U.S. based Fisker Automotive, Inc., unveiled their first production four-door plug-in hybrid premium sports sedan dubbed the Fisker Karma at the Detroit Auto Show 2008.

The first Fisker Karma cars will ship in the 4th Quarter of 2009 and have a price-tag of $80,000.

The Fisker Karma features plug-in hybrid technology, dubbed as Q DRIVE, developed by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive. The Karma's Q DRIVE configuration consists of a small gasoline engine that turns the generator, which charges the lithium ion battery pack, powering the electric motor and turning the rear wheels. This proprietary design allows consumers to drive the car emissions free for up to 50 miles a day provided the car is charged every evening.

Similar in height to the Porsche 911, the length of the Mercedes Benz CLS, and the width of a BMW 7-series, the Fisker Karma's structure and body panels will make extensive use of aluminum to keep the overall vehicle weight as low as possible.

The Karma will offer self-contained climate control, as you will have the option to purchase a full length solar roof that will help charge the car and provide cooling for the interior cabin while the car is parked.

You race to 60mph in less than 6 seconds and the top speed is beyond 125mph.

Fisker Automotive also announced that the company has received a second round of venture capital funding from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. The multi-million dollar investment builds on the original venture capital funding from Palo Alto Investors.