Fisker Karma PHEV to Make Driving Debut at Monterey Automobile Races

The Elegant and Sleek Fisker Karma PHEV



Here is another alternate energy vehicle on track for full blown production. The Fisker Karma PHEV is a great concept and will make its driving debut on August 15th at the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races.

The Karma is a plug-in hybrid vehicle capable of 50 miles range in all-electric mode and 300 miles with the use of its generator set. The downside is its reported MSRP, which will be around $80,000. Not even the $7,500 US tax rebate can make much of a dent in that price. Nonetheless, we would love to have one.

From Green Car Congress:

The Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) will make its public driving debut during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races on 15 August, 19 months after being unveiled as a concept car. It will be the first time a PHEV has appeared on track at the event.

The Fisker Karma will also be on display at Concorso Italiano on 14 August, alongside the Karma Sunset hardtop convertible concept. The Karma Sunset will again be on display at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 16 August.

The Fisker Karma PHEV is an extended range electric vehicle. With seating for four, the Karma has a range of 50 all-electric miles on a full charge of its lithium-ion battery, and a total range of 300 miles thanks to an on-board generator turned by the traditional but efficient 2.0L 260 hp (194 kW) Ecotec engine from GM. Two 201.5 hp (150 kW) electric motors send enough traction through a single-speed differential to reach 60 mph in about six seconds and a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h).

Together, these components comprise the Q-DRIVE powertrain exclusive to all Fisker automobiles. Q-DRIVE can average more than 100 mpg.