When the Fisker Karma hits the streets later this year, the US auto industry will have its first luxury performance sedan with zero emission capabilities but according to a company representative, those hungry for one of the first production-form Karma sedans will be waiting just a bit longer.
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The initial plan was for the 2011 Fisker Karma to reach consumers by March or April but when that period of time came and went without a Fisker to be had, people began questioning when the Karma would actually reach showrooms and customers. Well, according to a discussion between GreenCarReports.com and Fisker Automotive director of global communications Roger Ormisher, the first Fisker owners should be able to enjoy their emission free performance sedans by the 4th of July.
Fisker seemingly expects to report no sales in the United States for May or June, meaning that their first official sale in the US market will likely (or hopefully) come in the third quarter of 2011. These models delivered from the Valmet Automotive production facility in Uusikaupunki, Finland. Fisker has stated in the past that they expect to deliver 7,000 Karma sedans in 2011, which would put them at a pace of over 1,000 per month starting in July. This could be a lofty goal as the high-priced Karma would have to compete in sales with the much more affordably priced 2011 Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt.
While the Fisker Karma costs a substantial amount more than the other emission-free vehicles available in the US, the Karma is like no other vehicle offered in the US. It features an electric drive system capable of up to 50 miles of emission-free driving but unlike the upcoming Tesla Model S, the Karma packs a range-extending gasoline engine - similar to the setup in the Chevy Volt. The Karma incorporates that high tech, fuel sipping drivetrain into a full sized sedan with premium luxury interior features and comforts but most importantly, the Karma can also offer the fun to drive factor of a sports car. The drivetrain in the Karma uses the gasoline range extended engine coupled with the electric drive system to churn out a whopping 403 horsepower – allowing it to dash from 0-60 in under 6 seconds while hitting a top speed of 125mph.
The 2011 Fisker Karma could show the automotive world that you can have an emission-free luxury sedan with high performance capabilities…but Fisker will have to begin delivering them for the rest of the world to know how impressive their new cars really are.
If you aren’t familiar with the 2011 Fisker Karma, click here to check out their company website.
Source: Green Car Reports
Other Fisker News:
The Fisker Karma makes its production debut at the Monaco Grand Prix
Fisker Automotive secures another $100 million
Production begins of the Fisker Karma electric luxury sedan
Fisker Automotive inks deal for Chinese distribution
Tesla Model S pricing announced, ranging from $57-77k
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The car isn't zero emissions;
The car isn't zero emissions; it's a plug-in hybrid, which means it is largely gas powered like the Volt.
No big surprise on yet another delay.
It is actually a range
It is actually a range extended electric, so can be driven 50M per day all-electric. The gas engine doesnt need to cut in unless you want more power or the batteries are drained.