2012 Fisker Karma Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Has the Car of the Future finally arrived, or will we look back and laugh? The 2012 Fisker Karma—one of the first mass-produced high-end luxury/sport electric vehicles—has finally rolled off the assembly line and sparked much interest and debate.
One thing everyone can agree on is that Dutch designer Henry Fisker has a lot of chutzpah. With his partner Bernard Koehler, they founded Fisker Automotive in 2007 to combine luxury with responsibility. Untold millions of dollars later, the Karma has been born.
To be sure, it is an impressive piece of machinery. Fisker used the snazzy sports car silhouette from the 1960s as his template, and he managed to capture that while still creating a modern-looking vehicle. Except for the grille, which has been likened to a goofy moustache, or perhaps the prom date that suddenly exposes a toothless grin. Aside from that minor blemish, the car truly is a looker inside and out.
But its main selling point, and the subject of much contention, is its hybrid engine. The Karma contains a 4-cylinder 260-hp turbocharged engine with 258 lb-ft of torque, which charges a 20kW-hr lithium-ion battery pack that propels 2 electric motors that are connected to the drivetrain, giving it a total of 403 hp and a whopping 981 lb-ft of torque.
In Stealth mode, the car uses only 1 electric motor and promises a 50-mile range without using a drop of gasoline. This ride is nice and quiet, perfect for most people getting around town. It goes from 0 to 60 in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 95 mph. Switching over to Sports mode, however, is a different story. The ride becomes markedly noisier (Fisker says a new exhaust is on the way), but the car’s power and handling increase dramatically: 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 125 mph. The car is estimated to go around 300 miles in this mode, before it needs a 6-hour charge.
But people can’t decide whether the Karma has, well, good karma. True, the company does align itself with eco-friendly companies, even offering recycled wood in its paneling, but some say it’s all for naught because of the car’s small electric range. And all this technology and innovation does not come cheap—models start in the high five figures. Right now this car is designed for the 1% that want to feel good about saving the planet without skimping on their own comfort.
Three trim levels are available, each of which boasts a creative use of recycled materials for the interior: the Eco-Standard, the Eco-Sport and the Eco-Chic (the Eco-Sport adds a rear camera and navigation).
User reviews for 2012 Fisker Karma
Write a review2012 Fisker Karma Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Reading lights: rear · Universal garage door opener: Homelink
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
EV battery capacity: 20 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 161 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 120 · Electric Motor Torque: 960 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 6 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 33 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 255 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5900 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 260 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 2000
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: short and long arm · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 100 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.6 · Front brake width: 1.34 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 14.4 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
EV battery capacity: 20 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 161 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 120 · Electric Motor Torque: 960 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 6 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 33 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 255 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5900 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 260 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 2000
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leatherette
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: short and long arm · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.6 · Front brake width: 1.34 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 14.4 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
EV battery capacity: 20 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 161 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 120 · Electric Motor Torque: 960 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 6 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 33 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 255 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5900 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 260 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 2000
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: short and long arm · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.6 · Front brake width: 1.34 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 14.4 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
EV battery capacity: 20 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 161 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 120 · Electric Motor Torque: 960 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 6 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 33 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 255 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5900 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 260 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 2000
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: suede
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: short and long arm · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
