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Already, 1,000 orders for the 100 mile-per-gallon luxury plug-in hybrid have been received since the prototype debuted at the 2008 NAIAS. Karma deliveries are scheduled to begin in the US at the end of 2009 through the Fisker Automotive Retail network.

The four-door, four-seat Karma "fuses the traditional and timeless styling" of veteran auto designer and Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker, with Quantum Technologies' clean Q-DRIVE plug-in hybrid powertrain to become what the company boasts is "the world's first luxury plug-in hybrid car."

Powering the Fisker Karma is a system is comprised of two 201hp electric motors powered by an advanced lithium-ion technology battery pack, like the batteries found in your laptop.  The battery pack is powered by a generator attached to a 260hp turbocharged 2.0-litre Ecotec direct injection petrol engine.

"More than 60 percent of America's 200 million drivers travel less than 50 miles per day. With Q-DRIVE, the Karma can do that without using a drop of gas. This proprietary powertrain will provide a base for all future model derivatives from Fisker Automotive." said Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum Technologies.

Q-DRIVE features two operating modes: Stealth Mode and Sport Mode. In electric-only Stealth Mode, drivers can travel emission free for up to 50 miles on a full charge from any 110, 220 or 240-volt electric outlet. A total range of up to 300 miles is estimated in Sport Mode. The company claims a fully charged Karma can achieve an annual average of more than 100 miles per gallon.

Style
Henrik Fisker made his name designing cars for Aston Martin and BWM, and now runs Fisker Coachbuild which customises Mercedes and BMW cars for the super-rich.  His design skills should be the shot in the arm that green motoring needs.  In the company's words:
"Karma's exterior design features the continual flow of sculpture and dramatic proportion that is signature Fisker style. A low, wide stance and raised front fenders offer the driver a unique view of the car's design. Modest changes from the original Karma prototype include an enhanced upper grill and an enlarged lower intake for improved airflow. A new aerodynamic diffuser under the rear bumper helps cool the electric drivetrain. Instantly recognisable, the Karma also benefits from having the world's largest continuously formed glass solar panel roof on a car - an industry first and a standard feature on all Karma sedans."

Henrik Fisker, Fisker Automotive CEO, said:
"From initial concept to final production, it is important for Fisker to maintain a singular design language and to keep the integrity of the original design, inside and out. Extreme proportions, beautiful sculpture and earth-friendly materials are key elements that set the Karma apart. An inspiring drive is also an important and crucial element. Our hope is that the Fisker Karma will create a new segment of eco-friendly transportation and will become the most desirable plug-in hybrid sports sedan available."

Fisker's interior design team focused on sustainable design held accountable to the environment, to the extent that Karma uses reusable materials in its build. For example, wood trim is sourced from non-living trees: 'Fallen Trees' that have succumbed to age; 'Rescued Trees' burned in forest fires; and 'Sunken Trees' lying in American lake bottoms.

"The Karma's material philosophy balances sensuality and accountability," said Fisker. "We have gone to great lengths to use only environmentally conscious, classic automotive materials that support a commitment to our eco initiatives. At Fisker Automotive we are trying to inspire change for the better."

Too much Eco-branding?
Karma buyers will choose from three trim levels: EcoBase, EcoSport and EcoChic. The most advanced sustainable material series, EcoChic, is based on an animal-free approach that still offers a luxurious environment. Leather is replaced by 100% Bamboo Viscose, a soft hand textile, while EcoGlass trim frames authentic fossilised leaves. Karma's EcoSport series incorporates hand-wrapped premium leather using a 100% sustainable manufacturing strategy, which minimises the number of hides required and highlights natural markings.

Want one?
Unfortunately, they're not being marketed in the UK just yet, but if you did want one, you'd be looking at spending just a few shillings short of $90,000.