The big three, or perhaps the big two and Chrysler are begging congress for cash, $34B at the last count.

Here's the crazy; the Fisker Karma, an $87,900 2+2 sports sedan due to hit the streets at the end of 2009 is sold out well into 2010... probably 2011 by the time you read this?

Now, here's the real crazy; under the skin of the Karma is the engine and transmission from a regular GM saloon car.

The difference is that the Karma adds a pair of electric motors and a battery to boost range and performance.

This car is no hyper-tech future machine; I mean, look at at... it's good to look at but, it doesn't have wings or a propeller, there's no hydrogen spout or receptacle for lemons to power it... just electricity and gasoline... mostly, preferably, electricity.

Karma is not alone; XP motors and Tesla are seeking loans (note: loans, not bail-out cash NYT... good grief!) to do similar work, and to be fair to GM the volt is nearly there.

If the auto industry is saying "bail us out or else..." should we be replying "Build these or else"?

MPT