European-spec Fisker Karma Put Through Its Paces at Monaco GP

During the recent Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, before official race qualifying began, the first European production version of the Fisker Karma, has made its dynamic debut, completing a few laps on the famous street circuit. The electric car was driven by y Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, who was joined by company co-founder, CEO and executive design director, Henrik Fisker.

Visitors to the prestigious motorsport event also got to see the Karma on a static display during the race weekend, both at the chicane exiting the tunnel, turns 10 and 11, as well at Fisker’s newest dealership, in Cavallari – Monaco Motors.

As a fresh reminder, we’ll tell you that Fisker Karma is powered by two rear-mounted 201.5 horsepower (150 kW) electric traction motors that draw energy from the lithium-ion battery pack for up to 50 miles (80 km).  The gasoline engine drives a 175 kW electric generator to power the motors; there is no mechanical link between this engine and the drive motors.

The car can run in one of two drive modes: Stealth and Sport.  In Stealth Mode, the Karma can accelerate from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 95 mph (153 km/h).  With Sport Mode engaged, the Karma is able to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h).

“Benefitting from a four-wheel independent SLA (double-wishbone) suspension, also employing aluminum components, the Karma has been specifically tuned to run on standard 22-inch aluminum wheels, a first for a production car,” Fisker brags.

Production of the Fisker Karma recently started at Valmet Automotive’s Uusikaupunki facility in Finland with Fisker aiming to achieve full build rate by the second half of 2011. The company plans to deliver vehicles to all current deposit holders during the 2011 model year.