Fisker Karma, German Debut at IAA

What is probably the most expensive plug-in hybrid vehicle out there, the Fisker Karma, will make its German debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. The September appearance of the Karma follows the public driving debut of the PHEV, which took place in mid-August during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races. The 78,780 euros, without VAT, sports PHEV will offer a fuel consumption rate of 3.5L/100km (67.2 mpg) and CO2 emission levels of 83g/km. Even so, the Karma develops 403 hp combined output from the Q-DRIVE powertrain and can reach 60 mph in six seconds top at a speed of 125mph. It has a range of 50 emission-free miles on a full charge of its lithium-ion battery and a total range of 300 miles thanks to an on-board generator turned by a 260 horsepower, four-cylinder gasoline engine. At the Monterey run, it did two laps on Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca course and managed to reach a top speed of 100 mph (161 km/h), while running in electric mode. “This demonstration represents a significant milestone for Fisker Automotive and PHEV technology,” CEO Henrik Fisker said at the time. “The future of clean cars is bright.” The Karma will enter production in late 2009 and, if nothing else beats it to it, will become the world's first production PHEV. Sales will begin next year with the Karma to be distributed in Europe through a dealership network of 40 stores. Fueling the Karma for real-world driving will cost around 0.05 euros/km ($0.07/mile) based on a mix of Stealth (electric) and Sport (gasoline) mode use. autoevolution will be attending the 2009 Frankfurt 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.