When we last reported on the Fisker Automotive Karma luxury plug-in hybrid, it was appearing at the Geneva Auto Show as word spread it would finally go into production in the month of March.
It now looks as if this moment has actually occurred, a spokesperson for the auto manufacturer recently told a media outlet.
The first Fisker Karma going into actual production for sale to consumers is said to have begun being built yesterday in Finland.
As we reported before, those wanting a Karma will need to fork out a hefty $95,900 before tax incentives and such chip away at that sticker shock.
Fisker isn’t looking for the Karma to compete with the Prius, however, instead targeting the likes of he BMW 750Li, Mercedes-Benz S550 and Porsche Panamera.
The latest, and now final, specs for the Karma indicate this vehicle has a total range of 300 miles (483 km), and can achieve more than 100 mpg (2.4 L/100 km) with just 83g CO2/km on an annual basis.
It can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.9 seconds and will run purely on electric power supplied by an advanced, rechargeable lithium ion battery for up to 50 miles (80 km); after that, a 175 kW generator, driven by a 2.0 L, direct-injection, turbocharged gasoline engine, provides an additional 250 miles (403 km) of range.
When we interviewed Fisker Automotive back in November last year about how they felt they might stand out in the increasingly crowded green car market, they told us that an emotional appeal to those seeking to marry green and luxury would be what drives sales of the Karma. We now finally get to find out if this is true.
