Fisker to relaunch Karma in 2015

The now Chinese-owned Fisker plans to re-launch the Karma supercar in 2015. Chinese auto parts firm, the Wanxiang Corporation, saved Fisker from bankruptcy earlier this year in a deal worth around £88 million (Rs 903.5 crore). Now, the backing of the firm is said to have spurred Fisker to relaunch the Karma mid-way through next year.

 

A second version of the Karma, based on an estate, could come to market in 2016, as well as a new entry-level model in 2017, dubbed the Atlantic. Originally shown in concept form at the New York motor show in 2012, the Atlantic would be a pure-electric rival to the likes of the BMW 5-series.

 

Fisker president Roger Brown was quoted by the media as saying: "Wanxiang is not flashy. They bought this company, they paid cash for it, they don't put any debt on their company and they execute".

 

However, the new Karma may not be launched under the Fisker title as Brown is unsure whether the company can keep its previous name, but noted that "the cars are the rock stars".

 

As part of its re-development, Fisker will need to establish a new headquarters before deciding whether the new Karma can be made at its current Delaware plant, as well as establish the 200-strong workforce needed to ensure completion of the new Karma. 

 

The original Fisker Karma was powered by a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, combining a 256bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine generator with two electric motors. Combined power was placed at 397bhp alongside 132.5kgm of torque. The car had an electric-only range of around 80km, increased to 482km when using the range-extender engine. It could reach 100kph in 6.3 seconds, with a limited top speed of 201kph.