2012 Fisker Karma

The all-new 2012 Fisker Karma expands what a plug-in hybrid can be, as it promises not only fuel efficiency but also exclusivity, luxury and performance.

Fisker is a new American company that’s dedicated to building environmentally friendly luxury vehicles. The Karma, the company’s first model, is a plug-in hybrid, meaning it can run for a certain number of miles (in this case, approximately 32) on electric power before the lithium-ion battery pack runs out of juice and its gas engine/generator kicks in, extending the range by about 250 miles. The EPA figures that with the generator running, the Karma gets 20 mpg. So using the full electric range (32 miles) plus one gallon of gas (20 miles) equals the 52 “mpg-e.”

You’d be an extreme early adopter if you bought a 2012 Fisker Karma. Not only is the technology brand-spanking-new, but so is the car company itself. As such, there are other choices for shoppers just looking for a high-end luxury sport sedan with decent fuel economy. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is available in two fuel-efficient guises: the S400 Hybrid and the S350 Bluetec diesel. There are also the BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid and the Porsche Panamera Hybrid. They may not be as green or special, but they’re probably a more sensible purchase for now.

2012 Fisker Karma Eco-Sport 4dr Sedan

The 2012 Fisker Karma is a large four-door luxury sedan that comes in three trim levels: EcoStandard, EcoSport and EcoChic.

Standard equipment on the EcoStandard includes 22-inch alloy wheels, Brembo high-performance brakes, xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry, rear parking sensors, a solar panel roof, heated mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, six-way power front seats (with power lumbar), heated front and rear seats, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, real wood cabin accents, a trip computer, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker sound system with satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.

The 2012 Fisker Karma is a plug-in hybrid. As such, it features a pair of 150kW electric motors driving the rear wheels. Electricity is stored in a 20kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The Karma can be propelled solely under electric power for an estimated average of 32 miles, at which point the 260-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine takes over, extending range by about another 250 miles. (The engine is connected to a 175kW generator and never powers the Karma directly.) There is no transmission in the traditional sense.

In Stealth mode, Fisker estimates the Karma can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 95 mph. In Sport mode, the 0-60 sprint time drops to an estimated 5.9 seconds and top speed rises to 125 mph.

Standard safety equipment for the 2012 Fisker Karma includes stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front seat side airbags, dual knee airbags and side curtain airbags.

Emphasizing its environmental cachet, the Fisker Karma features a cabin decked out in recycled and renewable materials. The wood cabin accents are sourced from reclaimed lumber, including dead trees found submerged in Lake Michigan and trees that fell victim to California wildfires. Seat foam is constructed of soy-based fiber. Fisker says the EcoSport’s leather upholstery is sourced from farms that adhere to a standard of humane animal treatment, and a full 85 percent of the hide — claimed to be more than double the norm — is used. The Karma EcoChic is the most Earth-friendly with its 100-percent-recycled (post-industry) faux-suede (“EcoSuede”) interior.

A large touchscreen dominates the dash. Dubbed the Fisker Command Center, the interface provides intuitive controls for the audio, navigation, climate control and Bluetooth systems. As a result, dash clutter is minimized and thankfully the resulting clean design is also free of gratuitous futuristic styling cues.

Those who prefer a sporty drive should be pleased with the 2012 Fisker Karma, as its performance-tuned suspension, wide track, wide tires and relatively low height endow it with an athletic personality. Acceleration in Stealth mode is typical of electric propulsion; the car will jump off the line if you so choose, as peak torque is immediately available. Switch to Sport and the car is certainly quick, though the gas engine can get raucous under full throttle due chiefly to an exhaust that exits out of the front fenders, rather than behind the car. The regenerative brakes are strong and linear.