Preview: The 2012 Fisker Karma Sunset Convertible
Fisker KarmaSunset is one of the world’s first hybrid luxury convertibles. With a company philosophy that is dedicated to protecting the earth and future generations, the cars are a cross between electricity and gasoline power. Built to reach fuel consumption of one-hundred miles to the gallon, the cars can also run for approximately fifty miles when fully charged. The concept car was shown at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. One of the manufacturer’s main focuses when creating the Sunset Convertible was the founders’ beliefs that sporty, luxury cars were possible even in times when environmental issues existed.
The 2012 Fisker Karma Sunset Convertible is a hardtop, two-door vehicle that seats four people. Based on the aluminum frame from the Karma Sedan, the convertible is no slouch on the road. Two electric motors and turbocharged four-cylinder engine give this car plenty of staying power. With an impressive 402 horsepower, nothing about the vehicle sounds “green”. Its closest competitor is probably the Tesla Roadster.
Officials from capital fund Kleiner Perkins, significant stakeholders in the car company, recently stated that mass production would begin in early 2011 through Valmet Automotive in Finland.
Three approved dealerships in Canada have been taking orders for the car that is scheduled to sell for $100,000 – $120,000. And, some American dealership websites have indicated that finished orders for the Sedan are just about to arrive, which is good news, because it may mean that the 2012 production Convertible is closer to reality.
Not only does the Sunset Convertible have technologically advanced mechanical systems in order to meet the growing trend to environmentalism, but the interior is also made of eco-friendly and sustainable materials, just like the original Fisker Karma. As proponents of the environment, Fisker believes in using “rescued wood”. Typically, wood that would be destroyed because of natural disasters or other catastrophes is collected and reused. The company has used wood in their car interiors from the 2007 Southern California wildfires, and other ravaged areas, instead of removing prime growth from precious rain forests. As a result of their continual search for rescued wood stocks, they have created several programs, including the certified Fallen, Sunken and Rescued Wood™, Karma’s Rescued Wood™ wings and accents, and Karma’s animal-free Eco-Chic™ package option.
Although the 2012 Fisker Karma Sunset Convertible is still considered a concept car, it has been shown in numerous places including the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and the Concorso Italiano, both in California. When looking at the vehicle, if you had no knowledge of its environmental roots, you would assume it is a “regular” vehicle in the exotic car class.
There is nothing boring or unfashionable about the Sunset. Split spokes on the wheels, recessed headlights, super flashy silver color, and round features make this vehicle shine with the best of the higher priced cars. This is no sissy in terms of elegance, power and outside aesthetics.
Categorised as: Fisker
