Practical joker

So that's why it was a grainy picture. This is the Fisker Karma, the luxury hybrid from Denmark's finest designer that we told you about back in October.

Those details were accompanied by a grainy shot that got us all excited at the prospect of an Aston-like super-hybrid with looks to die for.

But, seeing the Karma unveiled in Detroit, we now realise why we only got a blurry image before. Because the big four-seater isn't the finest-looking creature around. Although we like the sculpted flanks and low roofline, that front end is over-fussy and the grille is, well, terrifying.

However, look beyond the Jack Nicholson's Joker face, and the Karma makes a whole lot more sense. Powered by a new plug-in hybrid system called Q Drive, it features a small petrol engine that turns a generator to charge a lithium ion battery pack.

This powers an electric motor which turns the rear wheels, allowing the Karma to run on electric power alone for up to 50 miles. When the battery power is spent, the Karma plugs back into the mains or can be ordered with a full-length solar panel roof, allowing it to self-charge. Clever.

Beyond its eco-credentials the Karma should be good to drive, too. The petrol engine and electric power work together in 'Sport' mode to propel it to 60mph in under six seconds, and the battery pack is positioned at the centre of the vehicle for decent balance. Because of the electric-hybrid drivetrain, maximum torque is available from zero rpm upwards.

Good news in the price department, too: Fisker says the Karma will cost from just $80,000 when the first deliveries arrive towards the end of 2009. Fisker reckons that annual production could reach 15,000 cars - serious numbers for a manufacturer that, until now, has specialised in low-volume conversions.

We eagerly wait to find out if Fisker can deliver on the big promises. But first Henrik, please sort that horrible grin out. No joking.

Surprise! It's the diesel R8

We knew Audi was planning something big in Detroit, and here is it: the world's first diesel supercar.

This is the Audi R8 V12 TDi, and although it's being billed as a concept, it should be on the road within a couple of years.

Tearing massive holes in the road, quite possibly. The R8 V12 isn't a cooled-down version of Top Gear's Car of Year: in fact, the diesel version is billed as faster, more powerful and - of course - far more torquey than its petrol brother.

A few raw figures for you. The R8 TDi gets a 5.9-litre V12 twin-turbo diesel with 493bhp and, more scarily, a massive 738lb ft of torque. That'll shove the R8 to 62mph in 4.2 seconds - nearly a half-second quicker than the petrol version - and on to a top speed 'well over 186mph', according to Audi.

Awesome performance, in other words. But it won't come at the expense of economy: The R8 V12 returns 23mpg - just 4mpg less than the V6 TT - and although there's no word on emissions, Audi says it'll meet the 2014 Euro 6 regulations.

All of which sounds like an intoxicating combination, leaving us with just one worry: weight. Audi doesn't quote how much heavier the TDi unit is than the petrol V8, but too much extra weight could play havoc with the R8's delicate, wieldy handling.

However, Audi has managed to shave some weight from the diesel block by using stronger cast iron, allowing for thinner crankcase walls, which reduces weight by some 15 per cent.

Although the bodyshell of the R8 V12 is taken straight from the petrol version, the diesel-burner does get a few cosmetic enhancements. There's a glass roof with a NACA air duct in the middle, as well a new single-piece front bumper and bigger air intakes.

Inside the cabin, there's a bit of extra carbon fibre and, you'll notice, a manual gearbox. Word is that all the diesel torque would simply devour the DSG ?box, so a six-speed shifter it is - good news, because that's the ?box we liked on the petrol R8 anyhow.

We won't see the diesel R8 on the road until after the new Lamborghini Gallardo - and you'll see a V10 petrol version of the R8 beforehand, too. The V12 TDi could be the most tempting of the bunch, though - if the Audi engineers can make it handle like the petrol version. Here's hoping.

2009 Hyundai Genesis

It's the start of something, all right. The Genesis sedan marks the debut of Hyundai's first-ever V-8 engine, its first-ever rear-wheel-drive platform, and its first foray into the luxury car arena. Hyundai is positioning the car as a BMW 5-series/Infinti M/Lexus GS competitor, priced to match the rear-wheel-drive domestic-brand competition (Chrysler 300/Pontiac G8).

If you doubt Hyundai's luxury intentions, check out the car's list of available equipment, which includes intelligent cruise control; adaptive headlights; heated and cooled seats; a rearview camera; high-end audio (by Lexicon) with NavTraffic, iPod and USB inputs; Bluetooth; keyless ignition; leather seating and even a leather-wrapped dashboard.

Like its competition, the Genesis will offer 6-cylinder or V-8 power. Two V-6 engines are rated at 268 hp and 290 hp, while the all-new V-8 generates 368 hp (on regular fuel) and 375 hp (with premium) from its 4.6 liters. All engines are teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission and drive the rear wheels. (No all-wheel-drive option will be offered.) Hyundai claims the 8-cylinder version will reach 60 mph in less than 6 seconds.

The Genesis goes on sale this summer. The car will come in a single trim level. Prices for the base V-6 engine version will start under $30,000 (though probably not far under), while the V-8 should be around $35,000.

This chassis will also underpin a production version of the Coupe concept seen at the 2007 L.A. auto show, which likely will reach showrooms toward the end of the year.

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