Tech | August 20, 2009 | 0 comments

Irvine-based Fisker's Karma makes public driving debut

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The innovative Karma Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle from Irvine-based Fisker Automotive, an affiliate of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, made its public driving debut this weekend – a little less than two years after its introduction as a concept car.

The prototype of the 403 horsepower full-size sedan hit speeds greater than 100 mph and used both its Sport (hybrid) and its Stealth (electric-only) modes during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. It was the first time a vehicle of its kind has appeared on track at the event, according to Fisker.

The car can reach 60 mph in six seconds and maintains a top speed of 125 mph, while also achieving more than 100 mpg. The Karma's carbon emissions are also lower than other hybrids on the market today. The vehicle's Q-Drive powertrain was designed and engineered by Quantum. It offers a number of groundbreaking features in its energy storage, electric drive architecture and control strategies.

"We are pleased at the progress of development and validation of the Q-Drive architecture, which delivers the ultimate combination of performance, range and efficiency," says Alan Niedzwiecki, president and CEO of Quantum.

The Fisker Karma sedan will retail for $88,000 and is scheduled to start customer deliveries next summer. Its O.C. retailer is the Shelly Automotive Group in Irvine.
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