2011 Fisker Karma: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2011 Fisker Karma is a new gas/electric hybrid luxury car. Originally slated for introduction during the 2010 model year, this 4-door, rear-wheel-drive sedan is built in Finland and distributed by U.S.-based Fisker Automotive, Inc. It pairs a battery-powered electric motor with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine for 403 horsepower total. Unlike most hybrids, Karma uses plug-in technology the company calls Q DRIVE. It can run up to 50 miles solely on electric power. After that, the gasoline engine turns on a generator, which charges the car's lithium-ion battery pack to provide power to the electric motor. Since the electric motors drive the wheels directly, no transmission is needed. The driver can select between two driving modes. Stealth Drive is designed for maximum fuel economy. Sport Drive alters drivetrain behavior for maximum performance. An optional solar roof panel allows for additional battery-charging capability, and it's designed to keep the cabin cool on warm days. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Trim levels include EcoBase, EcoSport, and EcoChic. All use a touchscreen interface for climate and audio controls. EcoSport models have leather upholstery. EcoChic versions have fabric seats made from bamboo viscose. We have not yet tested the 2011 Fisker Karma.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium-Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have six-figure price tags.

Our Best Buys are the Hyundai Equus, Hyundai Genesis, Lexus LS, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A8, Fisker Karma, Hyundai Equus, Jaguar XJ Series, and Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. The BMW 7-Series gains a new gas/electric hybrid model and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class gains a new diesel model for 2011.