Fisker Karma S Sunset Plug-In Hybrid Convertible
- Looks like: A convertible, two-door Karma — and the hottest hybrid you’ll see, indefinitely
- Defining characteristics: Supercar looks, two 201-hp electric drive motors powered by a lithium-ion battery and generator (generator driven by a GM Ecotec 265-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder); all-wheel drive
- Ridiculous features: We have to wait another two years!
- Chance of being mass-produced: Done deal; green-lit on the spot
Like the Karma four-door that appeared at the Detroit show a year ago and returned as a production car this year, the Karma S convertible is a prototype. Though it’s not exactly what will go into production, it’s closer to the real thing than the average fanciful concept car you see at an auto show. Henrik Fisker, CEO of Fisker Automotive, confirmed it will be a real product, but said we shouldn’t expect to see it before 2011.
Also called the Sunset, the Karma S has a retractable hardtop that disappears into the trunk. The side windows are encircled by chrome trim, so the lower trim — which remains when the top is down — looks more natural when the top is up. The Sunset has two doors, and it sacrifices the four-door’s remarkably usable rear seats for a couple small ones best fit for kids — though larger folks could make it work with the top down if they can find a place to put their legs.
No word yet on pricing or how many of these models Fisker intends to build. The 2010 Karma hardtop is priced below $90,000, and the target production run is 15,000 per year.
