She's beautiful. So close that you reach out to wrap your arms around her waist -- but she disappears! Henrik Fisker has been a magician at dangling before us the luscious Plug-in Hybrid that bears his name, and reiterating his promised of a Fall '09 launch. Meanwhile, no one outside the company has driven one (and who really knows if anyone inside has either).

Tesla S was famously wheeled by actual people in NYC. The Mini-E is available for beta-lease. The Volt was just on Letterman. Seems like this is the time to show that your EV is more than just a Scooby-Doo hologram.

But watch Henrick's hands -- nothing up his sleeve -- Voila! Some new pictures and generalized specs about the Karma. In this case, we are treated to (pictures of) the full-length photovoltaic roof, which reportedly generates enough power to cool the cabin while parked, and "in consistent sun," it can also theoretically contribute enough battery recharging to add 3 to 5 miles a week.

We don't want to rain on the Fisker's solar panel, but don't give your local gas station the finger quite yet. That consistent sun business? It will generate interior heat enough to quickly overwhelm any cooling device that the PV panel's rated output could power. And unless the panels are spotless, track the angle of the sun, and maintain other delicate criteria, their outpit plunges to a little more than half of their system rating.

Wouldn't it be better to drop the gimmicks, speed development, and lower the price to boot? The car, Henrik; we need the car.