Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide said today that it has signed a $10.2 million contract for Phase III development of plug-in hybrid powertrains for Fisker’s Karma vehicles. Quantum said that the contract will allow it to manage production validation of the Q-Drive plug-in hybrid system and ready it for volume production in 2010.

“Phase III includes the continuation of engineering development and completion of validation of the powertrain and consists of high altitude, durability, hot and cold weather testing,” Quantum said in a statement. “Phase III development and validation will lead to the launch of production.”

Quantum’s Q-Drive PHEV system has been optimized to maximize the performance of the Fisker Karma sedan and the Karma S convertible. The system includes a gasoline powered engine/generator set and a lithium ion battery pack and electric traction motor that allows the Karma drive 50 miles electric-power alone.

Fisker plans to start delivering the first Karmas in the fourth-quarter of this year. Prices start at $80,400 for the coupe. Fisker Karma S Sunset prices will be announced at a later date.

Fisker Karma:

Fisker Karma S Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

We have yet to see how the Fisker Karma performs when it goes hard. Luckily some footage of the Karma going around a track has popped up on YouTube for us to enjoy. Who said that when going green, you’ll have to sacrifice performance and good looks?

Refresher: Power comes from Fisker’s Q-DRIVE system, which is made up of two 201-hp electric motors that are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. That allows the 2010 Karma to travel up to 50 miles without the use of any gasoline. A generator attached to a 260-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec direct injection gasoline engine by General Motors provides an extended range of up to 300 miles. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph.

Follow the jump for the video.

2010 Fisker Karma:

2010 Fisker Karma:

- By: Kap Shah

Fisker Automotive has secured $85 million to build its new Karma plug-in hybrid sedan and has already lined up dealers to sell the car early next year. But what else does CEO Henrik Fisker have up his sleeve?

“We”re first doing the four-door and then we”re doing the convertible and then we”re planning some third derivative off the Karma platform. Then we”re planning a high-volume vehicle for a lower price. We”ve applied for a Department of Energy grant. If that loan comes through, we”ll have this vehicle on the road in 29 months,” Fisker said in an interview with the Oakland Press.

With the sedan and convertible already in the works, we’re thinking the third-model will most likely be a coupe.

As for the high-volumed vehicle with a lower price tag, it was recently reported that Fisker Automotive is working on a model that would be a step above the Chevrolet Volt, but much cheaper than the Karma.

Fisker Karma:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Oakland Press

Fisker Automotive Inc. announced today that it has secured an additional $85 million in venture capital funding to develop and manufacture the Karma plug-in hybrid sedan. The financing, which will be the fourth and largest investment round since the company’s inception in Aug. 2007, will be completed by the end of this month.

The two major investors include New York-based Eco-Drive Partners LLC and Kleiner Perkins Caudfield and Byers.

“The investment by Eco-Drive and Kleiner Perkins validates our vision of joining together the advances in technology for plug-in hybrid powertrains with the ecochic beauty and eco-conscious comfort of the Fisker Karma. We are proud to have Eco-Drive behind us, and to see Kleiner Perkins reaffirm its confidence in our future direction,” said Henrik Fisker, Fisker Automotive CEO.

Fisker expects to have the first units of the 2010 Karma rolling off the assembly line later this year. Pricing for the 2010 Karma starts at $87,900 before any tax credits.

2010 Fisker Karma:

- By: Omar Rana

Fisker Automotive announced today the first group of U.S. retailers that will sell and service the company’s first plug-in hybrid – the $87,900 Fisker Karma sedan. Sales will begin later this year at 32 confirmed locations that will carry and service the Karma.

Fisker said that it has a goal of having 40 locations by the end of 2009.

Fisker showrooms will be uniform to the company’s environmentally-friendly products said Vic Doolan, a Fisker Board member. “They will be Eco-facilities, not Ego-facilities.”

Click here to visit the Karma’s Buzz Garage page to learn everything about the upcoming plug-in hybrid sedan from Fisker Automotive.

Click through for the press release and the list of 32 confirmed dealers.

2010 Fisker Karma:

Press Release

FISKER AUTOMOTIVE RECRUITS FIRST U.S. RETAILERS TO REPRESENT PREMIUM GREEN BRAND

IRVINE, CA – March 24, 2009: Premium green automaker Fisker Automotive has appointed its first group of U.S. retailers to market and service its luxury plug-in hybrid vehicles, beginning with the $87,900, 100mpg Karma sedan later this year. Thirty-two award-winning retailers have confirmed their intent to carry the Fisker marquee. The number puts the carmaker close to its goal of having 40 locations across the country by the end of June 2009.

All Fisker retailers are well-established operations familiar with premium brands, new technology and discerning clientele. Many are family-owned, each is active in giving back to their communities, and all understand the need to offer premium customers a vehicle that reduces environmental impact. A full list can be found at www.fiskerautomotive.com

Fisker Board member Vic Doolan has been instrumental in guiding development of the company’s retail network. Doolan led BMW NA and Volvo Cars NA to record sales in the 1990s and 2000s, and in so doing built solid relationships with top retail principals. “Our retail partners are our most important assets,” he said. “To our customers, they are the face of the company. For that reason, we’ve chosen those who will give Fisker owners the comfort and confidence to drive the future.”

By keeping startup costs low and not requiring floor-planning beyond demonstrator and display cars, Fisker is able to attract new franchises even in tough economic times. President Obama’s recent pledge of $2.4B to support development of plug-in hybrid vehicles and battery technology is added incentive.

Fisker showrooms will reflect the company’s concern for the environment and their vehicles’ emission free capabilities. “They will be Eco-facilities, not Ego-facilities,” Doolan said. Architecture calls for natural and sustainable materials like wood and textiles. An available solar-powered car port can keep demonstrator vehicles clean, dry, fully charged and ready to go.

Fisker Automotive Retail Network, Charter Members:

Barrett Holdings, Inc. Charles Barrett San Antonio, TX

Bergen Jaguar Dennis Squitieri Bergen County, NJ

Bergstrom Corporation John Bergstrom Wisconsin

Borton Automotive Kjell Bergh, Minnesota

Capitol Cadillac Company Daniel Jobe Maryland

Century Automotive Group George Jones Alabama

The Dorschel Automotive Group Richard Dorschel Rochester, NY

Elder Automotive Group Rob Elder Tampa Bay, FL

Fields Auto Group Dan Fields Illinois

Fields Auto Group Dan Fields Orlando, FL

Fields Auto Group Dan Fields British Columbia

Frank Kent Motor Company Corrie Churchill Fort Worth, TX

H.A. Ott Motor Cars LLC Chip Ott Philadelphia, PA

Jaguar of Great Neck Jack Weidinger Long Island, NY

M2 Motors, Inc. Bernardo Moreno Ohio

Manhattan Motor Cars Brian Miller Manhattan, NY

Marvin K. Brown Auto Center Dave Grundstrom San Diego, CA

O’Brien Auto Group Mike O’Brien Washington

Palm Beach Motor Cars Ltd. Robert Simpson Palm Beach, FL

Patrick Dealer Group Martin Stilwell Illinois

Price Family Dealerships Tom Price San Jose, CA

Price Family Dealerships Tom Price San Francisco, CA

Price Family Dealerships Tom Price Sacramento, CA

Rickenbaugh Cadillac Volvo Mary Pacifico-Valley Denver, CO

Roger Beasley Highline Group David Stein Austin, TX

Ron Tonkin Family of Dealerships Ron Tonkin Oregon

Serra Automotive Joe Serra State of Michigan

Serra Automotive Joe Serra Pasadena, CA

Shelly Automotive Group Damon Shelly Orange County, CA

Sullivan Luxury Cars LLC Mike Sullivan Beverly Hills & Santa Monica, CA

Ted Britt Auto Group Raymond Britt Northern Virginia

Warren Henry Automobiles Warren Zinn Miami, FL 

- By: Omar Rana

The Fisker Karma Concept made its original debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show on January 14th, 2008. A year later, Fisker Automotive revealed the production version of its first plug-in hybrid vehicle at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Deliveries of the first Karmas are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2009 through the Fisker Automotive Retail network.

Power for the 2010 Fisker Karma Hybrid sedan comes from a plug-in hybrid powertrain developed by Quantum Technologies. Known as the Q-DRIVE, the system consists of a two 201-hp electric motors that are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. That allows the 2010 Karma to travel up to 50 miles without the use of any gasoline. A generator attached to a 260-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec direct injection gasoline engine by General Motors provides an extended range of up to 300 miles in Sport Mode. A fully charged Karma can achieve more than 100 miles per gallon. The 2010 Karma, which can produce up to 956 lb-ft of torque, goes from 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph.

The Karma is all about sustainability – even on the inside. Buyers can choose from three trim levels including: EcoBase, EcoSport and EcoChic. The EcoSpot series incorporates a hand-wrapped premium leather using 100 percent sustainable manufacturing. The most advanced sustainable material series, EcoChic, is based on an animal-free approach with leather being replaced by 100 percent Bamboo Viscose. Interior features include a 10.2-inch touch sensitive screen controlling HVAC, audio and other vehicle systems. The LCD gauges behind the steering wheels display critical information like battery charge and vehicle speed.

Production of the Karma will be taken care of by Valmet Automotive of Finland. Fisker Automotive says that the first 99 examples will match the exterior and interior of the Karma prototype seen at the 2008 NAIAS. Each unit will feature a personalized plaque with a serial number and signature from Henrik Fisker.

Pricing for the 2010 Hybrid Karma sedan starts at $87,900 ($80,400 after US government tax credits). Fisker Automotive plans on producing 15,000 units of the Karma annually in its first full-year of production.

Keep checking back here for the latest coverage on the 2010 Fisker Karma. Have something to say? Start a discussion in the Comments section below.

Posts on the 2010 Fisker Karma:

05-18-2009: Video: Fisker Karma shows off some track action
05-13-2009: Fisker working on third Karma variant, planning high-volume model
04-07-2009: Fisker secures an additional $85 million to build the Karma
03-24-2009: Fisker confirms 32 dealers in the U.S. to sell the Karma plug-in hybrid
02-24-2009: Fisker accepting orders for Karma S hard-top convertible
02-04-2009: Former Secretary of State Colin Powell looking for a Fisker Karma?
01-24-2009: Fisker looking for 40 U.S. dealers to sell the 2010 Karma
01-16-2009: Poll: Would you go for the Fisker Karma or the Tesla Roadster?
01-12-2009: Detroit NAIAS 2009: Fisker Karma S Concept Revealed
01-12-2009: Detroit NAIAS 2009: 2010 Fisker Karma Hybrid Sedan Revealed
12-04-2008: Front view of the 2009 Fisker Karma Hybrid
12-02-2008: 2010 Fisker Karma: Production model to be unveiled in Detroit
11-24-2008: Fisker picks GM”s 260-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder for Karma Hybrid
09-09-2008: Fisker raises $65 million to build the Karma hybrid sedan

2010 Fisker Karma:

We knew we should have gone to the Washington D.C. Auto Show – former General and Secretary of State Colin Powell was spotted spending a great deal of his time at the Fisker Automotive display checking out the Fisker Karma.

Who knows? Maybe Powell will be one of the first lucky owners of the Fisker Karma when it hits roads later this year. We’re sure he has $87,900 to drop on the car.

Refresher: Power comes from a 201-hp electric motor mated to a lithium-ion battery pack provided by Q-DRIVE. That allows 50 miles of travel without the use of any gasoline. After battery power runs out, the Karma uses a 260-hp turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec direct-injection engine that provides additional mileage. The Fisker Karma has a total range of up to 300 miles in Sport Mode.  0 to 60 comes in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph.

Former Secretart of State Colin Powell Checks out the Fisker Karma:

Doolan, a Fisker Automotive board member, said that the company is looking for forty U.S. dealers to sell the company’s new 2010 Karma plug-in hybrd sedan. The 2010 Fisker Karma will go on sale next year with prices starting at $87,900.

“We are trying to leverage what is in place today by selecting retailers who have a proven track record and customer satisfaction, are in the right location and, preferably, have premium experience,” Doolan, a former BMW and Volvo executive, told Automotive News.

Fisker is estimating the cost to become a Fisker dealer at $350,000 to just under $1 million, all depending on the location. The package includes purchasing two demo cars, parts and signs, training and creating the showroom. Two service areas are required to become an official Fisker dealer.

Fisker is targeting 15,000 annual sales of the Karma and already has 1,300 orders.

Click here to learn more about the 2010 Fisker Karma.

2010 Fisker Karma:

Tesla and Fisker are like the Pepsi and Coke of the electric-car industry – well almost. Both offer outstanding products that push the limits of ‘green’ cars to a whole new level. Both company’s have arrived on the electric-car/hybrids scene with one product each and while Tesla’s Model S Sedan is still 2 years out (maybe more than that) Fisker’s Karma hybrid four-seater will hit markets in late 2009. So we were wondering which car you would go for if you had a budget of $110,000.

Now let’s get one thing straight before we continue. The Tesla Roadster is a full-electric vehicle running without an engine. The Fisker Karma hybrid sedan, on the other hand, is what we in the auto industry like to call a ‘EREV’ – an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle that provides a certain distance of zero-emissions driving on battery power alone. After the battery is depleted, an on-board engine acts as a generator providing extended range capabilities. One other thing we’d like to point out is that the Tesla Roadster is a fun-to-drive sports car while the Fisker Karma is a four-door luxury sports car.

Tesla Roadster – $109,000: Power for Tesla comes from a 375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor that pumps out 248-hp with a maximum torque of 276 lb-ft. The two-seater will go from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph. Tesla says that you can get about 220 miles between charges. A full charge is reached in about 3.5 hours when using Tesla’s High Power Connector.

Fisker Karma – $87,900: The Fisker Karma hybrid luxury sedan is powered by a 201-hp electric motor that is mated to a lithium-ion battery pack provided by Q-DRIVE. That allows the Karma sedan to travel a total of 50 miles on battery power alone. After the batter runs out, a 260-hp turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec direct-injection engine kicks in to provide additional mileage. Fisker says that the Karma can travel a total of 300 miles on full battery power and a full tank of gas. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph.

So let us know which will be your ticket to environmental-friendly driving. Want to justify your selection? Drop a comment in the comments section

Click through for high-res image galleries of both cars.

2010 Fisker Karma:

Tesla Roadster:

Fisker today unveiled its first production car at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show – the 2010 Fisker Karma Hybrid. Pricing for the Karma starts at $87,900 but is chopped down to $80,400 after tax credits. Fisker says that it has already received 1,000 orders for the world’s first 100 mpg luxury plug-in hybrid sedan. Deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter of 2009.

The 2010 Fisker Karma is powered by a 201-hp electric motor that is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack provided by Q-DRIVE. That allows the Karma to travel 50 miles without the use of any gasoline. After battery power runs out, the Karma uses a 260-hp turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec direct-injection engine that provides additional mileage. Fisker says that the Karma has a total range of up to 300 miles is estimated in Sport Mode.  The 2010 Karma can sprint from 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph.

The Karma will be produced by Valmet Automotive in Finland. The first 99 examples will be built to match the exterior and interior of the Karma prototype seen at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show last January. Each unit will feature a personalized plaque with a serial number and signature from Henrik Fisker.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery and the press release.

2010 Fisker Karma:

Press Release:

LEADING THE FUTURE: FISKER AUTOMOTIVE UNVEILS 2010 FISKER KARMA PREMIUM PLUG-IN HYBRID PRODUCTION CAR

100 mpg Fisker Karma Makes its World Premiere at the 2009 North American
International Auto Show

DETROIT, MI. Jan. 12, 2009: Fisker Automotive, Inc., the new American
manufacturer of premium green automobiles, unveiled its first production car — the
2010 Fisker Karma ““ at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)
in Detroit today. With a starting price of $87,900 ($80,400 after US government
tax credits), 1,000 orders for the 100 mile-per-gallon luxury plug-in hybrid have
been received since the prototype debuted at the 2008 NAIAS. Karma deliveries
are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2009 through the Fisker Automotive
Retail network. More information can be found online at www.fiskerautomotive.com

The four-door, four-seat Karma fuses the traditional and timeless styling of veteran
auto designer and Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker, with Quantum
Technologies’ clean Q-DRIVE® plug-in hybrid powertrain to become the world’s
first luxury plug-in hybrid car.

Q-DRIVE®: POWERFUL TECHNOLOGY

Exclusive to Fisker Automotive, Q-DRIVE® provides the best combination of power,
efficiency and low emissions. The system is comprised of two 201hp electric
motors powered by an advanced lithium-ion technology battery pack.
A generator attached to a 260hp turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec® direct injection
(D1) gasoline engine provides extended range capabilities.

“More than 60 percent of America’s 200 million drivers travel less than 50 miles per
day. With Q-DRIVE®, the Karma can do that without using a drop of gas. This
proprietary powertrain will provide a base for all future model derivatives from
Fisker Automotive.” said Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum Technologies.

Q-DRIVE® features two operating modes: Stealth Mode and Sport Mode. In electric-only
Stealth Mode, drivers can travel emission free for up to 50 miles on a full charge from any 110-,
220- or 240-volt electric outlet. A total range of up to 300 miles is estimated in Sport Mode,
which utilizes the efficient Ecotec® gasoline engine to turn a generator that powers two electric
motors on the rear differential. A fully charged Karma can achieve an annual average of more
than 100 miles per gallon.

With a top speed of 125 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, the Karma is the world’s first
true premium plug-in hybrid sports sedan. The Karma’s low center of gravity and performance
oriented, A-arm suspension system offer a world class driving experience. Tall, wide tires
deliver immense lateral grip while electrohydaulic disc brakes provide effortless stopping power.

LUXURY AND STYLE

Karma’s exterior design features the continual flow of sculpture and dramatic proportion that is
signature Fisker style. A low, wide stance and raised front fenders offer the driver a unique
view of the car’s design. Modest changes from the original Karma prototype include an
enhanced upper grill and an enlarged lower intake for improved airflow. A new aerodynamic
diffuser under the rear bumper helps cool the electric drivetrain. Instantly recognizable, the
Karma also benefits from having the world’s largest continuously formed glass solar panel roof
on a car ““ an industry first and a standard feature on all Karma sedans.

“From initial concept to final production, it is important for Fisker to maintain a singular design language and to keep the integrity of the original design, inside and out. Extreme proportions, beautiful sculpture and earth-friendly materials are key elements that set the Karma apart,” said Fisker Automotive, Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker. “An inspiring drive is also an important and crucial element. Our hope is that the Fisker Karma will create a new segment of eco-friendly
transportation and will become the most desirable plug-in hybrid sports sedan available.”

A desirable car of any kind requires an inviting cockpit. Fisker’s interior design team focused on
sustainable design held accountable to the environment. Inspiration from nature’s timeless
beauty and the quality of classic design composition provided immense inspiration. Karma’s
Sustainable and Accountable Design is reflected in the use of reusable materials enhanced with
modern technology. For example, wood trim is sourced from non-living trees: ‘Fallen Trees’
that have succumbed to age; ‘Rescued Trees’ burned in forest fires; and ‘Sunken Trees’ lying in
American lake bottoms.

Karma’s instrumentation and controls focus on ease of use. Embedded in the layered
EcoGlass™ center console is a 10.2-inch touch sensitive screen controlling HVAC, audio and
other vehicle systems. LCD gauges behind the steering wheel provide display critical
information like battery charge and vehicle speed.

“The Karma’s material philosophy balances sensuality and accountability,” said Fisker. “We have
gone to great lengths to use only environmentally conscious, classic automotive materials that
support a commitment to our eco initiatives. At Fisker Automotive we are trying to inspire
change for the better.”

Karma buyers will choose from three trim levels: EcoBase™, EcoSport™ and EcoChic™. The
most advanced sustainable material series, EcoChic™, is based on an animal-free approach that
still offers a luxurious environment. Leather is replaced by 100% Bamboo Viscose, a soft hand
textile, while EcoGlass™ trim frames authentic fossilized leaves. Karma’s EcoSport™ series
incorporates hand-wrapped premium leather using a 100% sustainable manufacturing strategy,
which minimizes the number of hides required and highlights natural markings.

KARMA PRODUCTION AND DELIVERY

To meet production goals, Fisker turned to specialty builder Valmet Automotive in Finland.
Delivery of the more than 1,000 pre-ordered Karmas will begin this year. To commemorate
initial production, the first 99 examples will be trimmed to match both interior and exterior
specifications of the Karma prototype originally showcased at the 2008 NAIAS. Each will
feature a personalized plaque with a designated car number and signature from Henrik Fisker

Also at the heart of defining the future is Fisker’s retail network. A selective process to support initial deliveries is underway and interest from established dealers is high. Customers can expect a high level of service from retail partners that share their environmental and energy
values.