Fisker Karma makes driving debut at Laguna Seca, with video

World Car Fans said:

The Fisker Karma hybrid made its public driving debut at Laguna Seca last weekend.

Taking part in the Monterey Historic Automobile Races, the Karma attained speeds of 100 mph without using any gasoline. According to Fisker's CEO, Henrik Fisker, "This demonstration represents a significant milestone for Fisker Automotive and PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) technology. The future of clean cars is bright."

As we have previously reported, the Karma uses two electric motors that produce up to 375 kW (403 hp) and 1,300 Nm (959 lb/ft) of torque. The motors are connected to a 200kW lithium-ion battery pack, which is recharged by a GM-sourced four-cylinder engine with 260 hp. When the battery is fully charged, the car can travel up to 50 miles (80.5 km) before the petrol engine kicks in to recharge it.

Unlike most hybrids, the Karma can run from 0-60 mph in less than six seconds, before hitting a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h).

The Fisker Karma will go into production later this year, with a base price of $87,900 USD.

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Fisker said:

FISKER KARMA PHEV MAKES WORLD DRIVING DEBUT

Plug-in hybrid silently laps racetrack without gasoline

Monterey, CA - August 17, 2009: The Fisker Karma PHEV made its public driving debut over the weekend, just 19 months after being introduced as a concept.

The 403hp prototype Karma Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) attained a speed of 100 mph, but used no gasoline as it made its way around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races. Behind the wheel was Fisker Automotive co-founder and COO Bernhard Koehler.

California-based Fisker Automotive is developing the full size Karma sedan to be the first production PHEV. The Karma proves fuel-efficient vehicles can generate the passion and excitement that made us fall in love with cars in the first place. Although the Fisker Karma can reach 60mph in six seconds and a top speed of 125mph it can also achieve well over 100mpg. Carbon emissions are also lower than today's hybrids.

"This demonstration represents a significant milestone for Fisker Automotive and PHEV technology," said CEO Henrik Fisker. "The future of clean cars is bright."

The Karma has a range of 50 emission-free miles on a full charge of its Lithium-ion battery, and a total range of 300 miles thanks to an on-board generator turned by traditional but efficient 260hp, four-cylinder gasoline engine. Combined with two powerful electric motors, these components make up the Q-DRIVE® powertrain exclusive to all Fisker automobiles. Q-DRIVE® delivers the ultimate combination of performance, range and efficiency.

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