Click above for high-res gallery of the Fisker Karma
Fisker Automotive has apparently decided that 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque should be plenty of power to recharge some batteries. Those 260 galloping ponies will come courtesy of the General in the form of its 2.0L direct injected and turbocharged Ecotec four banger, an engine that we’ve sampled ourselves plenty of times. We feel well qualified, therefore, to suggest that this is an excellent motor, but it really sounds like a major case of overkill for this particular application. Perhaps that’s better than “underkill” (if such a word actually existed) as that powerful engine ought to be able to recharge the Fisker Karma’s on-board lithium ion batteries at an extremely brisk pace. The faster the internal combustion engine can charge up the battery pack, the quicker the car can revert back to its native electric-only operation. Plus, that engine is a relatively light chunk of alloy, so the Karma’s motor shouldn’t be burdened by the gasoline-fed boat anchor too horribly under electric power.
We also find it a bit interesting that Fisker chose GM as its powertrain supplier, which means that the Karma and GM’s own Chevy Volt are now even closer cousins than before. Both vehicles will sport four doors, lithium ion batteries and an extended-range electric vehicle drivetrain; and with this announcement, both are now slated to share four cylinder engines from GM. This kinda makes ‘em second-cousins through marriage, no?
Fisker Automotive Announces Intent to Source General Motors Components
IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 21 /PRNewswire/ — Fisker Automotive, Inc., a green American premium car company, today announced that General Motors has been selected to supply, through its on-highway integrator Powertrain Integration LLC, the gasoline engine that will be used in the Fisker Karma, Fisker Automotive’s new Extended Range Hybrid Electric Vehicle. GM’s Powertrain organization will supply the gasoline engine that generates electricity when the driver has exceeded the 50 mile electric-only range. The 2.0 direct injection, turbo-charged 4-cylinder Ecotec gasoline engine will deliver 260 horsepower. Fisker Automotive is also considering the purchase of several additional GM vehicle components to enhance the Karma.
“Given General Motors global leadership in the parts and accessories space, the fact that it is already engineering parts for extended range electric vehicles, and its commitment to helping the environment, it was clear that this was the right partner for us,” said Fisker Automotive, Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker. “We are confident that this is the beginning of an important partnership between GM and Fisker Automotive in developing the most desirable fuel efficient vehicles of the future.”
“GM is proud that Fisker Automotive has selected one of the world’s best powertrains for installation into the new Karma,” said Tom Stephens, Executive Vice President of GM Powertrain and Global Quality. “The advanced design of this engine offers a superior performance-to-weight ratio that makes it the right choice for the Fisker Hybrid Electric Vehicle. As a leader in the automotive industry in the development of fuel efficient and energy diverse powertrains, GM sees significant opportunity in working with Fisker Automotive, a visionary company developing products that embody both exciting vehicle design as well as technology friendly to our environment.”
Initial domestic deliveries of Fisker Automotive’s first car, the Karma, will commence in the 4th quarter of 2009 in North America with planned delivery to Europe in 2010. Fisker Automotive’s annual production is projected to reach 15,000 cars, with more than half of sales expected to be overseas.
Fisker Automotive, Inc.
Fisker Automotive is a privately owned car company with Henrik Fisker as the CEO. Fisker Coachbuild, LLC will be the exclusive design house for Fisker Automotive through the entire range of product development. The company has backing from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Palo Alto Investors and an affiliate of Qatar Investment Authority.
The Karma’s Q DRIVE configuration consists of a small gasoline engine that turns the generator, which charges the lithium ion battery pack, powering the electric motor and turning the rear wheels. The vehicle will have an all electric range of 50 miles before the gasoline powered 4-cylinder engine generator kicks in. After this, the full range jumps up to over 350 miles. The Karma has regenerative braking that will help recharge the batteries, much like the Tesla Roadster and many modern electric vehicles. Patrons will also have the option to purchase a full-length solar roof that will help charge the car and provide cooling for the interior cabin while the car is parked. Fisker Automotive will even offer consumers an option to purchase a set of solar panels for their roofs or garages where they can generate electricity during the day to charge the car overnight.
Initial deliveries will commence in the 4th quarter of 2009, with annual production projected to reach 15,000 units. More info can be found at fiskerautomotive.com.
Fisker Automotive announced today that it is opening a new, 34,000-sq-ft Engineering and Development Center in Pontiac, Michigan. This is great news for the struggling automotive state that has a dearth of newly jobless, skilled automotive professionals. Fisker’s 34,000 square-foot location is expected to employ only around 200 workers, with 130 jobs already spoken for as of today. This announcement comes days after their legal victory over Tesla. Tesla Motors accused Fisker Automotive of stealing confidential design information and trade secrets while Fisker was contracted to help in designing Tesla’s future cars. This move to Michigan also comes not long after Tesla announced they would be closing down their Rochester Hills office near Detroit.
“The available talent, supplier base, and infrastructure in Michigan will help us reach our production goal,” said Fisker Automotive COO Bernhard Koehler. “While Fisker Automotive will continue to be headquartered in Irvine, California, the new facility will allow us the opportunity to collaborate with our Michigan supplier base and have everyone under one roof.”
The 200 engineers and designers will work on the Fisker Karma, the company’s first vehicle. The Karma is a plug-in hybrid that will travel 50 miles on electricity alone and have a maximum range of 350 miles, with a 0-60 mph time under 6 sec and and a top speed of 125 mph. The car will go on sale at the end of 2009 in North America and later in Europe. Fisker hopes to be building 15,000 cars annually by 2011. Estimated pricetag is around $80,000.
Valmet Automotive is a brand-independent, specialty car manufacturer in Finland. They manufacture some cars for Porsche, i.e. the Cayman and Boxster. So keep these guys in mind if you want to start your own electric car company. Fisker and Valmet plan to churn out 15,000 cars annually with the first cars to be delivered at the end of 2009. The price is now around $80,000 for a gas free, emission free, 0-60 in 5.8, 125 mph top speed supercar. Looks like Tesla has some real competition on their hands.
As much as I love the Fisker/Tesla slap fight going on right now, I don’t care to talk about it. Hopefully, this will be the start of a long, healthy competition between the two companies, not just a sue fest. And with Fisker optimistically anticipating production of about 15,000 Karmas a year at $80,000, we could have a battle on our hands. Tesla only expects to produce 2,000 Roadsters a year with its higher price tag of $100,000. However, the Fisker Karma will not have quite the performance, 0-60 in 6 seconds, compared to the Roadster’s 3.9. Interestingly, the Karma will have two driving modes, “Stealth Drive” and “Sport Drive”. The former will provide “relaxed and efficient driving” while the latter will unleash the cars power according to the company site .
Fisker Automotive announced today that it is opening a new, 34,000-sq-ft Engineering and Development Center in Pontiac, Michigan. This is great news for the struggling automotive state that has a dearth of newly jobless, skilled automotive professionals. Fisker’s 34,000 square-foot location is expected to employ only around 200 workers, with 130 jobs already spoken for as of today. This announcement comes days after their legal victory over Tesla. Tesla Motors accused Fisker Automotive of stealing confidential design information and trade secrets while Fisker was contracted to help in designing Tesla’s future cars. This move to Michigan also comes not long after Tesla 
