Last month, Fisker automotive announced that its new hybrid sportscar, the Karma, would utilise a 2.0-litre, direct-injection, turbocharged four-cylinder engine supplied by General Motors. Now Fisker says that the production ready car will be exhibited at the Detroit Auto Show next month.

The Karma's drivetrain, christened 'Q-drive', combines two powerful electric motors and a large lithium-ion battery with GM's petrol engine. Up to 402bhp will be available and a massive 959lb.ft of torque. Fisker claims that the large four-door can crack 0-62mph in about six seconds and is limited to 125mph.

Fisker also claims that the Karma can operate in electric-only mode for up to 50-miles, after which time the engine cuts in to charge the battery and the car then works as a normal petrol-electric hybrid. If the owner charges their car overnight and commutes 50-miles or less a day Fisker estimates an equivalent average fuel economy of 100mpg.

Despite the Karma's eco-credentials, it will be marketed as a high-end luxury sports saloon, and the latest image shows that the showroom model retains most of the original concept's extravagant design features.

Deliveries of the first cars start in November 2009, with American buyers receiving the initial batch of Karmas at $87,900. Fisker claims that its production allocation is sold out until mid-2010 and hopes to ramp up output to as many as 15,000 vehicles per year. The company plans to introduce the Karma in Europe shortly after launch in the US.

Shane O' Donoghue - 3 Dec 2008