Fisker Automotive Debuts Karma S At The Detroit Auto Show

The Tesla Roadster might be one hot machine but my money goes to the newly debuted Fisker Karma S. This $90,000+ plug-in hybrid two-door hardtop convertible is an offshoot of the $87,900 Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid that’s scheduled to hit streets later this year.

Fisker Automotive, the new American manufacturer of premium green automobiles, unveiled the Fisker Karma S (Sunset) concept at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). 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.

The Karma S runs from 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, with a seamless one-speed transmission taking it to a top speed of 125 miles an hour. While certainly not as fast as the $100k Tesla Roadster, which has a 0-60 time of under 4 secs, the Karma S still packs some punch and looks good doing it!

“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.“

Source: Fisker Automotive Press Release (PDF)

Rinspeed sQuba Car

Mobile Magazine covers the Rinspeed sQuba. An underwater concept car created by Rinspeed a Swiss automobile manufacturer and tuning designer.

The sQuba is the world's first car that can be driven both on land and under water. The sQuba is a zero-emission, all electric vehicle which uses three electric motors, one for land travel and two for water. It drives on land powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Upon entering water, it floats on the surface until the operator floods the interior to submerge it. It can be submerged to a depth of 33 ft, powered by twin electric-powered propellers supplemented by two Seabob water jets. It "flies" when underwater, like a submarine, as it is not designed to drive along the surface at the bottom of the water. The car's top land speed is measly 75 mph while on the surface of water, the top speed is 3.7 mph and underwater approx. 2mph.

The car transports a driver and passenger in its open cockpit. When underwater, the occupants breathe air carried in the vehicle through scuba-style rebreathers.



Read the entire Mobile Magazine article and view the video"Video: Rinspeed sQuba Car Can Actually Swim On Water, Underwater". For more information on Rinspeed and the sQuba or other Rinspeed concept cars visit Rinspeeds home page