Fisker Will Preview Karma S PHEV Concept At 2009 NAIAS

Fisker Automotive will join the list of companies planning to introduce a new hybrid concept at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. The company says it will pull back the curtains on a luxury plug-in hybrid electric vehicle - the Karma S - when the NAIAS opens on January 11.

The Karma S will feature a drivetrain engineered exclusively for Fisker by Quantum Technologies. According to Fisker, the Q-DRIVE, which powers two electric motors and depends upon a Li-ion battery pack, can deliver a 50-mile range and up to 408-hp. The company is planning a press conference at the show on Monday, January 12.

The Q-DRIVE delivers 0-60 in less than six second and can perform at a top speed of 125 mph. The drivetrain also offers dual-mode operation - one designed to maximize economy and the other designed to maximize speed. In addition, the car's Li-ion battery is charged with a regenerative braking system.The Karma also offers solar panels in the roof that replenish the battery and reduce heat build-up in the vehicle when it is parked.

Fisker Automotive reports that its full production allotment of 2009 models has been sold and the company is now taking orders for vehicles to be delivered in the second half of 2010.

Photo: Courtesy Fisker Automotive