Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid will make its public driving debut on Saturday, August 15
 

Got this email from Fisker today.

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Dear Fisker Automotive Customer,

As we move toward start of production at the end of this year, it’s important we share our progress with you. We’re happy to announce the Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid will make its public driving debut on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races in Monterey, CA. This event is part of one of the biggest weekend gatherings of auto enthusiasts who come to see some of the rarest, most expensive and most notable automobiles in the world – past, present and future. The Fisker Karma prototype -- the first PHEV to be on track in the event’s 36-year history -- is scheduled to complete two laps on the legendary 11-turn Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca course at 11:10 a.m., starting and finishing just ahead of the pedestrian bridge at Turn 5, before returning to the Price Family Dealerships display area on the infield.

As part of this long weekend in Monterey, the Karma and Karma Sunset hardtop convertible concept will also be on display at Concorso Italiano, at the Laguna Seca Golf Ranch on Friday, August 14. The weekend wraps up with one of the most renowned automobile shows, the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance, at the Lodge at Pebble Beach on Sunday, August 16 where the Karma Sunset convertible will again be on display.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your Karma order and continuous interest and support in Fisker Automotive.

Best Regards,

Your Fisker Marketing Team

IRVINE, CA – July 23, 2009: The Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid will make its public driving debut during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races on Saturday, August 15, just 19 months after being unveiled as a concept car. It will be the first time a PHEV has appeared on track at the event. The Fisker Karma will also be on display at Concorso Italiano on Friday, August 14, alongside the Karma Sunset hardtop convertible concept. The Karma Sunset will again be on display at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Sunday, August 16.

The Fisker Karma PHEV represents a paradigm shift in alternatively-powered transportation. A full-size luxury sedan with seating for four, the Karma has a range of 50 emission-free miles on a full charge of its Lithium-ion battery, and a total range of 300 miles thanks to an on-board generator turned by traditional but efficient 260hp Ecotec engine. Two 201.5hp electric motors send enough traction through a single-speed differential to reach 60mph in about six seconds and a top speed of 125mph. Together, these components make up the Q-DRIVE® powertrain exclusive to all Fisker automobiles. Q-DRIVE® delivers not only performance, but can average more than 100mpg with a lower carbon output than current hybrids.

“The Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races is the best stage in the world for great moments in automotive history,” said Henrik Fisker, Fisker Automotive CEO. “Fisker is honored to be a part of it.”

The Fisker Karma prototype is scheduled to complete two laps on the legendary 11-turn Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca course at 11:10 a.m., starting and finishing just ahead of the pedestrian bridge at Turn 5, before returning to the Price Family Dealerships display area on the infield. Fisker executives Henrik Fisker, CEO, and Bernhard Koehler, COO, will be available for media interviews throughout the weekend.

I can't wait to see this! I won't be able to attend Concorso, but hopefully I'll get some on-track shots and maybe I'll make it to Pebble Beach to see it again.