New 'Green' Machine Makes World Wide Premiere at the North American
International Auto Show
DETROIT, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Fisker Automotive, Inc., a green
American premium sports car company, today unveiled its first production
car, the Fisker Karma, at the North American International Auto Show
(NAIAS) in Detroit. The first of its kind four-door plug-in hybrid premium
sports sedan will have a starting price of $80,000. Initial deliveries of
the Karma will commence in the 4th quarter of 2009 with annual production
projected to reach 15,000 cars. The first 99 cars off the assembly line
will be individually numbered and signed by Henrik Fisker and will be
produced in the color and trim of the show car seen at NAIAS.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070905/LAW009LOGO)
In Buddhism/Hinduism, Karma is defined as the force generated by a
person's good or evil actions which determines the nature of the person's
next existence. The Fisker Karma allows consumers to practice good Karma --
driving a car that is environmentally friendly -- without sacrificing the
extreme comfort and style of the luxury automobile category.
"In creating Fisker Automotive, Inc. we sought to develop a range of
beautiful, environmentally friendly cars that make environmental sense
without compromise," said Fisker Automotive, Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker. "Our
hope is that the Fisker Karma will be the start of a new trend in the
automotive business -- less concession with more efficiency."
The car features cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology, penned as Q
DRIVE, developed by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive.
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. This proprietary design
allows consumers to drive the car emission free for up to 50 miles a day
provided the car is charged every evening. It's conceivable that if
consumers follow this daily routine, they will only need to fuel the car
but once a year. This Q DRIVE technology will provide a base for all future
derivatives from Fisker Automotive.
"Our goal here is to deliver the advancement that Quantum Technologies
has made in the area of plug-in hybrid technology. By combining our efforts
with the renowned design talent of Henrik Fisker, we can produce cars that
make a difference to the environment -- without sacrificing the luxury that
accompanies the finest automobiles," stated Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum
Technologies.
Fisker Karma Design
The sleek design of the Fisker Karma, which accentuates the long hood,
is a direct result of the breakthrough all-new from the ground up chassis
design with powertrain development. This unique design places the battery
pack at the center of the vehicle between the two axles, providing optimal
vehicle driving dynamics, maximum safety, and proportionate design. Both
the interior and exterior of the car will be put to market as seen at the
NAIAS.
Fisker Karma Interior
The Karma's luxurious interior boasts four individual first class
seats, a modern and sophisticated interior design and a spacious luggage
capacity that can fit two golf bags and luggage in the trunk. Other
interior optional features to include:
-- Electronic Aides: Navigation system, DVD system incorporated into seat
backs and state-of-the art push button controls
-- Seating Comfort: Four individual "first class" seats
-- Driving Modes: The driver will be able to select between two modes of
driving. The first mode is "Stealth Drive," which is the quiet economy
mode for optimal relaxed and efficient driving. By flipping the second
paddle behind the steering wheel, the car will switch to "Sport Drive,"
which will access the full power of the vehicle
Fisker Karma Exterior
The all new from the ground up exterior design features a continual
flow of sculpture and dramatic proportion. Similar in height to the Porsche
911, the length of the Mercedes Benz CLS, and the width of a BMW 7-series,
the Fisker Karma's structure and body panels will make extensive use of
aluminum to keep the overall vehicle weight as low as possible.
Additionally, a new drive train configuration will provide optimal weight
distribution. The vehicle's low and wide stance offers the driver a unique
view of the fenders from the inside of the car.
The Fisker Karma will offer partly self-contained climate control, as
consumers will 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. Additionally, Fisker Automotive will 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...again cost and emission free.
Other exterior details to take note of include:
-- Exterior Panels: Extensive use of lightweight materials used for
optimal weight and driving dynamics
-- Solar Panel Roof: The Karma will offer self-contained climate control,
as consumers will 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
-- Plug-In Configuration: Small bonnet "doors" for easy charging and
engine fluids refill
-- 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels
-- LED tail-lamps
-- Driver visibility: Front fenders visible with a view of the long hood
Fisker Karma Performance & Dynamics:
-- 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds
-- Top speed beyond 125 mph
-- Torque: The karma will have maximum torque available from 0 mph with a
dramatic acceleration to its top speed
-- Stance of car: The low center of gravity provides optimal sport
vehicle driving dynamics
-- Innovation: The Karma will feature a newly developed lightweight body
and structure
-- Braking: The Karma will feature regenerative brakes to recapture
braking energy
About Fisker Automotive, Inc.
Keeping with the company's mantra of "Simply World Class", Fisker
Automotive and its retailers will offer a customer experience second to
none. All retailers will be housed in eco-friendly facilities and will
offer consumers a unique personal approach, including the ability to ask
questions via video conference with an expert at Fisker Automotive
headquarters and flexible scheduling based on consumer availability.
Fisker Automotive is a privately owned car company with Henrik Fisker
serving as the CEO. Fisker Coachbuild, LLC will be the exclusive design
house for Fisker Automotive through the entire range of product
development. Additional executive team members include Vic Doolan, Board
Member FA & Director of Retail Development; Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum
Technologies & Board Member FA; Bernhard Koehler, COO; Thomas Fritz,
Director of Engineering; and production design by Alex Klatt, formerly of
BMW and Mark Clarke formerly of Porsche. This experienced team will help
Fisker Automotive lead the future and redefine automotive design by
creating the ultimate eco-chic car -- cars that marry unparalleled style
with environmental consciousness.
Fisker Automotive will offer its range of cars worldwide with first
deliveries starting in North America in the 4th quarter of 2009.
About Quantum Technologies (Nasdaq: QTWW):
Quantum is a publicly traded, world leader and OEM supplier of
state-of-the-art clean propulsion technologies, fuel and energy storage
technologies and services including propulsion systems for hydrogen fuel
cell vehicles, hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles, compressed
natural gas vehicles, liquid petroleum vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles
and plug-in hybrids based on advanced electronic control systems and
Lithium Ion batteries developed by Quantum's strategic alliance partner
Advanced Lithium Power Ltd. Quantum also provides engineering services
including vehicle development and homologation and second stage vehicle
manufacturing through its subsidiary Tecstar.
About Fisker Coachbuild, LLC:
Fisker Coachbuild, LLC is a privately owned company that has brought a
new vision to the world of exotic, high-end performance sports cars. Their
distinctively designed and expertly engineered automobiles are hand crafted
using only the best quality materials and infused with cutting-edge safety
technology. Fisker Coachbuild offers elegant and timeless sports cars of
limited production providing the ultimate in exclusivity. The Fisker line
is currently comprised of the Tramonto and Latigo CS. Creative design
services are also carried out for further brand recognition within Fisker
Coachbuild through merchandising. Designed by Fisker Coachbuild has also
made its mark with the Artega GT design launched at the Geneva Auto Show in
2007. Now the future strategy will be to focus solely on the design of the
environmental friendly premium cars for Fisker Automotive, Inc.
Inquiries:
Telephone: 714-888-4255
Fax: 714-888-4256
info@fiskerautomotive.com
http://www.fiskerautomotive.com
SOURCE Fisker Automotive, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.fiskerautomotive.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070905/LAW009LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Fisker Automotive, Inc., +1-714-888-4255,
fax, +1-714-888-4256, info@fiskerautomotive.com
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