The Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid made its public driving debut over the weekend, just 19 months after being introduced as a concept vehicle. A prototype of the 403hp full size sedan reached speeds in excess of 100mph, utilizing both Sport (hybrid) and Stealth (electric only) modes around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races.

Fisker Automotive co-founder and COO Bernhard Koehler was driving.  California-based Fisker Automotive is developing the Karma to be the first production Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). The Karma proves fuel-efficient vehicles can still generate the passion and excitement that made people fall in love with cars in the first place. Although the Fisker Karma can reach 60mph in six seconds and a top speed of 125mph it can also ambien achieve well over 100mpg. Carbon emissions are also much lower than today’s hybrids.  “This demonstration represents a significant milestone for Fisker Automotive and PHEV technology,” said CEO Henrik Fisker. “The future of clean cars is bright.” Fisker Automotive is scheduled to start customer deliveries in summer 2010.  The Karma has a range of 50 emission-free 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 traditional but efficient 260hp, four-cylinder gasoline engine. Combined with two powerful electric motors, these components make up the Q-DRIVE® powertrain exclusive to all Fisker automobiles. Q-DRIVE® delivers the ultimate combination of performance, range and efficiency.

Comment on this post in our forums

Fisker Automotive, developer of the Fisker Karma, the first production-ready Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, has appointed Marti Eulberg Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing. Eulberg was most recently president and CEO of Maserati North America.

In her new role, Eulberg will develop global sales and marketing strategies and manage Fisker’s worldwide retail network. Eulberg is the latest passionate and effective industry veteran to join the team at Fisker, which already consists of top talent from some of the world’s most prestigious automakers.

“Marti’s experience as an international leader is why she will add tremendous value to our operation,” said Henrik Fisker, CEO. “Our retailers are eager to get started working with her.” “It’s not often you get the opportunity to help build a car company from scratch,” said Eulberg. “Fisker has the right idea and the right product at the right pharmacy time. I am very excited to be a part of it.” Fisker Board member Vic Doolan was instrumental in recruiting Eulberg, who helped achieve record sales while both were at Volvo North America and BMW North America. “I can think of no better fit than Ms. Eulberg to lead Fisker’s global sales and marketing activities,” Doolan said. Eulberg, 45, held various executive sales positions at Jaguar Cars and Volvo from 2001 to 2008. From 1992 to 2001 she developed regional sales strategies at BMW North America, and managed the largest metropolitan volume Ford dealers in the US from 1986-1991. Eulberg has an MBA in Marketing from St. Thomas Aquinas and a B.S. in Management from Maryville University. She began her career as an intern with General Motors.

Comment on this post in our forums