Fisker Karma Sunset Wins Concept Award
The Fisker Karma Sunset, a stunningly beautiful hardtop convertible plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), has won the 2009 Production Preview Concept of the Year. The award is part of the eighth annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year awards which honor the vehicles most likely to influence the future of the automotive industry. Just from sheer looks alone, the Fisker Karma Sunset, also called the Karma S, would have done that. But, by combining that incredible style with great energy efficiency and impressive performance, the Karma S secured a place in history.
The Karma S will be available worldwide in 2011, following the Karma sedan on which it was based. Both vehicles feature an all-electric drivetrain with an onboard internal combustion generator, similar to the system design for the Chevrolet Volt. A 2.0-liter four cylinder engine sourced from General Motors provides electricity to the lithium ion battery pack once the initial charge starts to die (the vehicles are expected to have a 50 mile all-electric range). Power comes from two electric motors which provide a a combined 403 horsepower, more than enough for most drivers.
The main hurdle to bringing the Karma to production is in the longevity of the company. Fisker has done a great job drumming up enthusiasm for their products at many recent car shows, but they have yet to actually produce a car from their factory. With luck, for both green car fans and those who love aesthetically beautiful cars, the company will stay afloat over the coming few years so that the Karma Sunset will see the light of day.
