What is it? The Karma is an electric-powered luxury sedan from small California startup automaker Fisker. Beneath its sinewy exterior is a plug-in gas/electric powertrain. A lithium-ion battery pack powers an electric motor that turns the rear wheels. Flip a switch to sport mode and the gasoline engine kicks in to add more boost. Fisker claims a 0-to 60-mph sprint time of less than six seconds and an average 100 mpg – not counting the electricity used. Moreover, Fisker says that if you drive less than 50 miles per day, you would have to fill the gas tank only once per year.

However, that comes with a price as the Karma will now sell for over $100,000.

What's new or notable? It takes several hours to recharge the battery using house current, but the gasoline engine provides some recharging as well as motive power while you drive. Additional charging comes from regenerative braking. The lithium-ion battery pack is placed in the center of the car and between the axles. Still, rear seat and especially trunk room are very tight. The Fisker uses an abundance of strong lightweight materials is built in Finland.

CR's take: The plush and well-appointed interior uses luxury car materials, and the drivetrain works similarly to the Chevrolet Volt. In this larger, heavier, and less aerodynamic car, with a bigger gas engine, we wouldn’t expect it to match the Volt’s overall 67 mpg (counting electric use) were we to test it.

When will it be available? Now