Our dictionary defines karma as the force generated by a persons actions held in Hinduism and Buddhism to perpetuate transmigration, and in its ethical consequences to determine his destiny in his next existence. Noted auto designer Henrik Fisker certainly touts the green ethics of his new Karma hybrid luxury sedan, but we doubt he believes in reincarnation.

No matter. The 2010 Fisker Karma is either a new DeLorean destined to disappoint or a genuine breakthrough in gasoline/electric cars. Imagine: a large, swoopy sports-luxury sedan that does 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds, runs 50 pollution-free miles on electricity, and plugs in to recharge an advanced lithium-ion battery pack. And all for a scarcely believable starting price of around $80,000. Sounds too good to be true--and maybe it is. Many observers are skeptical of the Karma, not least because Fisker Automotive, the Irvine, California-based company set up to build and sell it, has yet to answer some key questions. Nevertheless, the Karma premiered at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show with Mr. Fisker declaring the car is on schedule to start production in the fourth quarter of 2009.