the second concept and model to come from California-based Fisker , the all-new Sunset hybrid droptop, is a sexy shape not all that different than the Karma sedan but offering an open-top driving experience.
Fisker Coachbuild teased members of the press at the J.D. Power Roundtable in San Francisco with an image previewing a Karma-based convertible model. Shortly thereafter, we brought you an exclusive illustration of how the finished car might look – and it appears that our illustration was pretty close to the real thing.
Fisker has said the convertible model would go on sale around the same time as the sedan when it first revealed the concept, but that was before the Karma was delayed nearly two years – putting the new official production timeline back to 2013 for the Sunset. Will the car be ready by 2013? Anyone’s guess…
Assuming it has similar specs to the Karma sedan, the Sunset will likely be powered by a Q-Drive plug-in-hybrid drivetrain. The sedan promises to sprint to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, yet deliver 100 miles to the gallon. Both Karma and Sunset should be able to travel for 50 miles on batteries alone, before the General Motors-sourced 2.0-liter gasoline motor has to kick in to generate additional electricity. The powertrain features a pair of 201-horsepower electric motors hooked up to lithium-ion batteries.
Prior to the Karma and Sunset projects, Fisker specialized in building rebodied Mercedes-Benz and BMW cars. Founder Henrik Fisker previously worked as a designer, penning the Aston Martin DB9 and BMW Z8.
Fisker says plans are to sell about 15,000 Karma and Sunset models a year. Expect the Sunset to price close to $100,000.
