Job One Finally Rolls Off The Line For Fisker Karma PHEV

It seems like its been a decade since Fisker first introduced the world to its super-sexy plug-in hybrid, the Karma (though it’s only just over three years.) Finally though, the first Karma is complete, with more to come.

The Fisker Karma was first introduced in January of 2008 at the Detroit Auto Show. We’ve seen countless images, teasers, and even a sexy little video that made me want more, and finally the first cars are rolling off the assembly line of Valmet Automotive’s plant in Uusikaupunki, Finland. It will take another month or so for the first cars to be delivered, and Fisker hopes to delivery around 7,000 of the $88,000 sedans, in order to ensure quality. While these first vehicles will be built in Finland, Fisker purchased an old GM plant in Delaware for $20 million where they can build up to 100,000 cars a year, including the Karma and an as-yet-unnamed cheaper sedan codenamed “Project Nina.” Seems expensive, but I think Tesla Roadster sales have proven that people will pay a premium for high technology automobiles.

The Karma’s plug-in hybrid system uses a General Motors-soured 2.4 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to power four electric motors that delivers over 400 horsepower and over 900 ft-lbs of torque. That’s enough to motivate the two-ton sedan from 0-60 mph in under six seconds and deliver “an annual average” of 100 mpg. The 20 kWh lithium-ion nanophosphate battery can propel the Karma for up to 50 miles on electricity alone (though I’m sure that drops in cold weather) and can be recharged in six to eight hours from a 220 volt outlet.

This has been a long time coming, and the Karma is at the top of the list of cars-I’d-give-up-beer-but-not-bacon-for. Never giving up bacon (and there’s always whiskey!)

Source: Gas2.0