Fisker Automotive, the manufacturer of the Karma plug-in hybrid, will showcase at next month's Geneva Auto Show its advanced aluminum space frame underpinning which is featured on the car. Built around Fisker's Q-DRIVE series-hybrid powertrain (2.0l turbocharged ECOTEC engine/generator set, lithium-ion battery pack and a rear-mounted 403hp traction motor assembly), the space frame balances weight and size.
"Our top priorities when we designed the Karma's aluminum space frame were that it have extremely high torsional rigidity and could be easily modified to accept Karma model variants," Henrik Fisker, Fisker CEO said in a release.
"We benchmarked some of the world's best cars to create an all-new space frame that will deliver an exhilarating experience behind the wheel."
According to Fisker, the frame has a 33,000 Newton-meters per degree (Nm/deg) static torsional rigidity and 23,000 N/mm static bending rigidity.
The safety of the occupants is insured via a multi-cell tempered aluminum crush box and Dual Phase 600-Series steel reinforced components in the doors and B- pillars. The lithium-ion battery is located as far from the impact areas as possible.
Fisker Karma, which made its first public appearance at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, will be priced at 78,780 euros, without VAT, and will be sold in Europe through a dealership network of 40 stores. According to rumors, it will be ready for sale as soon as summer this year.
autoevolution will be attending the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.
"Our top priorities when we designed the Karma's aluminum space frame were that it have extremely high torsional rigidity and could be easily modified to accept Karma model variants," Henrik Fisker, Fisker CEO said in a release.
"We benchmarked some of the world's best cars to create an all-new space frame that will deliver an exhilarating experience behind the wheel."
According to Fisker, the frame has a 33,000 Newton-meters per degree (Nm/deg) static torsional rigidity and 23,000 N/mm static bending rigidity.
The safety of the occupants is insured via a multi-cell tempered aluminum crush box and Dual Phase 600-Series steel reinforced components in the doors and B- pillars. The lithium-ion battery is located as far from the impact areas as possible.
Fisker Karma, which made its first public appearance at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, will be priced at 78,780 euros, without VAT, and will be sold in Europe through a dealership network of 40 stores. According to rumors, it will be ready for sale as soon as summer this year.
autoevolution will be attending the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.