Fisker, electric with a small gasoline-engine generator, had effectively addressed only a sliver of the potential market for his magnificent car.

FORBES: Why I'm 'Desecrating' Fisker's Beautiful Electric Sedan With A Brawny Gasoline Engine

The gasoline engine only turns a generator, which charges the battery and sends electricity to two electric traction motors that drive the car.

ENGADGET: Fisker Karma gets EPA-certified 52MPGe, sales ready to begin

Coming in 2012, a hybrid version of the flagship Audi A8 sedan will team a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor generator and self-charging 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack to realize an impressive 37 mpg.

FORBES: Sneak Preview: Audi A8 Hybrid