Report: Fisker Karma to See Accelerated Relaunch

Fisker Karma (Credit: Flickr Creative Commons by Derrich)

After declaring that it would blow Tesla out of the water and become victorious as the premier electric automaker in the world, Wanxiang is forging ahead with the relaunch of the Fisker Karma, reports Automotive News. The move might be fueled in part by the fact that Tesla Motors is moving ahead with production of the Model X and construction of its Gigafactory battery facility in Nevada, both of which would give the fellow California-based company a competitive edge.

According to sources Automotive News claims are from inside the company, Fisker will be rushing the relaunch of the Fisker by using the old design from the final year of production. Before going under, the Fisker enjoyed a rabid following that famously included pop singer Justin Bieber, who was regularly photographed by the paparazzi driving his chrome-wrapped model.

The result of the Fisker Karma storming back into the automotive market promises to be interesting. Originally, the car was designed to take on the likes of Aston Martin and Maserati, providing a stylistic flair and refined driving experience that cannot be had with other “green” vehicles. The Tesla Model S has since picked up considerable praise for its excellent driving dynamics, including the ability to take down the BMW M5 in a drag race.

Even though Fisker lost out big time in the first round of competition with Tesla Motors, things are different this time around. Car shoppers are likely even more receptive to electric cars and understand the value of the range extension technology onboard the Karma. Fisker also boasts considerable financial backing, thanks to Chinese automotive parts giant Wanxiang.

The revival of the Karma is not without its own degree of bad karma. Old suppliers who were burned when the company declared bankruptcy, taking huge losses as well. As a result, the automaker has had to secure some alternative sources, meaning the Karma will not be exactly as it was in 2012.

Who will win this electric car beatdown? Likely consumers, as even more options for driving a green car increase.