Fisker Karma

It is propelled by a hybrid sedan with four doors, four seats and rear. Will be sold in Europe in early 2010 for about € 78,000 (excluding taxes). In the U.S., the first units will be delivered in late 2009.

With a length of 4.97 m, a width of 1.98 m and 1.31 m high, is an alternative to models like the Porsche Panamera, Maserati Quattroporte and the Mercedes-Benz CLS. For now, only the Panamera is expected to be available with a hybrid version (Porsche Panamera Hybrid).

The Fisker Karma has two electric motors that give a combined maximum power of 300 kW (408 hp) and torque of 1,300 Nm. They are located at the rear of the vehicle.

It is bringing a turbocharged gasoline engine 2.0 liter 260 hp that drives an electric generator. This engine does not directly serve to drive the car, but that is only used to power the generator. This produces electrical energy supplied to the batteries. The gasoline engine is located in a central front.

Fisker Karma. Karma 2010El model has two modes: one that achieves the greatest possible return ( "Sport") and another that favors the economic ( "Stealth"). To select one or just click one of the two cams located behind the wheel (image).

On 'Stealth only operate two electric motors and has a range of about 80 km, with a maximum speed of 153 km / h. Once the batteries, the engine comes into operation to activate the power generator and the car can continue to run.

On 'Sport', the engine runs continuously to move the generator and produce this electricity. According to Fisker, electric motors provide more horsepower and torque. In this way, the Karma can travel about 480 km and is capable of reaching 200 km / h top speed.

The acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h is the same in both modes (6 s).

The electric motors are fed by a lithium-ion batteries, which are located between the front and rear to facilitate the distribution of weights. Currently there is no production car with this type of battery, as the leading models like the Toyota Prius or Honda Civic Hybrid are nickel metal hydride, which have a greater weight.

In coming years, with Mercedes-Benz S 400 BlueHybrid, the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, with the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and General Motors with the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera, among other manufacturers also use lithium-ion batteries. However, the 2010 model Prius, on sale since September 2009 and the Honda Insight still using batteries and nickel metal hydride.

Fisker Karma batteries are recharged three different ways. The main house from the grid, a wire and a plug, like other electric vehicles like the i-MiEV. Another way is through the electric generator that is driven by the combustion engine (both are integrated into the propulsion system). Finally, as in other models with similar characteristics, it also recovers energy in braking.

Fisker Karma. Model estimates 2010Según Fisker, if done daily for about 80 km and the batteries are fully recharged each night through the grid, would only need to fill the fuel tank once a year.

Therefore, the concept is similar to the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera: making a vehicle capable of making the usual tour of a day without using fuel, or by using the minimum necessary. Thus, direct emissions are null (or nearly).

The propulsion system of Karma, referred to as "Q-Drive", was developed by Quantum Technologies.

The Karma which is sold in the U.S. and Europe in 2010 will derive from pre-production model that Fisker introduced into the Hall of Detroit, 2008 (photo gallery). Aesthetically it is very similar but has a grill and a front air inlet slightly different. A diffuser under the rear bumper helps to cool the electric motors.

The bodywork is made of aluminum. Available in eight colors (silver and various shades of gray, blue, red and black). Karma takes alloy wheels 22 ", mounted on Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires of 245/35 front and 265/35 rear. It electrohydraulic disc brakes and independent suspension on both axles. The ABS, traction control, the stability control and the two front airbags are standard, as are dual-xenon headlamps. The pilots are LEDs.

You can have a roof with solar photovoltaic cells can produce energy. This energy can be used to provide power to electrical devices when the car is running. If the car is parked, the energy used to operate the ventilation system (so the car is not so hot) or recharge the battery.

Fisker also offers solar panels, installed in the homes of the owners of Karma, will generate energy during the day and used to recharge the batteries at night.

Fisker Karma. 2010El cab model is available with three different levels of equipment: "EcoStandard ',' EcoSport 'and' EcoChic. In all, the skin covering much of the surface in sight. You can also have metal inserts or wood around the door knobs or in the center console.

Bring a touch screen 10.2''that allows the air conditioning system, audio equipment and other devices. The indicators are located behind the wheel, which provide information of battery power, autonomy or the speed, graphics that are sent in an LCD.

Fisker Automotive is an American manufacturer in which Henrik Fisker, head of design models as the BMW Z8 and Aston Martin DB9