2012 Fisker Karma on 2040-cars

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More signs of life at New Fisker; Karma owners offered repair deal

It's not likely that anyone who was able to afford a $100,000-plus Fisker Karma extended-range plug-in (yes, we're talking about you, Leonardo DiCaprio and Cee Lo Green) needs a financial lifeline today, but they're going to get one nevertheless. With the luxury model having been out of production for more than two years after the company behind it ran out of cash, Fisker's new owners are offering a Consumer Support Program (CSP) for those looking to get the plug-ins repaired, and we imagine there are a few of them. It's at least a stopgap measure until the next iteration (which will be a lot like the current Karma) comes out. New owner Wanxiang is offering anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000 worth of parts and labor for those looking to give their Karma models some TLC. That offer stays in place until the end of next January. Fewer than 2,500 of the Karmas were built, with the last one rolling off the line in late 2012. Last month, Wanxiang started teasing details on TheNewFisker.com about the company's first vehicle, which will be called the Elux Karma and is said to have a price tag of about $135,000. Wanxiang acquired Fisker out of bankruptcy early last year for $149.2 million. Related Video:

Aston Martin sues Henrik Fisker over Thunderbolt design

Imitation is supposedly the sincerest form of flattery, but Aston Martin isn't blushing after taking a look at the Fisker Thunderbolt. The british luxury brand has filed a lawsuit against the designer for allegedly copying the company's designs without permission in a US District Court in California. Fisker unveiled the Thunderbolt at the at the 2015 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance as his own take on the Vanquish. The former Aston Martin stylist's changes included reshaping the grille, adding a power dome to the hood and incorporating wraparound rear glass. The version on display was a concept for the design, but the plan was to sell a slightly modified production version through Galpin Aston Martin. This lawsuit puts assembly in doubt. "This lawsuit centres on Henrik Fisker's creation and promotion of automobiles that Aston Martin contends infringes Aston Martin's rights, by an improper and unauthorised attempt to exploit and free-ride off them," said a portion of a prepared statement from the company emailed to Autoblog (embedded in full below). According to Bloomberg, the automaker claims in the suit that portions of the design, including "the famous Aston Martin mark, wings logo, side vent mark, and Vanquish mark" are being coping in Fisker's design. The business also calls the plan to change the design for the production version a "bait-and-switch." Fisker helped to shape the look of the Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage during his time as a designer at the brand. "Today Aston Martin filed a lawsuit in the state of California to protect its valuable trade marks, designs and intellectual property rights. This lawsuit centres on Henrik Fisker's creation and promotion of automobiles that Aston Martin contends infringes Aston Martin's rights, by an improper and unauthorised attempt to exploit and free-ride off them. Aston Martin regards such conduct as wholly unacceptable and reserves all rights available at law to challenge it."

Fisker previews Orbit autonomous shuttle

Fisker Inc. isn't just working on an expensive performance EV. The manufacturer, headed by designer Henrik Fisker, is also working on a new " UltraCharger," and has filed patents for solid-state batteries. Now, the company has announced that it is partnering with China's Hakim Unique Group to build an autonomous shuttle for smart cities. Fisker says its Orbit self-driving electric shuttles will be ready by the end of 2018. Fisker hasn't provided a lot of specifics about the Orbit, but we do get a glimpse of it in the two images the company has released. The pod-like vehicle looks to be designed to maximize interior space. The side window has a display that shows the shuttle's next stop and departure time. There appears to be a door ahead of the rear wheels, but we can't really tell if it swings or slides open (we'd guess the latter). The partnership combines Fisker's automotive and design expertise with Hakim Unique Group's resources. Both partners have an interest in mobility and smart infrastructure. Fisker says the first Orbit autonomous shuttle will be deployed in a "Hakim Unique-implemented smart city." We hope to hear more details about this project soon. In the meantime, we can look forward to the public debut of the Fisker EMotion. The luxury EV, which boasts a range of 400-plus miles and a base price of $129,000, will be revealed next month at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It also incorporates autonomous technology, but is more focused on a good driving experience. Related Video: News Source: Fisker Green Fisker Green Automakers Green Culture Technology Emerging Technologies Autonomous Vehicles Electric Future Vehicles Henrik Fisker fisker inc