equipped luxury cars.

Advanced Technology Power
The Karma’s proprietary Q-Drive® powertrain satisfies the demands of today’s more conscientious, but no less passionate drivers.

With Q-Drive®, the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid has a total range of 300 miles (483km), a 0-60mph (100km/h) time of 5.9 seconds, a top speed of 125mph (201km/h), can achieve an annual average of more than 100mpg (2.4L/100km) and has lower emissions — 83g CO2/km based on SAE formulae – than today’s cleanest cars.

Fully charged in as little as six hours from any 110-, 220- or 240-volt outlet the Fisker Karma has an all-electric range of 50 miles (80km), which is more than most people drive each day. Recharged each night the Karma may never use gas. Beyond 50 miles an efficient gasoline engine eliminates Range Anxiety by automatically turning an on-board generator for an additional 250 miles (403km) before refueling and/or recharging.

Q-Drive® consists of a 20 kW/h lithium ion battery with Nanophosphate™ technology; an efficient 260hp Ecotec 2.0 Liter turbocharged Direct Injection gasoline engine turning a 175kW generator; electronic power management systems; and two electric traction motors mounted to a differential between the rear wheels that deliver a combined 403 hp (300kW) and a peak torque rating of 981 lb-ft (1330Nm) at zero rpm.

The battery, developed by A123 Systems of Watertown, Massachusetts, leverages state-of-the-art nanotechnology to maximize energy, power, reliability and safety. Expected to have a 10-12 year lifespan it can deliver 180 kW (peak) of electric power throughout the charge-depleting range of operation. The battery’s safe location along the vehicle’s longitudinal centerline keeps it clear of impact areas and lowers the Karma’s center of gravity for improved handling. Sealed construction protects it from the elements.

The Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid also offers drivers the new and unique option of driving in zero-emission, all-electric Stealth Mode or full-power Sport Mode for maximum flexibility. Defaulting to Stealth Mode on start-up for maximum efficiency, the Karma has a top speed of 95mph (153 km/h) and a 0-60mph (100km/h) time of 7.9 seconds. No gasoline is burned and tailpipe emissions are non-existent. Sport Mode can be selected on demand via a steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifter that engages the gasoline engine-driven generator for peak power and torque. Top speed increases to 125mph (200km/h) and 0-60mph time quickens to 5.9 seconds. By engaging Sport Mode, drivers can not only get maximum performance but also conserve full battery power until it is required. This is especially useful when destined for low-emission zones which are growing in number in cities around the world.

Sustainable and Accountable Design
Fisker Automotive’s Sustainable and Accountable Design™ philosophy is apparent throughout the Karma by the use of reclaimed, recycled and reusable materials enhanced with modern technology. The Karma’s unique exterior design incorporates the continual and dramatic proportion that is signature Fisker style. A sedan with coupe-like appearance, its athletic presence is highlighted by a long hood and short deck, a low roofline, wide stance, pronounced fenders and standard 22-inch recyclable aluminum wheels. Aluminum and composite body panels can also be recycled.

The Karma clearly communicates its purpose with the world’s largest spherically curved, monolithic solar panel integrated into its roof – an industry first and a standard feature on all Karma sedans. This solar panel provides 100 percent clean energy by capturing the power of the sun and turning it into electricity. Nature’s timeless beauty and the quality of classic design composition provide inspiration for the Karma’s cabin. Shapes reflect the lines of shifting desert sand dunes; metal and glass-inspired materials add depth and clarity; and wood trim is sourced from timber reclaimed from California forest fires and Michigan lake bottoms. Reflective of the finest Swiss timepieces, Karma’s chrome-bezeled digital instrumentation and substantive controls focus on ease of use. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) gauges provide critical information like vehicle speed, range, and battery State of Charge (SOC).

Embedded in the center console is the Fisker Command Center™, another industry first. The Fisker Command Center™ is a 10.2-inch (250mm) haptic force-feedback touch-screen that centralizes controls for climate, audio, navigation, telephone and other vehicle systems. Inputs are met with instantaneous tactile feedback that enables drivers to confirm their commands without looking away from the road. Karma buyers will be able to choose between several well-equipped trim levels including EcoSport™ and EcoChic™. The exclusive EcoChic™ series is based on an advanced sustainable animal-free approach that replaces leather with a high-grade textile and EcoPremium Suede™ trim. Certified Rescued Wood™ trim is sourced from Walnut Burl and Red Elm trees reclaimed from forest fires in the hills of southern California.

Advanced Aluminum Space Frame for World Class Ride and Handling
The advanced aluminum space frame underpinning the Fisker Karma incorporates new levels of rigidity and strength that will give the world’s first premium plug-in hybrid electric vehicle world-class ride and handling characteristics. Fisker Automotive’s engineering team designed the Karma’s space frame around the car’s unique series-hybrid powertrain, filing for multiple patents in the process. A super-structural tunnel running down the car’s centerline acts as the Karma’s backbone. It not only houses the battery pack, but acts as a torque tube connecting front and rear sections. Thanks to intelligent engineering solutions the Karma’s space frame will also provide the utmost in occupant safety and exceed global crash protection standards.

FISKER KARMA SPECIFICATIONS

Configuration/Construction
Premium four-door, four-passenger sedan
Advanced aluminum space frame
Aluminum and composite body panels

Powertrain
Series Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Q-Drive®: twin rear electric motors, rear wheel drive with mid-mounted battery pack and
front/mid-mounted range-extending engine/generator set
Battery: 20 kW/h, 180 kW lithium ion w/Nanophosphate™ technology
Electric Drive Motors: 2 x 150 kW (403 hp total – 981 lb/ft torque @ 0rpm)
Gasoline Engine: Low emission four-cylinder Ecotec 2.0 Liter turbo DI (260hp)
Generator: 175 kW
Transmission: Not required – single ratio differential only

Performance
Stealth Mode (Electric only)
0-60 mph (100km/h) 7.9 seconds
Top speed 95 mph (153 km/h)
Range 50 miles (80km)

Sport Mode (Gas/Electric Hybrid)
0-60 mph (100km/h) 5.9 seconds
Top speed (continuous) 125 mph(200 km/h)
Range 300 miles (483km)

Suspension:
Four-wheel independent Short-Long Arm (SLA) architecture
Load-leveling rear shock absorbers

Lighting:
Bi-Xenon headlamps
Low-energy LED tail lamps and turn signals

Safety:
Eight airbags (2 front, 2 front side, 2 front knee, 2 full-length head curtain)
Antilock Brakes (ABS)
Traction Control (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Meets or exceeds global crash protection standards

Brakes:
Four-wheel disc w/electro-hydraulic assist
Driver selectable, three stage, fully regenerative braking system
Electrically-actuated parking brake

Steering:
Electrically driven power-assisted rack and pinion
14:1 Ratio; 2.7 turns lock-to-lock

Wheels & Tires:
Front:
22 x 8.5 in. five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels
P255/35R22 tires
Rear:
22 x 9.5 in. five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels
P285/35R22 tires

Exterior Dimensions: In. mm
Overall Length 196.7 4998
Overall Width 78.1 1986
Overall Height 52.4 1330
Front Overhang 35.9 913
Rear Overhang 36.4 925
Wheelbase 124.4 3160
Front Track 66.6 1692
Rear Track 67.0 1701

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