A report from Fisker Buzz (via Autoblog) suggests that the upcoming 2017 Karma, born out of bankrupt Fisker Automotive’s assets, will be very similar to the 2012 Fisker Karma, which is fairly disappointing after about 5 years.
Unsurprisingly, the design will be very similar, but design was never the Karma’s problem. What is particularly disappointing is that it will have the same 2.0-liter hybrid electric powertrain with about 33 miles of all-electric range and 240 miles total range, according to the report.
The report is based on a Fisker Buzz contributor claiming that he spent a few hours with the manager of Karma’s new factory in Riverside:
“What I learned was the new Karmas will have only a limited number of improvements. The EV & total range will be the same (though the HV battery will be different and it should charge faster). The engine will be the same. The screen & dash displays will be updated. And, the car will have (ADAS) Driver Assist Braking/Cruise Following. The RDM/Traction motors should be more reliable (which seems like the minimum they can do).”
The company is reportedly planning a limited production run next year with 100-150 units at a price of about $135,000. The report also added that there will be a focus on quality checks.
The original Fisker Karma had recurring reliability issues, which led to several recalls and ultimately contributed to the company’s bankruptcy. The Wanxiang Group later bought the company out of bankruptcy and is now behind the new “Karma Automotive”.
Last year, the new company announced that it signed a supply agreement with BMW for electric and hybrid powertrains.
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:/ sigh… fisker, hybrid. MODEL 3 all electric here we come!
Alternative headline: Fisker still suffering from bad Karma.