Fisker had a production-ready version of its Karma high-performance hybrid-electric sedan on display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Sunday. Though not quite a series production model, the Karma on display was significantly closer to production than the concept car shown previously. Ultra-luxurious inside and out, the Karma is aimed at well-heeled enthusiasts looking to use a little less fuel.

The Karma’s styling is modestly tweaked from the concept car and the interior is considerably better finished. Every surface is covered in hides with a rubbery finish – good for cornering, bad for entry/exit. Fisker showed the Karma with two sets of golf clubs in the trunk, further illustrating its no-compromises intent.

Production is expected to begin in mid- to late-2009. The company says it is sold out of the $87,900 (base price) through mid-2010. “We are very excited to be bringing the Fisker Karma back to NAIAS,” said Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker. “In the year since we debuted the Karma, the reception we’ve received has been tremendous. I’m proud to announce at this time that we are already sold out on the car until mid-2010.”

Fisker recently disclosed plans for a convertible version of the Karma, expected to hit the market around the same time. According to Vic Doolan, Fisker’s director of retail development, metro Detroit could be the ideal location to produce the Karma because of its available capacity, experienced workforce and proximity to suppliers.

Developed in cooperation with Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies, the project is a first for the independent automaker. Most hybrids either look identical to their gasoline counterparts (think Chevy Tahoe) or they have decidedly quirky designs (think Toyota Prius). But the Karma is different — it was designed from the ground up as a sexy performance sedan. It should come as no surprise that Fisker’s founder, Henrik Fisker, designed the Aston Martin DB9 and BMW Z8.

Normally known for building rebodied Mercedes-Benz and BMW cars, Fisker says the new “eco-chic” vehicles will not be built on an existing platform, but rather a brand new architecture. Fisker hopes to sell 15,000 vehicles at $88,000 to $100,000 apiece.

The Q-DRIVE powertrain technology uses lithium-ion batteries sourced from Advanced Lithium Power. The car can travel 50 miles on battery power alone, before the four-cylinder engine kicks in to turn the generator and thus make more electricity. An optional sport mode allows the gas engine and electric motors to operate at the same time, increasing performance. Specific horsepower figures have not been disclosed, but Fisker claims the car is powerful enough to hit 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 125 mph. The car is expected to get 100 miles to the gallon and deliver a top range of 620 miles on a single tank.

The Karma will feature speakers — both inside and out — that will simulate a sound “like something between a Formula One car and a jet plane.” The feature is being implemented for pedestrian safety and added novelty.

Fisker currently makes the Tramonto–a restyled Mercedes-Benz SL55 coupe–and the Latigo–a rebodied BMW 6-series coupe. So far the company has delivered 14 Tramontos and is about to deliver its first Latigo, well short of the 150 unit target for each model.

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