2012 Fisker Karma Value
The Karma competes with full-sized luxury sedans and coupes from manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW with a price point of around $100,000. Its stand-out styling immediately makes a strong case for the car, but it's the eco-friendliness of the vehicle that really sets it apart from its rivals. Going beyond just a hybrid drivetrain, Fisker have done everything they can to ensure that the Karma has a minimal impact on the environment. Unlike most other hybrids and in accordance with its styling, the Karma has a fun side as well. Performance is good and handling was made a priority in its design. Starting a new car company is no easy task and Fisker has done their best to ensure that their first product is a strong one.
2012 Fisker Karma Changes
The brand new Fisker Karma is a full-sized luxury sedan with a trick hybrid drivetrain. Stunningly beautiful, the Karma manages to look like a sports car while still seating four people in comfort. The hybrid drivetrain allows the Karma to operate as an electric vehicle, complete with plug-in recharge system. If the driver chooses, an onboard gasoline engine can also be utilized to recharge the batteries and keep the Karma moving in much the same manner as a traditional hybrid.
2012 Fisker Karma Overview
The Karma's unique drivetrain comprises a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder to generate power for the car's two electric motors which combine to produce 403 horsepower. But electric motors are known for their strong torque output and the Karma doesn't disappoint, producing 959 foot-pounds of it at zero RPM. The car can run in either "stealth" or "sport" mode, the former using just the electric motors and the latter utilizing the gasoline engine to keep the batteries charged. For short journeys the Karma can simply be left in stealth mode and recharged at home with a standard 110 volt outlet. The Fisker Karma comes in three different trims: EcoStandard, EcoSport and EcoChic. EcoStandard is the most basic trim, but is of course full of features befitting a pricey luxury car. A 6-way power adjustable driver's seat, USB and MP3 capable stereo, dual zone climate control, an auto-dimming mirror, 22-inch wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights and Sirius XM radio are all included in the EcoStandard. These are all somewhat expected for this class of luxury car; however a couple of unique features set the Fisker Karma apart from other luxury automobiles. A massive 10.2-inch touchscreen monitor ensures that the Karma's interior won't be confused with anything else and makes operating many of the dashboard mounted controls no more difficult than using an iPad. A roof-mounted solar panel helps store electricity, but also allows the climate control to run while the car is off. The EcoSport builds on the EcoStandard by adding hands-free voice activated navigation functions to the touchscreen monitor and improving the sound system to a 295 watt 8-speaker unit with a subwoofer. A rear camera is included, as are leather or suede seats, though Fisker is careful to note that the leather is sourced from a 100 percent sustainable facility. The EcoChic is the most expensive trim level and also features the highest level of sustainability for the interior. The leather is gone, replaced with an animal free premium "ecosuede" material while the wood in the dashboard has been sourced from trees felled in California wildfires. In other words, the EcoChic is the most environmentally friendly luxury sedan money can buy. Options are relatively sparse across all trim levels and consist mostly of paint choices including a diamond dust paint that uses recycled glass to give it a unique sheen. Safety is provided by eight airbags including separate knee airbags for front seat occupants and side curtain airbags that span the length of the interior. Stability control, traction control and ABS are standard, the latter featuring special programming in the event of a panic stop situation. Other safety aids include an automatic battery cut-off function and a small chime emanating from beneath the rear bumper when the vehicle is reversing, a feature that would be unnecessary if electric cars weren't so quiet in their operation.
