Moving ahead with its range-extending electric vehicle plans, Fisker has signed Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. to a $10.2 million contract. Per the terms of the contract, Quantum will supply Fisker with its Q-Drive system and will also help the California automaker with future drivetrain development.
The Q-Drive system will be used in both Fisker models – the Karma sedan and Karma Sunset convertible – and has been employed in Fisker’s previous concept models. The Q-Drive system combines lithium-ion batteries with a General Motors-sourced 2.0L gas engine, providing 50 miles of all-electric range and an expected 100 mpg in hybrid mode.
The Q-Drive system is expected to hit the road later this year in the Fisker Karma sedan. Although highly efficient, the Q-Drive system will propel the Karma from 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 125 mph.
The Karma – along with its Q-Drive system – is slated to hit Fisker dealers later this year with a starting price of $87,000.



07/09, 10:17 AM
posted by:
Fx NauGhtY
with a price tag like that I would get a used corolla to save gas and a gt-r when I feel like the need for speed
07/09, 10:21 AM
posted by:
jevjnd2000
Personally I’m already saving the money for this car. I think for those looking for a bit of a cheaper alternative in the future, I would look into getting a Cadillac Converj would be a good alternative. I’m curious to know how many people prefer the Sedan to the convertible, personally I do. The real draw of this car is that you can have fuel economy, luxury, and world-class styling in a car that is unlike any other I have ever seen.
07/09, 10:22 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Fx, pretty much. Make mine a pair of new Fords- a 2.5 Fusion with the stick and a GT500.
07/09, 10:51 AM
posted by:
JakeK66
I loved Quantum Leap! Sam and Al crack me up!
07/09, 10:52 AM
posted by:
skyaficionado
Heck, you could get a Civic, a Camaro SS, and lots of call girls (to replace the warm fuzzy feeling from driving a hybrid) for that money, easy.
07/09, 12:03 PM
posted by:
reedfast
I’d get a vette and the new audi a4, but thats just me.
07/09, 12:37 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
With a starting price of “$87,000″ and the “Q-Drive system will propel the Karma from 0-60 in 5.8 seconds” just doesn’t sound so appealing…
Add that a General Motors-sourced 2.0L gas engine will be what makes the car go…
I don’t know, for less money the Volt sounds like a better buy, I guess we’ll just see….
I’m just saying…
07/09, 12:48 PM
posted by:
Sgt Pepper
When you buy a car like this you pay for styling. Why couldnt the VOLT be styled like this? I mean really how much could it cost to style a car that everyone would love instead of something a four year old could draw.
07/09, 1:19 PM
posted by:
GRIFF
The new Tesla Model S is only 57k and boasts better performance. Its better looking too, and the digital center console is about the coolest thing since sliced avocado. So whats the extra 30k buying? Its interesting to see all these new electric car companies attempting to gauge price on an entirely new vehicle class (electric luxury, or whatever it may be) with no history to go by.
07/09, 1:25 PM
posted by:
jevjnd2000
That 2.0L gas engine is not what makes this car go. What makes this car go are two electric motors which only use the gas engine as a generator for the lithium-ion battery.
07/09, 1:32 PM
posted by:
jevjnd2000
Griff, I’ll give you that a Model S is cheaper and goes faster, but to say that it’s a better performer is subjective. I would rather have the electric vehicle capable of using a gas engine as a generator, whereas you apparently value a faster car more, but remember that the Model S lacks a backup power source in case the battery runs out of power. In other words, if you forget to charge your car before a long commute, you might be in trouble with the Model S whereas I would not be with the Fisker Karma as long as there is a nearby gasoline station to fuel my 2.0L turbo generator in the Karma and Sunset.
07/09, 1:37 PM
posted by:
KarLoveBoy88
…………Buy GM sourced car builders. Its your patriotic miserable duty. Buy GM. Get a life long lemon.
Personally, I love this car and I can’t wait to see it on the road. I think it will be a major accomplishment for an American car builder to take such a bold approach with luxury accommodations and a hefty price tag. Its worth the investment. The only thing that is wrong about this car is that it has a Duratec 2.0L turbocharged 4 cylinder. They did better sourcing from Honda with the dual-overhead 2.0L Vtec 4 cylinder. Atleast it sounds beautiful when your revving up and down shifting.
07/09, 3:35 PM
posted by:
droptops4ever
It’s a shame Fisker couldn’t find a way to build their car here and create a few American jobs.
Still, I guess all those Finns at Valmet are happy that Fisker is saving their livelelyhoods and contributing to their economy.
07/09, 6:19 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
Regard less of what Eco-friendly motor is may use, I’m opting to put a Benz AMG 650 H.P. Twin-Turbo V-12…. Now that will make the car GO!!!!!………….
07/09, 6:21 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
Any one know how mush is the Brubus 1,000HP upgrade for that motor going for?