Paris 2010: First factory-built Fisker Karma hits the stage

Staying true to its concept form, the factory-built Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid that hit the stage at the Paris Motor Show retains the concept's massive 22-inch wheels (Fisker says it'll be the first production car equipped with standard 22s), sensuous styling, 403-plus horsepower rating and the company's promise of achieving 100-plus miles per gallon in regular use. So, what's exactly different about the factory-built version? Well, the most notable exterior modification is the addition of a (blacked-out) B-pillar, which was apparently required to increase the vehicle's structural rigidity.

Aside from the added pillar, we can't really pick out any differences between the gorgeous concept that we laid eyes on a few years ago and this production-ready version that hit the stage in Paris. Fisker still lists a base price of $88,000 and anticipates that deliveries will begin early next year, or so it says. We hope to get up close and personal with the Karma at the upcoming LA Auto Show,

Fisker plans third Karma variant and new low-cost model

Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker feels like the automotive world is at the beginning of a renaissance, and he believes now is the first time in 40 years that start-up automakers can compete and even thrive against the established OEMs.
Fisker is less than a year away from launching its new Karma plug-in hybrid luxury saloon, arguably one of the most stylish looking cars on the auto show circuit, not to mention one of the cleanest too. It’s said that Fisker will have its Karma on the roads this November and a sexy convertible version by 2011.

Never one to rest on its laurels, Fisker is already looking towards developing a third variant of the Karma, as well as a new low cost model. Fisker has already convinced investors to pump another $85 million into its operations, with the money to be used for the development and manufacture of the Karma, as well as the new models. The funding has been sourced from investors all around the globe and includes New York-based 'Eco-Drive Partners', a European-American investment consortium, and Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers, an early investor in Fisker.

Fisker is also in the process of seeking an undisclosed loan amount from the Department of Energy (DOE), which it hopes to use for the low-cost model as well as the refurbishment of an existing U.S. factory to build the cars.

Speaking with the Oakland Press, Henrik Fisker said this model will be on the roads within the next three years if the loans are approved. The car might not be a strict plug-in hybrid for the masses as the Chevrolet Volt and the Tesla Model S are being marketed as, but rather a more premium plug-in hybrid to round out Fisker’s model lineup and pull in more buyers.

However, before the low-cost model, Fisker will launch a more practical and family-oriented version of the Karma. No other details have been released about this car but expect a detuned version of the Karma’s ‘Q-Drive’ powertrain feature in it.

The Karma will go on sale in the U.S. this November with a starting price of $87,900 and will hit European showrooms in the second quarter of next year priced from €78,780. Fisker, together with independent vehicle manufacturer Valmet, plans to build up to 15,000 Karmas per year, half of which will be sold in the U.S. and the other half in Europe.