¦They call it Q Drive : The transmission-free power train features asmall gas engine that spins the generator, which charges thelithium-ion battery pack, which sends the electric motor whirring and,finally, the rear wheels spinning.
¦Plug it in. Since the car gets 50 miles of electric-powered driving percharge, Fisker claims that people who drive less than that could gas upjust once a year.
¦ Flip a paddle to go from electric-only Stealth Drive to the power of the gassed-up Sport Drive.
¦ After 50 all-electric miles, the gas tank takes over.
¦ Aluminum on various parts of the exterior lightens the load.
¦ Take to the road with pals -- or the kids. The Karma seats four.
¦ The full-length solar roof, which comes standard with the car, is all about keeping passengers cool or warming them up.
It’s All about Karma.
(Guilt-Free Green Karma, That Is.)
Driverswho prefer the sex appeal of a sports car over the eco-friendly look ofthe
Prius are about to get a hybrid all their own. Designed by HenrikFisker (the guy behind the Aston Martin DB9 and the BMW Z8), the sleekand curvy
Fisker Karma (
www.fiskerautomotive.com)promises emission-free driving for 50 miles a day, as long as youremember to plug it into a 110V or 220V outlet every night. Enthusiastswho ordered early will get their premium-edition Karma -- startingprice $100,000 -- in late 2009. The rest of you will have to wait until2010 for the delivery of your $80,000-or-more vehicle. --
Jenna SchnuerFisker Karma StatsTop speed on electric: 95 mphTop speed on gas: 125 mphGoes zero to 60: in less than six secondsCool optional feature: a solar panel that can be installed on the roof of the buyer’s house to charge the carWhat? The sports-car styling of the Karma just isn’t you?
Here are three upcoming hybrids that won’t look out of place in your neighborhood.
SPRING 2009 Honda InsightIt's the company’s most affordable hybrid option (at least until theyrelease the hybrid Fit). Honda claims it will cost less than the Civichybrid ($23,550). Rumored price: around $18,500.
LATE 2009 Porsche Cayenne This peppery hybrid sibling from the luxury carmaker Porsche is almost here. Rumored price: $48,000 to $50,000.
LATE 2010Chevrolet VoltThis car will take the company into the future -- just as Chevroletcelebrates its 100th birthday. Rumored price: $35,000 to $40,000.