Fisker Automotive is planning to source a turbocharged four-cylinder engine from General Motors to help power its first car, the Karma plug-in hybrid luxury sedan, according to AutoWeek. The 2.0-liter, direct-injection, gas-powered EcoTec block will turn a generator to supply electricity, once the Karma exceeds its electric-only range of 50 miles.

The report said that Fisker is sourcing the engine through GM's Powertrain Integration LLC unit, and is also considering using other GM components on the car. Fisker plans to debut the Karma in January 2009 in Detroit ahead of a Q4 2009 launch. Recently, Fisker signed a production deal with Valmet Automotive to build the car in Finland, also began to set up headquarters in Detroit.