Fisker Karma –
2012 Fisker Karma
Starting MSRP $102,000–$116,000
MPG City: NA Highway: NA
Available Engines
403-hp, (electric)
Transmissions
1-speed automatic
2012 FISKER KARMA
Zero to 60: GOOD KARMA
In the world of luxury cars, the Fiskar Karma stands out: breaking new ground as the world’s first premium hybrid electric vehicle. It's been unleashed to us by idealists Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler of Fisker Automotive, an American car company that dreamed of designing something unheard of on the current market. And it seems that their dreams have become reality. Inspired by hybrid technology developed for the US military, the vehicle comes equiped with refined interior wood, the largest solar glass roof ever designed for a production vehicle, Bi-Xenon head lamps, low energy LED lamps, a revolutionary touch screen interface, and 22” Circuit Blade wheels. The built-in command center is a touch screen display complete with navigation, Bluetooth, iPod, and climate control systems. The Signature Fisker exterior sound is also standard on all models. Each Karma is equipped with 4-wheel independent suspension with SLA architecture, front and rear aluminum control arms and stabilizing bars, auto dimming read and side view mirrors, 6 way power front seats with lumbar adjustments and memory capabilities, keyless ignition, push button start, ABS and panic brake assist, TSC and ESC. A torque of 959feet/lbs, rear wheel drive, and dual electric traction motors make the vehicle easy to maneuver. It also allows drivers to control EVer
Three60: AN UNWAVERING PASSION FOR PRESERVING THE ENVIRONMENT
Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler, in founding Fisker Automotive in 2007, have done much more than just creating 700+ jobs for the American economy: They have set the standard for environmental conservation. Their passion for creating a more environmentally friendly economy has led them to design vehicles unsurpassed in performance, design, and ingenuity, and the Karma is no exception: it comes equiped with Fisker's own patented electric technology, the EVer System. This system uses an electric generator and battery pack to power the dual electric motors, giving the car up to 50 miles of electric driving when fully charged. After these 50 miles, the internal combustion gasoline engine takes control to support the electric motors for another 250 miles. The car is equipped with a standard 110V charger, but use of the optional 220/240V charging can lower the amount of time needed to charge the vehicle. The car takes between 6 to 14 hours to fully charge, which is no problem for most commuters - hey, you have to sleep sometime, may as well charge your car during that time. The battery in the Karma is a Nanophosphate Lithium-Ion battery pack, which is built with advanced technology that allows for a very large SoC platform, and provides a lifecycle of 10 years or 100,000 miles under normal use, leaving behind in the dust most plug-in hybrid batteries, as they only have an anticipated lifespan of 5 to 8 years. The Diamond Dust paint on the Karma is the first water-based paint that engages a recycled glass mixture that uses 35-55% recycled glass while releasing zero VOC emissions. The invisible reflective infrared layer of the paint helps keep the interior temperature of the car more moderate during hot summer months. The interior of the car is furnished with several different options; the Ecostandard option, which is a deep black that emulates pure grain leather and then the Ecosport package, which uses leather from the world’s first closed-loop leather manufacturing plant. This plant abides by Five Freedoms of Humane Animal Treatment regulations and uses around 85% of the hide. The last package is the Ecochic, which provides the most eco-friendly and luxurious option. The premium Ecosuede features 100% post-industry virgin textiles. The massive solar powered roof can transform solar energy to an extra 200 miles per year. The lights used in the Karma are all low energy lamps and conserve as much power as possible. The interior wood detailing comes entirely from fallen, sunken, and rescued wood. The fallen wood is reclaimed from fallen trees in the Western United States, the sunken wood from the bottom of Lake Michigan, and the rescued wood is recovered from California wildfires.
A STRONG COMMITMENT TO SAFETY
Safety has been a big concern for hybrid cars. The Spaceframe of the Karma is constructed with front-end collision reinforcements that are paired with energy absorbing materials at major collision points around the vehicle. Spaceframe is comprised of interlocking struts laid out in a geometric pattern with energy-absorbing aluminum beams. The car is equipped with eight air bags and a premier braking system for superior stopping capabilities. In the event of a collision, the onboard system of the Karma triggers key safety response actions, like shutting down the battery power and fuel pump system. The doors automatically unlock, and the hazard and interior lights are instantly turned on. The Karma exceeds global crash protection standards.
A COMPREHENSIVE EXPERIENCE, AND A DRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
Danish-born designer Henrik Fisker is no stranger to designing luxury cars; his previous roles in the automotive world consist of designing for BMW and Aston Martin. Bernhard Koehler was also busy working with BMW and Designworks USA before joining Fisker in his pursuit of their dreams. Their experience and comprehenisive knowledge and design savvy has not gone unnoticed, and is impressing those with influence in the industry. The look and design of the Karma are unsurpassed by any other hybrid on the market. In addition to the sporty look, the features of this vehicle make it the best hybrid on the market - car critics across the world agree. BBC Top Gear Magazine named the Fisker Karma the top luxury car of 2011. Automobile magazine awarded Karma the Design of the Year.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
The Fisker logo represents the “horizon”. Depicting a California sunset, it pays homage to the company’s Southern California roots. It was designed to celebrate the innovation, freedom, and uncomplicated living associated with that region. The line where the sky and the ocean meet is used to symbolize the joining of this "unique lifestyle with a necessary concern for the environment." The two vertical bars represent the two founders; the designer's pen for Fisker and the creator's tool for Koehler. Is this emblem a precursor to what's coming soon from Fisker? We at Clutch Auto Magazine think so, and the example is clear: the Karma is a force to be reckoned with.
By Nathan Dowdy
power (see below), central locking, hazard lights, and an electronic glove box release. The 22” Circuit Blade wheels are surrounded by Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires. These wheels are powder coated to ensure a lasting finish and reduce VOC emissions. The brakes on the Karma are a standard racing design complete with Brembo Monobloc calipers. This braking system helps capture kinetic energy during deceleration. This allows drivers to have more control over the driving experience and electric range. The lightweight design allows the car to have a low center of gravity to provide superior performance and handling. The Karma has the ability to toggle between Sport Mode, which is fuel assisted, and Stealth Mode, which runs completely on electric power. The power and performance of the vehicle were not compromised in the creation of an environmentally friendly luxury vehicle. The car can travel 0 – 60 in 6.3 seconds and still releases just 83g/km CO2 emissions annually. It has top speeds of 150mph with a 2.0 liter 260hp 4-cylinder direct injection motor. It goes without saying that Fisker Automotive has succeeded in creating their magnum opus, a true wonder of design, functionality, performance, and luxury, while maintaining the company's commitment to the environment. Let's dive a little deeper...
