Fisker Automotive has unveiled the Karma S concept at the Detroit Auto Show. Based on the Karma sedan, the S has been transformed into a two-door convertible with seating for four. Just like the Karma sedan, the S is made of an aluminum spaceframe driven by a plug-in hybrid powertrain and features a power retractable hard top roof. The powertrain used is dubbed Q-DRIVE. It is based on lithium-ion battery technology and has been designed exclusively for Fisker by a company called Quantum Technologies. It's the same one found in the Fisker Karma sedan. The Q-DRIVE's credentials read as follows; 50 emission-free miles on one charge and up to 430 miles from its two electric motors. These numbers compare favourably to those supplied by some mass auto manufactures that are in the process of building lithium-ion battery powered vehicles. Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker said: "Our objective is to create a singular design language and heritage around our state-of-the-art Q-DRIVE powertrain. The Karma S is an extension of the Fisker Automotive product range of eco-conscious automobiles and sets the tone for our future." Press Release FISKER UNVEILS KARMA S PLUG-IN HYBRID HARDTOP CONVERTIBLE CONCEPT AT 2009 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW Fisker Automotive, the new American manufacturer of premium green automobiles, unveiled the Fisker Karma S concept at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today. The four-seat, plug-in hybrid hardtop convertible furthers the company's belief that driving style and performance need not be compromised for environmental friendliness. The open-air Fisker Karma S concept shares its aluminum spaceframe architecture and clean Q-DRIVE® powertrain with the Fisker Karma sedan. Designed and engineered by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive, Q-DRIVE® provides 50 emission-free miles on a single charge to its lithium-ion battery pack, and up to 403hp from two electric motors. The power retractable hard top, a first for Fisker, glides neatly into the trunk and a unique design language sets the Karma S concept apart. "Our objective is to create a singular design language and heritage around our state-of-the-art Q-DRIVE® powertrain," said Fisker Automotive, Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker. "The Karma S is an extension of the Fisker Automotive product range of eco-conscious automobiles and sets the tone for our future."
