The Fisker Karma is the latest in hybrid drives. The first examples of the plug-in hybrid sports/luxury car have been delivered to customers. This white Karma ES is showcased at SEMA 2011. The luxury car got some new wheels from US company CEC – Claus Ettensberger Wheels.
Just a recap. The Fisker Karma drives its rear wheels using two rear-mounted 201.5 horsepower electric traction motors that draw energy from the lithium-ion battery pack for up to 80km. The gasoline engine drives a 175kW electric generator to power the motors. There is no mechanical link between this engine and the drive motors.
The luxury sports car can run in one of two drive modes: Stealth and Sport. Stealth Mode maximizes efficiency, giving the car its greatest range on battery power before activating the gasoline engine-driven generator to sustain battery charge. In Stealth Mode, the Karma can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 153km/h. With Sport Mode engaged, the gasoline engine drives the generator to provide enough electricity for 403 total system horsepower, allowing the Karma to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 201km/h.
