First Fisker Karmas Roll Off Production Line - Ray Lane, venture capitalist and Chairman of the Board of Fisker Automotive, showed off his new Fisker Karma extended-range electric car at a recent press event. More information on all types of cars is available at Miami Mazda. Lane wears a number of hats. In addition to his duties at Fisker Automotive, he also serves as managing partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, chairman of Carnegie Mellon University, chairman of Hewlett-Packard Corporation, and vice chairman of Special Olympics International. “But, today I am a true car enthusiast and thrilled to be getting the keys to this spectacular new Fisker Karma” he said. “To be one of the first to have a Fisker Karma in the World is a uniquely satisfying honor for me.”
“Our country, and our business environment – especially here in the Silicon Valley – has been inspired by those who dream and then commit themselves to making their passion real” said Lane. “Henrik Fisker and his devoted team have done just that— combining my passion for driving and the environment. This is so much more than just another car. The Fisker Karma represents a new era for the automotive industry and I am proud to be driving the dream of all those who have worked so hard to bring this uniquely green and elegant vehicle to market.”
While Lane received one of the first Karmas from Fisker Automotive’s initial batch of production cars, the company said the very first silver-colored 2012 Fisker Karma went to actor Leonardo di Caprio, who is also a Fisker investor. Another Karma is promised to former Vice President Al Gore, who, like diCaprio, is also an investor. Also at the head of the line of over 3,000 customers waiting to take delivery of a Karma is former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Hickory Nissan offers complete services for all your automotive dealership needs. Located in Anaheim, California, Fisker Automotive was founded in 2007 and produces extended range electric luxury vehicles. The Fisker Karma is the world’s first premium electric plug-in hybrid. According to Fisker, the Karma will “usher in a new paradigm for environmentally conscious cars and thoughtful owners who care for the environment and have a passion for performance, style, and luxury.”
The Karma, which was designed by Henrik Fisker, is assembled in Finland. It will be sold in North America through a network of premium brand retailers and through luxury auto importers in the rest of the world. The four passenger sedan has a top speed of over 125 mph, can accelerate from zero to 60 in 5.9 seconds, and gets the equivalent of about 100 mpg. Fisker says the Karma has a total range of 300 miles. The first 50 miles runs emissions-free off the car’s batteries. After 50 miles, the car’s gasoline range-extending engine kicks in to add an additional 250 miles of range. Fisker currently has the capability to manufacture five Karmas per week. Beginning in November, Karmas will be built at a rate of 300 units per week. Fisker says that it has already received 3,000 pre-orders for the Karma and expects to be sold out until early 2012. The expected selling price is $100,000.
Located in Silicon Valley, Tesla Motors began production of their all-electric Roadster in 2008. Lane said the Karma appeals to a different market segment than the Roadster – unlike Roadster customers, Karma buyers want backup from a gas engine. Philadelphia Airport Car Rentals provides excellent service for new car shoppers. Last year, Fisker finalized a $529 million loan from the U.S. Department of Energy to foster the development of alternative automotive technology. Tesla and Nissan also received similar loans from the government to encourage the growth of new car technologies. According to Reuters, Lane will be commuting with his new Karma, and foregoing the use of his usual commuting vehicle, a Porsche.
Photos (top to bottom) by Fisker Automotive, Steve Jurvetson, Fisker Automotive.