Fisker Karma

Fisker Karma: 

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 (an EPA-estimated 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 estimated electric range (32 miles) plus 1 gallon of gas (20 miles) equals the 52 “mpg-e.”
As with the two other plug-in hybrids on sale this year, the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius Plug-In, the Karma’s range and fuel economy greatly depends on the way you drive. We managed to achieve that 32 miles of electric range in testing, but we were driving rather aggressively. We’re guessing most people will get much better, and as such, most Americans could conceivably commute in this exotic car every day without using any gas at all. We’ll have to wait for a longer test to see if that 20 mpg is also on the conservative side.

2012 Fisker Karma Features And Specifications:

• Equipment
• All Karma trim levels powered by Fisker EVer™ (Electric Vehicle extended range) dual mode powertrain consisting of:
• Motors Two rear-mounted electric traction motors, mid-mounted lithium ion battery pack and front/mid-mounted range-extending gasoline engine/generator set
• Battery: 20 kWh, 180 kW lithium ion w/Nanophosphate™ technology (A123 Systems)
• Range-extending gasoline Engine/Generator set:
• 2.0-liter, 260hp, low-emission, four-cylinder direct fuel-injection w/ turbocharger (GM Ecotec®) and 175 kW generator
• Traction motors: 403 hp (300 kW) total [2 x 201.5 hp (150 kW)]
• Torque: 981 lb.-ft (1300 Nm) @ 0 rpm
• Transmission: Single-ratio gearbox/Limited Slip Differential combination
• On-board battery recharging system w/standard 110v plug (available 220V charging). Solar roof converts radiated power from the sun into stored electric energy, effectively increasing the electric range.
• Performance
• Stealth Mode:
• Lithium-ion battery power only
• 0-60mph (97 km/h) = 7.9 sec
• Top Speed = 95mph (153 km/h)
• Sport Mode:
• Lithium-ion power with Engine/Generator
• 0-60mph (97km/h) = 5.9 sec
• Top Speed = 125mph (201 km/h) electronically limited
• Range: Total Range: 300 miles (483 km)
• 50 miles (80km) electric only
• 250 miles (403 km) extended range
• Brakes
• Brake by wire, electro-hydraulically power assisted four-wheel disc with fully blended regenerative brake system and push-through override
• Front: Brembo® 370mm x 34mm floating, directionally ventilated rotors and six-piston monobloc calipers
• Rear: Brembo® 365mm x 28mm single piece, directionally ventilated rotors with four-piston calipers

Categories: Fisker Karma