# Head of State, HSH Prince Albert of Monaco joined company co-founder Henrik Fisker to drive Karma around Monaco Grand Prix circuit

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/06/head-of-state-hsh-prince-albert-of-monaco-joined-company-co-founder-henrik-fisker-to-drive-karma-around-monaco-grand-prix-circuit/
- Published: 2011-06-02T02:53:13-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

**Monaco – May 29, 2011**: Visitors to the world’s most prestigious motorsport event,
the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, were among the first to see the first Fisker 
Karma off the production line put through its paces as it made its European driving
debut on the famous street circuit.

On Saturday 28 May 2011, before official race qualifying began, the first European
production version of the Fisker Karma, the world’s first true Electric Vehicle 
with extended range, took to the streets of Monaco, completing a couple of laps.

# The vehicle was piloted by Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco.

His Serene Highness was joined during this momentous occasion by company co-founder,
CEO and executive design director, Henrik Fisker. This event marked the first dynamic,
public showing of the Karma in Europe.

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/tumblr_mh07wdrgbw1s42f9co1_1280.
jpg?resize=612%2C612&quality=52&ssl=1)

Designed to reflect Henrik’s paradigm of Responsible Luxury™, the Fisker Karma is
the first American-designed and engineered luxury vehicle specifically developed
to appeal to world markets. It is the only luxury sedan in the world that meets 
future fuel consumption and emission requirements, making it suitable for any international
city.

## The Karma was also on static display during the race weekend.

That’s both at the chicane exiting the tunnel, turns 10 and 11, otherwise known 
as the Nouvelle Chicane, and thereafter in Cavallari – Monaco Motors, Fisker’s newest
dealership, located on 6- 11 rue Princesse Florestine, MC 98000.

The only true Electric Vehicle with extended range, the Fisker Karma drives its 
rear wheels using two rear-mounted 201.5 horsepower (150 kW) electric traction motors
that draw energy from the lithium-ion battery pack for up to 50 miles (80 km). The
gasoline engine drives a 175 kW electric generator to power the motors; there is
no mechanical link between this engine and the drive motors.

### Uniquely, the Fisker Karma can run in one of two drive modes: Stealth and Sport.

Stealth Mode maximizes efficiency. Thereby giving the car its greatest range on 
battery power. That’s before activating the gasoline engine-driven generator to 
sustain battery charge. In Stealth Mode, the Karma can accelerate from zero to 60
mph (97 km/h) in 7.9 seconds. Moreover and achieve a top speed of 95 mph (153 km/
h). With Sport Mode engaged, the gasoline engine drives the generator to provide
enough electricity for 403 total system horsepower, allowing the Karma to accelerate
from zero to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 125 mph (201 
km/h).

#### In all aspects of performance, the Fisker Karma is designed to be a true driver’s car.

Its proprietary, advanced aluminum space frame incorporates new levels of rigidity
and strength. One that give the Karma world-class ride and handling characteristics.
Fisker Automotive’s engineering team designed the Karma’s space frame. All around
the car’s unique powertrain, filing for multiple patents in the process.

Benefitting from a four-wheel independent SLA (double-wishbone) suspension. In addition
and also employing aluminum components. So the Karma has been specifically tuned
to run on standard 22-inch aluminum wheels. It’s a first for a production car.

Production of the Fisker Karma recently started at Valmet Automotive’s Uusikaupunki
facility in Finland. All with Fisker aiming to achieve full build rate by the second
half of 2011. It is Fisker’s plan to deliver vehicles to all current deposit holders
during the 2011 model year.