Fisker Karma to debut at Monterey

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Fisker Automotive plans to show that its Karma plug-in hybrid is ready to run -- at least for two laps around the racetrack at Monterey.

The Irvine automaker said the prototype would make a two-lap progress around the Mazda Laguna Seca course during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races on Aug. 15. The course is a little over two miles in length.

It will be the public driving debut for the Karma, which was unveiled 19 months ago as a concept car. Fisker claims a 50-mile battery-only range for the Karma. A 2-liter gasoline engine powers a generator that extends the battery’s range by an additional 250 miles.

The Karma has a top speed of 125 miles per hour and can go from zero to 60 in about six seconds, according to Fisker.

The company has said the luxury sedan will list for just under $88,000. Fancier versions will cost up to $104,000.

The races are part of Monterey Week, a weeklong series of auctions, tours, classic racing and private showings on the Monterey Peninsula. For more information on the races, go to their website.

-- Martin Zimmerman, Joni Gray