It was a recent event without much fanfare, with just a striking new model displayed in the primary display window of Rickenbaugh Cadillac Volvo in central Denver. The Fisker Karma EcoChic revealed its seductive shape and appeal through the glass facing the traffic on Broadway.
That may have been all that was needed, though, as Anthony Moore, the specialist on the Fisker line for Rickenbaugh, told us they already have deposits for 15 of the pricey all-electric drive hybrids.
The Fisker Karma takes the same approach to hybrid technology Chevy took to produce the Volt except on a much more upscale level. The Karma plugs in to charge a lithium-ion battery pack (consisting of 315 cells), which drives twin Chinese-built electric motors powering the rear wheels.
Notably, Fisker brought the Karma from design to production in a much shorter time frame than it took Chevrolet to develop and market the Volt.
The Karma is all-electric until you tell it not to be – it has a 50-mile range simply in stealth mode, as the company refers to its zero-emission drivability. A paddle on the steering wheel allows you to add the input of the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder generator to the lithium-ion voltage to up the range to 260 miles and performance up to 5.9 seconds from zero to 60. The gasoline generator will also kick in if the battery pack is depleted automatically.
Like the Volt, the combustion engine never drives the wheels, only augmenting the electrical output of the battery – but the similarities end right there.
The Fisker Karma looks like and is equivalently appointed to an exotic, luxury sports sedan. Designer Henrik Fisker grew up with an appreciation for the American cars of the ‘60s and the Karma has that kind of size along with rear-wheel drive.
That said, no Corvette, Thunderbird or Challenger ever looked this good. Fisker also designed the Aston Martin DB-9 and Vantage, which give you some idea of the soft seductive lines of the Karma.
The interior is roomy, comfortable and impeccably appointed – from the 10.2-inch video display screen to the luxurious seats and trim.
The leather they use is from the world’s foremost closed–loop plant, with power generation on-site from by-products of the production process. They use very low pigmentation and no chrome, utilizing up to 85 percent of the hide, as opposed to only 45 percent at most plants.
The even more environmentally concerned can choose EcoSuede upholstery, made from 100 percent recycled material into virgin ultrasuede – soft, durable and easily cleaned.
The sparingly used wood trim elements are totally rescued, sunken or fallen wood, ensuring no new growth cutting goes into the production of the Fisker Karma’s interior.
The Fisker Karma comes in three different trim lines starting at $96,000. They are called EcoStandard, EcoSport and EcoChic. The latter is the top of the line at $112K.
We’ll no doubt have more to report when we get the chance to drive one, but you can do that right now. Give Anthony Moore a call at Rickenbaugh Cadillac Volvo and schedule an appointment to see this stunning new car. Call 303-573-7773.
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