Infiniti LE Electric Sedan Coming Within Two Years

Infiniti LE Concept is expected to reach Infiniti showrooms in near-similar form as a production version within the next two years as Infiniti’s first zero emission luxury sedan. Torque of 240 lb-ft is instantly available immediately at all times. The Infiniti LE Concept’s battery system is a proven laminated 24 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) design with a ChaDeMo DC50kW quick charger.The Infiniti LE Concept’s efficient EV platform maximizes interior space by placing the batteries under the passenger compartment floor. This positioning helps provide a low vehicle center of gravity for enhanced handling and maximizes trunk room, without compromising front or rear seat passenger legroom or comfort.

2013 Nissan Altima Starts At $21,500 In July

 
The all-new fifth new-generation 2013 Nissan Altima Sedan will start at $21,500 with an estimated fuel economy of 38 mpg when it goes on sale beginning in July. The all-new Altima Sedan has seven models – the 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV and 2.5 SL featuring a 182-horsepower (est.) 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and the 3.5 S, 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL with a standard 270-horsepower (est.) 3.5-liter V6 engine. 

Every 2013 Altima is equipped with a standard next-gen Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission).  The new Altima also offers standard NissanConnect integrated smartphone connectivity with standard Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, and available Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, Pandora®, real-time POIs Powered by Google®, Google® Send-to-car, Easy Fill Tire Alert, and next-generation Safety Shield Technologies, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD) systems.

All-new 2013 Toyota Avalon Coming Late This Year

 
The all-new 2013 Toyota Avalon premium mid-size sedan offers three drive modes - Normal, Eco, and Sport.  In Sport mode, throttle response is enhanced and steering effort is weighted from center to offer a sportier character.  Eco changes throttle response and A/C power usage to help improve fuel economy.  Steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters help provide a sportier drive while in the D or S Mode, where the revised throttle helps improve shift response to help maximize engine power and vehicle performance.

Like all Toyota models, the new Avalon will feature Toyota's Star Safety System™ standard, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology brake-override system. A Pre-collision system is also available that is designed to "sense" an impending frontal collision and can help mitigate damage.  A variable ratio brake pedal is adopted that varies the initial and final pedal effort ratios to help realize excellent brake pedal feel. In addition to a rearview monitor, Avalon offers an available Blind Spot Monitoring system which is designed to help detect vehicles behind the outer mirrors and to help alert drivers in addition to a new Rear Cross Traffic Alert system (RCTA) that can alert drivers of cross traffic when they are backing up. Expect to see the 2013 Avalon in showrooms late this year.

Acura RLX Hybrid Sedan Coming In Early 2013

 
Acura RLX hybrid sedan, slated for launch at the beginning of 2013, will have the all-new 3.5L direct-injected VTEC® V-6 engine and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, with three electric motors, combining to generate more than 370-horsepower, and are paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and lightweight body to deliver V-8 acceleration with four-cylinder fuel economy—with an estimated EPA (city/highway/combined) rating of 30/30/30 mpg. Acura RLX employs an extraordinary array of new Acura technologies, including the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, in combination with sophisticated styling and smart packaging to deliver an entirely new level of performance, sophistication and comfort. Safety features include a Collision Mitigation Braking System™ and the first application of Acura's Lane Keep Assist System.  In addition, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning will be offered as standard equipment on the RLX.

2013 Honda Crosstour Goes On Sales This Fall

The 2013 Honda Crosstour goes on sale this Fall with two powertrains including a re-engineered and more powerful 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine, or a 192 horsepower 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline four-cylinder engine. The 2013 Crosstour V-6 models will feature a 6-speed automatic transmission and utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology to achieve an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model.

Also available on Crosstour EX-L V-6 models is Honda’s Real Time 4WDTM system, which sends power to all four wheels when front-wheel slippage is detected. The next Crosstour will be available with Honda’s Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) technology. Both systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield to alert drivers if the car is moving out of its lane or to warn drivers of a potential collision in front of them. It will be one of the first models to receive the Honda-exclusive LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. Standard equipment to further enhance visibility on the 2013 Crosstour will also include re-shaped rear headrests, a rearview camera and an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror.

2013 Buick Enclave Goes On Sale This Fall

 The new 2013 Buick Enclave gets a new front fascia with LED daytime running lamps, new headlamp design with standard Xenon high-intensity discharge lamps (HID) and LED accent lighting, a new hood and black-chrome waterfall grille and a new rear fascia design with integrated exhaust outlets. The Enclave is offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models, and powered by a direct-injected 3.6L V-6 and an updated six-speed automatic transmission. Two systems available for the first time on the 2013 Enclave are a side blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alert, which use radar to watch spots the driver may not be able to see and provide visible and audible warnings to help prevent collisions. The 2013 Enclave goes on sale this Fall.

2014 Chevrolet Impala Goes On Sale In Early 2013

 
The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala, the 10th generation this flagship sedan, is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models and goes on sale in early 2013 with a range of three direct-injected engines, including a 303 horsepower 3.6L V-6, new 195 horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder and a 182 horsepower 2.4L four-cylinder with eAssist expected to achieve 35 mpg on the highway. All of Impala’s engines are matched with six-speed automatic transmissions.

March 2012 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors reported total sales of 209,306 vehicles in February, up 1.1 percent compared with the company’s very strong February 2011 results. Year-to-date sales are 377,268, down 9.2 percent from the first three months of last year.

Ford posted its best March U.S. sales month since 2007 with a sales total of 223,418 vehicles for March, a 5 percent gain over year-ago levels. For the first quarter, Ford Motor Company's sales were up 9 percent versus year-ago levels, totaling 539,247 vehicles sold.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported its best March results since 2008 with sales of 203,282, an increase of 15.4 percent over the year-ago month. For the first quarter, TMS reported sales of 487,284 vehicles, an increase of 12.3 percent on an unadjusted raw volume basis. The Toyota Division posted March total sales of 183,142, an increase of 17.7 percent year-over-year.  The Lexus Division reported total sales of 20,140, down 2.6 percent year-over-year.

Chrysler reported U.S. sales of 163,381, a 34 percent increase compared with sales in March 2011, the best monthly sales in four years. Chrysler Group recorded its 24th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains and its 10th-consecutive month of sales increases of at least 20 percent. Year-to-date sales of 398,051 is a 36 percent increase over last year's first quarter.

Nissan North America reported March U.S. sales of 136,317, an increase of 12.5 percent, and a record for any month in the company's history.  Nissan Division sales also set a new sales record, up 14.8 percent for the month at 126,132 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles were 10,185, down 9.8 percent from the prior year.

American Honda reported March 2012 monthly new-vehicle sales of 126,999, a decrease of 8.4 percent over a strong March 2011. The Honda Division posted March 2012 sales of 115,833, a decrease of 7.7 percent year-over-year. The Acura Division's March sales totaled 11,166, down 14.6 percent compared to March 2011.

Hyundai Motor America announced an all-time monthly sales record of 69,728, up 13 percent over last March, which held the previous record.  For the first quarter, Hyundai sales were 163,573, up 15 percent over 2011.

Kia Motors America had an all-time best monthly sales total of 57,505, a 30.2-percent increase over the same period in 2011.Year-to-date sales are 138,060, a 31.8 percent increase over last year.

Volkswagen of America reported 36,588 units sold in March, a 34.6 percent increase over prior year sales and best March since 1973.  Year-to-date VW has sold 94,373 vehicles, a 40.8 percent rise over the same period last year. Audi reported its 15th straight record-setting month of sales with 11,585 vehicles sold in March, an increase of 18 percent over March 2011. Year-over-year vehicle sales of 29,470 was a gain of 16.1 percent  compared to 2011.

Subaru of America reported record sales for March 2012 of 32,387 vehicles, a 20.3 percent gain over March 2011.  Year-to-date sales of 80,568 is a 19.4 percent gain over last year. March 2012 was the second best sales month in Subaru history, behind only December 2011.

Mazda North American Operations reported March U.S. sales of 32,376 vehicles, representing an increase of 4.8 percent versus last year and best total month of sales since March 2008. Year-to-date sales of 82,023 through March are up 27.1 percent versus last year.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported March sales of 29,806 vehicles, an increase of 13 percent from the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) achieved its best first quarter sales since the record year of 2007 retailing 75,729 vehicles, up 16.6 percent compared vehicles sold in the first three months of 2011. 

Mercedes-Benz USA reported a record March with sales of 23,134 for its Mercedes-Benz models, a 7.7 percent improvement over March 2011 leading to the highest first quarter volume on record with sales of 61,513, up 15.3 percent.  Combined sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, smart and Sprinter for the month totaled 25,508, up 13.1 percent, and for the year-to-date 66,906, up 19.5 percent.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported March 2012 sales: Land Rover sales for the month were 4,199 up 22 percent from 2011; Jaguar sales for the month were 1,321 up 51 percent from 2011; Jaguar Land Rover North America sales for the month were up 30 percent from  2011. Through the first three months of 2012 Jaguar Land Rover North America is up 29 percent.

American Suzuki sales were 2,631 in March a gain of 5 percent over March 2011 and year-to-date sales are 6,561, a 2 percent decline from last year.

Porsche Cars North America announced March sales of 2,460 vehicles, a five percent decrease from a year ago.  For the year, Porsche has sold 7,159 cars in the U.S., which is a two percent increase over last year's sales.

Mazda Takeri Concept With Clean Diesel Engine

Mazda TAKERI Concept, the first Mazda concept vehicle to feature a SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine as well as other fuel-saving technologies such as i-stop, a stop-start system, and i-ELOOP, a regenerative braking system will make its North American debut in New York this week.

2013 Subaru Legacy & Outback To Debut This Week

2013 Subaru Outback

Subaru will debut the re-styled 2013 Subaru Legacy and 2013 Outback models this week at the 2012 New York International Auto Show offering either a 256-horsepower 3.6-liter H6 or a new 173 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain with choice between a standard six-speed manual transmission and the second-generation Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) which Subaru projects will achieve 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined, compared to 23/31/26 for the 2012 model.

2013 Subaru Legacy

Also new is an EyeSight driver-assist system which uses a stereo camera design developed by Subaru to provide a detection angle wider than that of radar-based systems and integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. The 2013 Subaru Legacy and Outback 2.5i is available in three trim levels – base, Premium, and Limited.

New Toyota Sedan, Chevy Impala & Nissan Altima Coming To New York

Toyota will debut an all-new U.S.-designed sedan at the 2012 New York International Auto Show next week (teaser pictured above). Also expected to be unveiled in New York is the BMW X1, Subaru XV Crosstrek, Fisker Project Nina and new versions of the Buick Enclave, Honda Crosstour, Acura RL, Chevy Impala, Nissan Altima, Toyota Venza, Dodge Viper, Hyundai Santa Fe and Mercedes-Benz CLC, G-Class, GLK and SL65.

California Regulations Include Clean Diesel

Ever since the Green Car Journal selected the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel and Audi A3 TDI Clean Diesel as their Green Car of the Year back-to-back in 2009 and 2010 respectively, and having driven a Volvo XC60 D5 AWD diesel (pictured above) in Sweden for a week in 2010 with amazing fuel economy, I've become a big advocate of the new clean diesel powered vehicles, especially for those highway commuters who don't really benefit from the electric hybrids.

Clean Diesel engines, which are 20 to 40 percent more fuel efficient than comparable gasoline engines, will play a big part in the California Air Resources Board new tailpipe and greenhouse gas emissions standards for new passenger vehicles. The California ARB's new Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV III) regulations, the most stringent in the world, will get phased in during model years 2017-2025. In that time, all vehicles sold in California will have to meet Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) tailpipe standards. The new ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel has reduced sulfur emissions by 97 percent.

Recent Diesel Award Winners:

• The all new 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI clean diesel was voted the winner of the 2012 Earth, Wind and Power Car of the Year of the Most Earth Friendly Vehicles at the recent North American International Auto Show in Detroit;
• The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel was named Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year;
• In 2010 Audi Q7 TDI Clean Diesel was voted the 2010 Earth, Wind and Power Truck of the Year and the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel was voted the 2009 Earth, Wind and Power Car of the Year.

New Clean Diesels Coming To The U.S.

• Chrysler Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel in 2013 or 2014, and possibly other Jeep diesels later;
• General Motors Cadillac ATS diesel in the near future;
• Audi A8 TDI diesel in 2013;
• Porsche Cayenne diesel in 2012;
• GM Chevrolet Cruze diesel in 2013;
• Mazda SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine;
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 BlueTEC diesel in 2012 after a 17-year absence;
• Volkswagen Passat, which was recently named the Motor Trend 2012 Car of the Year, began production of the Passat diesel in its new Chattanooga, TN plant in the summer of 2011.

Source: The Diesel Technology Forum, a non-profit national organization, dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. For more information visit www.dieselforum.org.

Dealers Beat Independent Shops in Service Satisfaction

J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Customer Service Index Study says overall satisfaction with the service experience averages 38 points higher on a 1,000-point scale, compared with non-dealer facilities (787 vs. 749, respectively). In addition, 79 percent of all service visits among owners of one- to- three-year-old vehicles are performed at dealer facilities -- up from 74 percent in 2011 and 72 percent in 2010. Overall satisfaction with dealer service improves by 19 points in 2012, compared with 2011, with gains in all five study measures. Among the 33 rank-eligible brands, 28 improve in service satisfaction from 2011, with eight brands improving by at least 20 points. In 2012, 72 percent of vehicle owners indicate their latest dealer service visit was for maintenance rather than repair, an increase from 63 percent in 2011. Customer satisfaction with maintenance visits is typically higher than satisfaction with repair visits, since visits for routine maintenance tend to be less expensive and less time-consuming.

Luxury Brands
Lexus ranks highest in customer satisfaction with dealer service among luxury brands and receives an award for a fourth consecutive year. Lexus achieves an overall CSI score of 861 and performs particularly well in three of the five measures: service initiation, service facility and service quality. Rounding out the top five nameplates in the luxury segment are Cadillac (852); Jaguar (849); Acura (838); and Porsche (836). Among luxury brands, Audi achieves the greatest improvement (gaining 34 points) from 2011.

Mass Market Brands
MINI ranks highest for a second consecutive year with a score of 809. MINI performs particularly well in four of the five measures: service quality, service advisor, service facility and vehicle pick-up. Also among the top five brands in the mass market segment are Buick (805); GMC (803); Chevrolet (801); and Hyundai (791). Of mass market brands, Nissan (which gains 43 points) and Toyota (gains 31 points) achieve the greatest improvements from 2011.

Luxury Brands
Lexus              861                 5
Cadillac            852                4
Jaguar              849                4
Acura                838                3
Porsche             836                3
Luxury Brand Average  835      3
Audi                     828              3
Mercedes-Benz      827              3
Infiniti                  824              3
BMW                    823              3
Lincoln                 817              2
Volvo                   811              2
Land Rover           796              2

Mass Market Brands
MINI                809                 5
Buick               805                 5
GMC                803                 5
Chevrolet         801                 4
Hyundai           791                  4
Ford                786                  4
Volkswagen       785                 3
Kia                   782                 3
Honda              778                  3
Mass Market Brand Average 778  3
Nissan              774                  3
Mazda              767                  3
Toyota               766                 3
Chrysler             760                 2
Subaru               760                 2
Mitsubishi           759                 2
Ram                    754                2
Scion                   752               2
Jeep                    741               2
smart                   740               2
Suzuki                 740                2
Dodge                 739                2

Power Circle Ratings Legend:
5 – Among the best  4 – Better than most  3 – About average  2 – The rest

The 2012 U.S. CSI Study is based on responses from more than 84,000 owners and lessees of 2007 to 2011 model-year vehicles. The study was fielded between October and December 2011.  

Source:J.D. Power & Associates

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe To Debut In 3 Weeks

The all-new third-generation 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe will have its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in early April. Worldwide cumulative Santa Fe sales are about 2.56 million (Korea: 680,000 / overseas: 1.95 million) since its 2000 debut.

Audi Beverly Hills Dealership Officially Opens

2012 Top 40 Selling U.S. Passenger Vehicles

Make/Model       Feb. 2012         Year-to-date

1. Ford F-Series  47,273  YTD  85,766
2. Toyota Camry  34,543   YTD  62,838
3. GM Chevrolet Silverado-C/K Pickup  32,297  YTD 59,147
4. Nissan Altima  32,953  YTD  55,310
5. Honda Civic  27,087  YTD  48,970

6. Honda CR-V  24,759  YTD 43,719
7. Chrysler Ram P/U  22,595  YTD  40,504
8. Toyota Corolla  22,151  YTD  40,139
9. Ford Focus 23,350  YTD  37,750
10. Ford Escape  18,666  YTD  35,925

11. GM Chevrolet Cruze  20,427   YTD  35,476
12. Ford Fusion 21,773  YTD  35,387
13. GM Chevrolet Malibu 19,987  YTD  34,663
14. Honda  Accord  20,702  YTD  34,361
15. Toyota Prius  20,593  YTD  32,148

16. Hyundai Sonata  17,425  YTD  31,914
17. GM Chevrolet Equinox  17,851  YTD 31,513
18. Hyundai Elantra  13,820  YTD  24,720
19. Volkswagen Jetta 12,838  YTD  23,800
20. Chrysler Jeep Grand Cherokee 12,724  YTD  23,407

21. Nissan Rogue 13,423  YTD  23,327
22. Toyota Rav4  12,679  YTD  22,498
23. GMC Sierra  11,306  YTD  20,823
24. Chrysler Dodge Caravan  12,668  YTD  20,762   
25. Ford Explorer  10,440  YTD  20,406

26. Kia Optima 1,558  YTD  20,372
27. Toyota Tacoma  10,674  YTD  19,572
28. Nissan Versa 10,190  YTD  19,608
29. Kia Soul  10,876  YTD  18,967
30. Ford Edge  10,535  YTD  18,850

31. Nissan Sentra  10,605  YTD  17,671
32. Chrysler Jeep Wrangler  9,319  YTD 17,215
33. Chrysler 200  9,717  YTD  16,724
34. Honda Odyssey 9,566  YTD  16,464
35. Kia Sorento  8,386  YTD  15,708

36. Chrysler Town & Country  9,621  YTD  15,258
37. Honda Pilot  8,879  YTD  15,244
38. Toyota Highlander  8,156  YTD  15,012
39. GM Chevrolet Traverse  7,966  YTD  14,606
40. Volkswagen Passat  8,189  YTD  14,507

Geneva Auto Show

Land Rover Evoque Convertible Concept

 

Porsche Boxter

Volvo V40

Audi A3

Chevrolet Cruze Wagon

Ford Fiesta ST

February 2012 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors reported total sales of 209,306 vehicles in February, up 1.1 percent compared with GM’s very strong February 2011 results.  For the first two months of 2012 GM has sold 377,268 vehicles, a decrease of 2.2 percent compared to January and February 2011.

Ford Motor Company sold  179,119 vehicles in February, a 14 percent increase versus year-ago levels. The Ford brand was up 14 percent, while Lincoln posted a 16 percent increase versus year-ago levels. Year-to-date Ford sales are 315,829, 11.2 percent higher than a year ago.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported monthly sales results of 159,423 in February, a 12.4 percent gain on an unadjusted raw volume basis. Year-to-date sales are 283,963, a 10.2 percent increase over last year.

Chrysler Group LLC reported U.S. sales of 133,521 units, a 40 percent increase compared with sales in February 2011, and the group’s best February sales since 2008. Year-to-date Chrysler has sold 234,670 vehicles, a 42 percent jump over last year.

American Honda Motor reported February 2012 monthly new-vehicle sales of 110,157, an increase of 7.8 percent over February 2011, based on the daily selling rate. Year-to-date sales are 193,166, an 8.5 percent increase over 2011.

Nissan North America reported record February U.S. sales of 106,731 versus a year earlier, an increase of 15.5 percent over last February's record total.Year-to-date Nissan sales are 186,044, a 13.3 percent gain over last year.

Hyundai Motor America announced all-time record February sales of 51,151 units, up 18 percent versus 2011. Year-to-date sales are 93,845, a gain of 16.2 percent over 2011.

Kia Motors America announced it's best ever February sales of 45,038 a 37.3 percent increase over the same period in 2011.  Year-to-date sales are 80,555, up 32.9 percent from last year.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 30,577 in February, a 42.5 percent increase over prior year sales and best February since 1973.  Year-to-date sales of 57,786 is a 45 percent spike from the first two months of 2011. Separately, Audi reported its 14th straight record-setting month of sales with 8,531 vehicles sold in February 2012, up 10 percent versus last year. Year-over-year vehicle sales are 17,885, up 14.9 percent year-to-date compared to 2011.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported February sales of 26,184 vehicles, an increase of 31.5 percent from the 19,919 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW has sold 45,923, a 19 percent increase over the first two months of 2011.

Mazda North American Operations reported February U.S. sales of 25,651 vehicles, an increase of 32.3 percent versus last year and best February total sales since 1994.  On a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis, Mazda's February 2012 sales were up 27.0 percent.  Year-to-date sales through February are up 47.5 percent (44.5 percent DSR) versus last year.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported February sales of 19,679 vehicles, a 21.7 percent improvement over February 2011 and the highest February volume on record.  On a year-to-date basis, the 41,398 vehicles sold represent a 23.8 percent increase.

Jaguar Land Rover North America reported February 2012 sales: Land Rover sales for the month were 3,255 up 27 percent from 2011; Jaguar sales for the month were 1,022 up 48 percent from 2011; Jaguar Land Rover North America sales for the month were 4,277 up 32 percent from 2011.

American Suzuki sold 2,425 vehicles in February, up 48 percent from last year and year-to-date sales are 3,930, 7 percent less than a year ago.

Porsche Cars North America announced February 2012 sales of 2,149 vehicles, a 6.4 percent increase over last February.

Sales data will updated as manufacturers report.

Fisker Automotive: Roger Ormisher Talks About Karma

Roger Ormisher, Director, Global Communications, Fisker Automotive, discusses the Karma and the company.

Fisker Karma Test Ride

The Fisker Karma, with its 22 inch wheels, is the same in its production version as it was in concept, as was the intention of Henrik Fisker, the designer and founder of Fisker Automotive according to Billy Tally, Fisker's Director of Vehicle Integration who spoke to the Motor Press Guild. One of the 500 engineers working in Fisker's Irvine headquarters, Kurt Fredlund, says one of the most amazing feats in getting this based-priced $102,000 luxury hybrid into production was the just 2-plus years from the concept stage which makes some of lyrics from the John Lennon song very appropriate, "Instant Karma's gonna get you" as the performance and handling are stunning based on my 5 mile test drive.

Very nimble given its size and weight yet very solid on the road with its conventional double wishbone suspension. There are two modes: Stealth for electric only with a 50 mile range before the gas engine kicks in with about 15% of battery charge left and Sport which is the hybrid, gas-electric combo, delivering a 300 mile range using a General Motors 265 horsepower Ecotec engine fed by a 10 gallon tank of gas and fully charged 605 lb. battery pack that Tally says "can go for at least 10 years".

The combined powerplant is rated at 403 horsepower with an amazing 950 foot pounds of torque with no clutch or transmission. There was some discussion about its EPA MPG rating which settled on 32 miles per gallon though Tally claimed it can be as high as around 50 mpg. If you're looking for a moonroof to soak in the rays forget it, there's a solar roof to absorb sunlight for charging the batteries and running the fans to keep the car cool. The car is low to the ground which gave my six foot body some difficulty climbing in and out.

My fellow MPG member Zoran Segina of LA Car was behind the wheel and drove the Karma hard, which according to engineer Fredlund, doesn't affect the range much because the hard breaking regenerates battery power. The top priced Karma is $116,000 with eco-friendly sheet metal and a back-up camera system. Music plays out of external speakers at speeds under 25 miles an hour to alert pedestrians that Karma is nearby, though the noise of LAX at our test drive location made it difficult to hear the Karma's warning music.

Sticking with John Lennon, his "Watching the Wheels" song seems to fit Executive Chairman Henrik Fisker who has just turned over his CEO reigns to Tom LaSorda, the 35 year automotive industry veteran who started with GM and joined Chrysler in 2000 becoming CEO in 2006 then co-Vice Chairman in 2007. "I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round, I really love to watch them roll, No longer riding on the merry-go-round, I just had to let it go." Deservedly so Henrik but back to Karma - "But we all shine on, Like the moon and the stars and the sun" - right on! Now awaiting the next more affordable model, which based on Karma's speedy evolution, could be very soon.

View the accompanying video interview with Fisker Automotive's Roger Ormisher, Director, Global Communications, for more.