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December 4, 2008 11:45 AM PST

Production Fisker Karma revealed early

by Antuan Goodwin
  • 1 comment

production Fisker Karma

Click to view more photos of the Fisker Karma.

(Credit: Fisker Automotive)

The world of plug-in hybrids is about to get a whole lot sexier when the production Fisker Karma debuts at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Fisker has released early photos of the production version of the Karma, which isn't that much different from the concept revealed earlier this year at the 2008 Detroit Show.

Its mustachioed face has survived the jump to production essentially intact, although the lower grill opening has been enlarged a bit, to make it more practical for cooling we'd assume. Amber reflectors have been added to the leading edge of the wheel well and small fender vents have been added just aft of the front wheels. The LED tail lamps, huge 22-inch wheel and tire package, and (hooray!) solar-panel roof all look like they will see showroom floors.

Fisker Karma Concept

The Karma concept debuted at last year's Detroit Auto Show.

(Credit: Fisker Automotive)

Under the Karma's swooping hood is a 22.6 kWh electric motor coupled with a GM-sourced turbocharged, direct-inject 2.0L four-cylinder Ecotec engine--the same fantastic mill that powers the Chevy Cobalt SS tested earlier. Together the two powerplants produce about 400 horsepower and a 5.8 second 0-60 time. Keep your foot planted and the Karma will eventually top out somewhere around 125 mph.

The driver will be able to select between two modes of driving. The first mode is Stealth Drive, which is the economy mode for quiet and efficient driving. By flipping the second paddle behind the steering wheel, the car will switch to Sport Drive, which will activate the full power of the vehicle.

Here's something else that's changed: the price. It appears that Fisker is bumping the asking price for the Karma up to about $87,000 (was $80,000). If that's not too rich for your blood, Fisker is taking pre-orders for late 2010 delivery.

View more photos of the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog
January 23, 2008 5:13 PM PST

Video: 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode hybrid

by Wayne Cunningham
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The 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode is the first car to offer two different hybrid powertrains. We take a first look from the 2008 Detroit auto show.

Click here for more 2008 Detroit auto show coverage.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog
January 23, 2008 5:08 PM PST

Video: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

by Wayne Cunningham
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Our favorite Cadillac gets it all together with oomph. Get a first look from the 2008 Detroit auto show.

Click here for more 2008 Detroit auto show coverage.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog
January 17, 2008 4:19 PM PST

Video: Cadillac Provoq concept

by Wayne Cunningham
  • 3 comments

The first car ever launched at an electronics show. Get a first look at the Cadillac Provoq concept from the 2008 Detroit auto show.

Click here for more 2008 Detroit auto show coverage.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog
January 17, 2008 4:17 PM PST

Video: Toyota Venza

by Wayne Cunningham
  • 4 comments

Just when you thought every category of car had been invented, we get a first look of the Toyota Venza, straight from the floors of the 2008 Detroit auto show.

Click here for more 2008 Detroit auto show coverage.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog
January 17, 2008 4:15 PM PST

Video: 2009 VW Passat CC

by Wayne Cunningham
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VW joins the four-door coupe craze and blends in a bossy new technology. We take a first look from the 2008 Detroit auto show.

Click here for more 2008 Detroit auto show coverage.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog
January 17, 2008 4:13 PM PST

Video: Toyota A-BAT concept

by Wayne Cunningham
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What part of the Chevy Avalanche does Toyota want a piece of? We get a glimpse of the Toyota A-BAT concept from the 2008 Detroit auto show.

Click here for more 2008 Detroit auto show coverage.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog
January 17, 2008 4:11 PM PST

Video: 2009 Audi TT S

by Wayne Cunningham
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The new TT gets more growl. Get a first look from the 2008 Detroit auto show.

Click here for more 2008 Detroit auto show coverage.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog
January 17, 2008 12:12 PM PST

Video: Fisker Karma

by Wayne Cunningham
  • 1 comment

The guy who designed BMW's Z8 has a greener idea. Get a first look at the Fisker Karma from the 2008 Detroit auto show.

Click here for more 2008 Detroit auto show coverage.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog
January 17, 2008 11:30 AM PST

Video: Audi R8 V12 Diesel

by Wayne Cunningham
  • 1 comment

Is there a sexier diesel in existence? Nah. We take a first look at the Audi R8 V12 Diesel from the 2008 Detroit auto show.

Click here for more 2008 Detroit auto show coverage.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog
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