Click above for more shots of the Fisker Karma

While you could certainly argue that developing just one single new plug-in hybrid vehicle is about as difficult a task as a small automaker could handle, Fisker Automotive is rumored to be working on four such models. Of course, that task should be just a little bit easier thanks to the help of Quantum Technologies, the company that has been tasked with providing the automaker with the hybrid drivetrain for its sedan. As it is, Fisker has pretty ambitious plans for its sedan, the Karma, with the goal of selling 15,000 units per year by 2011. The four new shapes would include a coupe, a convertible and, oddly enough, an SUV and all would use the same basic underpinnings. Expect all of these models to carry a pretty high price - though an additional piece of good news from the rumormill indicates that the automaker is also planning a new lower-cost PHEV as well. We look forward to seeing how this all pans out.


[Source: Channel 4]

California-based Fisker Automotive has signed a letter of intent with Valmet Automotive to assemble its Karma plug-in hybrid sports sedan in Finland beginning in late 2009. Valmet assembles cars under contract for other brands. Since the launch of the Porsche Boxster in 1997 Valmet has assembled the cars as a second source to Porsche's own factory in Zuffenhausen, Germany. Porsche recently announced plans to move Boxster production to Magna Steyr in Graz Austria in 2012. Fisker Karma production will begin at Valmet in the second half of 2009, with North American deliveries expected to begin in late 2009. European deliveries of the new car should start sometime in 2010. The companies are currently projecting volumes of 15,000 cars per year. In addition to manufacturing, Valmet will also supply engineering services for Fisker. Unlike the Tesla Roadster, which is shipped to California from the Lotus factory in England as a glider, Valmet will complete production of the Karma. The Karma is planned to have a 50-mile electric range with a gasoline range extender bringing the total to 350 miles. Thanks to Joni for the tip!

[Source: Valmet Automotive]

Back in April, Tesla filed a lawsuit against Fisker Automotive for allegedly stealing insider information having to do with the production of an electric vehicle. You may recall that Henrik Fisker was hired to style the Tesla Whitestar sedan, though his designs were ultimately rejected. About a month later, word spread that Fisker had asked to have the lawsuit enter arbitration, and a hearing was set for June 11. Fast forward to today, and the hearing apparently took place as planned and court documents show that Fisker's request for arbitration was granted.

Interestingly, those documents also reveal that the deal between Tesla and Fisker had a clause requiring the arbitration of any disagreements in a specific court. It appears that Tesla Motors went outside those terms by suing Fisker in a different court than was initially agreed upon. Not surprisingly, Henrik Fisker is "extremely pleased" with this outcome. Regardless of how things proceed between the two companies from this point forward, we can be hopeful that each company is able to bring a desirable and suitably green vehicle to market. Thanks for the tip, Doug!

[Source: CNET]

Quantum Technologies is no stranger to our pages, having seen coverage as diverse as hydrogen systems for the Toyota Prius all the way through large hydrogen vans and up to hybrid vehicles for the military. Now, it seems that they have partnered with Fisker Automotive, maker of fine coach-built vehicles based on the underpinnings of luxury sports cars. The vehicles is to feature styling by Henrik Fisker, whose earlier work included various Aston Martin cars and the BMW Z8. This means that the vehicle will, at the very least, be attractive. Fisker hopes to build 15,000 plug-in hybrid "ECO-CHIC" vehicles annually at a cost of less than $100,000 each.

We are looking towards January 13, 2008, for The Detroit International Auto Show, where the vehicle is expected to be unveiled. A countdown has already started at the official Fisker website. Quantum has designed the chassis specifically for Fisker. The vehicle should be capable of charging from a standard outlet. No mention is made of specifications, so we will be sure to stay on top of this one and let you know details like expected range and speed. Is it possible that Fisker beats both Toyota or GM to market with a production plug-in electric car available for sale? If the press release is correct and the production car debuts in January of next year, it seems that they might. No matter, this is great news for those who can afford to spend six-digit sums on an automobile.

[Source: Fisker (.pdf) via Autoblog]