Fisker Automotive Debuts Karma S At The Detroit Auto Show

The Tesla Roadster might be one hot machine but my money goes to the newly debuted Fisker Karma S. This $90,000+ plug-in hybrid two-door hardtop convertible is an offshoot of the $87,900 Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid that’s scheduled to hit streets later this year.

Fisker Automotive, the new American manufacturer of premium green automobiles, unveiled the Fisker Karma S (Sunset) concept at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The four-seat, plug-in hybrid hardtop convertible furthers the company’s belief that driving style and performance need not be compromised for environmental friendliness.

The open-air Fisker Karma S concept shares its aluminum spaceframe architecture and clean Q-DRIVE powertrain with the Fisker Karma sedan. Designed and engineered by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive, Q-DRIVE provides 50 emission-free miles on a single charge to its lithium-ion battery pack, and up to 403hp from two electric motors. The power retractable hard top, a first for Fisker, glides neatly into the trunk and a unique design language sets the Karma S concept apart.

The Karma S runs from 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, with a seamless one-speed transmission taking it to a top speed of 125 miles an hour. While certainly not as fast as the $100k Tesla Roadster, which has a 0-60 time of under 4 secs, the Karma S still packs some punch and looks good doing it!

“Our objective is to create a singular design language and heritage around our state-of-the-art Q-DRIVE powertrain,” said Fisker Automotive, Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker. “The Karma S is an extension of the Fisker Automotive product range of eco-conscious automobiles and sets the tone for our future.“

Source: Fisker Automotive Press Release (PDF)