Fisker Automotive's Karma sports car, once a status symbol for A-list environmentalists in the United States, will come roaring back, powered by a supercharged V8, according to plans revealed by its new owner.
The US unit of Chinese firm Wanxiang received approval on Tuesday to acquire Fisker's assets for US$149.2 million.
Plans to revive the Karma as a traditional petrol-guzzling sports car were revealed in US Bankruptcy Court documents and by a person briefed on them.
Fisker, founded in 2007, sought to plant its flag as the first manufacturer to put a hybrid engine in a sports car with an eye-catching design.
But after technological glitches and management missteps, Fisker ceased production in 2012.
Former General Motors executive Bob Lutz, a high-profile critic of Fisker's environmental approach, will get a chance to prove his contention that luxury car owners want firepower under the hood more than a reduced carbon footprint.