Join us for a real inside tour of the Fisker Automotive design center. Our tour guide is none other then Henrik Fisker. We'll see the Karma through his eyes, view the future of personal transportation, and see the cocktail napkin that started it all. In the end, you may be surprised at how much this is a story of America.

CNET Conversations is part of a CBS Interactive special reporting project.

Henrik Fisker is best known for designing the Aston Martin DB9 and the BMW Z8, both masterpieces in modern auto penmanship. He also did the initial design work on the Tesla Model S, which led to a less than happy split with that company. Now his company is often mentioned in the same breath as Tesla, though the Fisker Karma is not a pure electric car.

After spending time with Fisker, you come away realizing he puts design first with easy practicality a close second. His choice of a range extender power train (which has not been an easy sell for much larger GM in its Volt) is a nod to his belief that car buyers will electrify gradually and with their convenience first in mind.