detroit 2009

Henrick Fisker Drops the Top on Green Luxury Motoring in Detroit

Click the Fisker Karma Sunset concept for a high res gallery

Detroit MI in January is not generally the kind of place you associate with open top motoring. In fact 9 inches of fresh snow the day before the press previews started were followed by temperatures dropping to near zero by mid-week. Nonetheless veteran car designer Henrick Fisker showed off the production version of his plug-in hybrid Karma sport sedan and a new concept for an open-top version to follow up in 2011. The Karma and Karma Sunset concept are targeted at those who are tired of rolling up to award show red-carpets in a lowly Toyota but don't want to give up their "green cred."

The Sunset draws on the styling themes that first appeared on the Karma when it debuted at last year's Detroit Auto Show. In either sedan and convertible variations, the cabin is pushed well toward the back with the classic long hood proportions and voluptuously curved fenders. Fisker's cars are propelled by an extended range electric drive system not unlike that in the upcoming Chevy Volt, but with much more power. The Karma is claimed to be able to go 50 miles on a charge of its lithium ion battery before the 260 hp turbocharged engine starts up to recharge the battery.

Inside, the green luxury theme continues with wood trim exclusively from salvaged trees that are fallen from age or fire or recovered from lakes. The rest of the interior can be trimmed out in either leather made with so-called sustainable processes or a special fabric made from bamboo fibers which is remarkably soft in spite of its source. The Karma sedan is available for pre-order now at a starting price of $87,900. Deliveries are expected to start late this year.

Update: There is an interview with Henrik Fisker at Green Fuels Forecast

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Fisker Karma