Fisker Automotive Karma S

Either way the Karma is in good company, having been designed by Henrik Fisker, the designer of the BMW Z8, Tramonto and Latigo CS (derived from BMW 6 Series).
Fisker Automotive is a relatively new American car company that was founded in September 2007 by designer Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler, partnered with Quantum Technologies, a supplier of clean vehicle technologies.The Fisker name has since become synonymous with design excellence and while there is no compromise on the luxury and integrity of their vehicles, the company has embarked on a major environmental push within the auto industry.
The Fisker Karma S concept was first revealed at the 2009 Detroit motor show. It promised to be an environmentally friendly car that lived up to the standard to which luxury car afficionados are accustomed. The Karma S shows that environmentally friendly cars don't need to sacrifice style and luxury. The 2010 Fisker Karma is its first production car with a starting price of US$88,000. It was revealed at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2009.
The four door, four seat Karma fuses traditional design qualities with Quantum Technologies Q-Drive plug-in hybrid powertrain to become the world's first luxury plug-in hybrid.
The Fisker Karma has a long wheelbase, wide track and low centre of gravity, clad with a body that is sculptural and dramatic in proportion. The panels are made of lightweight aluminium and composite materials. Weight is kept low with the low slung Q-Drive drivetrain configuration and spaceframe providing optimal weight distribution.
The Karma's sleek design accentuates the long bonnet, a direct result of the centre line positioning of the breakthrough new chassis design with the Q-Drive powertrain development. This unique design places the lithium-ion battery pack in a tunnel along the centreline of the vehicle between the two axles, providing optimal vehicle driving dynamics, maximum safety and proportionate design.
The battery pack is a full "plug and play" unit, utilising all advanced vehicle communication software, safe cell chemistry, and multiple software and hardware features to ensure performance at the highest levels of safety.
Q-Drive operating modes include Stealth Mode and Sport Mode, which can be selected at any point while driving. The electric only Stealth Mode optimises system performance and efficiency. In Stealth Mode top speed is limited to 153km/h and zero emissions are achieved. For top performance, Sport Mode can be selected on demand to deliver peak power and torque, resulting in a top speed of 200km/h and a 0-100km/h sprint of 5.8 seconds. Not too shabby for a hybrid car?
Fully charged from any 110 - 240 volt outlet at the driver's side rear quarter panel, the Karma's Q-Drive powertrain burns no fuel for the first 85 kms of driving in Stealth Mode. Venture further and the car operates as an Extended Range Electric Vehicle, with an efficient petrol engine turning a generator to power the electric motors while in Stealth Mode. The Karma also has the world's largest continuous formed glass solar panel roof. When the car is on, the electrical system will use all available solar power.
With a top speed in excess of 200 km/h, drop dead good looks, the Karma is a truly premium plug-in hybrid sports car. Its low centre of gravity and performance oriented A-arm suspension offer a world class driving experience with an exceptional range of 85km per litre the icing on the cake. The Fisker Karma goes on sale in the third quarter of this year for around $96,000.