The Marquette Journal

All the rage in the automobile industry these days is the goal of “going green” as best as possible for new makes and models. Does this mean a corresponding shift away from the mix of high performance and luxury for your latest ride to work?

Going green and looking glamorous in the process is the M.O. for California-based Fisker Automotive, a relative newcomer to the automotive scene. Say hello to the Karma, the flagship car that should officially launch Fisker into the national spotlight.

Last month, it was announced that Fisker had been awarded upwards of $500 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to create affordable, fuel-efficient plug-in luxury hybrids.

“We believe eco-friendly cars don’t have to sacrifice style or performance,” said Fisker spokesman Russell Datz.  “There’s a reason we fall in love with cars and driving and there’s no reason to lose those elements to be responsible.”

Fisker is the fourth manufacturer to receive funds as appropriated as a part of the department’s $25 billion Advanced Technologies Vehicle Manufacturing Loan Program, created by Congress in November 2008.

The company has set some ambitious goals in wanting to produce more than 100,000 units by 2012. The company’s Web site has said more than 1,500 have already been pre-ordered in advance of its anticipated summer 2010 public debut, Datz said.

“We are confident we can achieve, even exceed, our goals,” Datz said. “Independent market research shows plug-in hybrids will be the fastest growing auto segment in the coming years.”

These cars are no slouches to look at – they have the styling of an Aston Martin DB9 at first glance, which would make sense considering Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker is a former Aston design director.

The eco-friendly nature of the car offers tailpipe-free emissions that one could expect to find on an electric car. It’s expected to exceed more than 100 miles per gallon (mpg) and its Q-Drive powertrain is expected to produce more than 50 miles emission-free, and a total of more than 300 miles on a full charge of its Lithium Ion battery.

It’s got more than enough kick for a full size sedan, as its on-board generator still churns out an efficient 260 bhp four-cylinder gasoline engine.

The price tag of $39,000 MSRP after tax credits is anywhere from $12-$17,000 more than a Toyota Prius, long considered the most recognizable hybrid. However, the Karma’s fuel capacity is nearly double what a Prius can offer (51/48 mpg).

The Karma has the glitz and glamour of a luxury roadster while saving the buyer two kinds of green: your wallet in the long run and the environment, if you didn’t catch the hint.

Launched in 2007 by auto design veterans Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler, the company has plans to not only create as many units as they plan, but save and create jobs in the process.

Datz said at least 5,000 jobs will be created in the U.S., including the company’s California our headquarters, its development facility in Michigan and also among suppliers and vendors.

With a name like “Karma,” it has to be a positive, right?

Tags: business, Cars, Drive Time, economy, Fisker, Green, Reviews

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 1:50 pm and is filed under Blogs, Drive Time. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.