Monday 18th May 2009

Fisker Karma Caught On Video

Luxury GT hybrid filmed slaloming on track

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Fisker may hopes to bring an element of class to the hybrid market with the launch of its Karma GT, but the refined four-seater looks anything but soft.

Powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine which charges the car’s lithium-ion batteries, the Karma looks to be relatively nimble considering its 2109kg kerb weight.

The hybrid-engined saloon will reach 60mph in 5.8 seconds and go on to a top speed of 125mph thanks to its two electric motors that can return up to 50 miles of electric only motoring.

[Mr Gear]

Good to see it up and running. It's hard to tell what the handling is really like from this video, but the important thing is that it's a step closer to being available by the looks of things.

[Goochie]

Clearly the handling isnt' good enough to avoid knocking over a cone at the end of the first slalom !!

You'd think they'd cut that bit out.

[Saabstudent]

Goochie said:

Clearly the handling isnt' good enough to avoid knocking over a cone at the end of the first slalom !!

You'd think they'd cut that bit out.

I thought that as well.
To me it looks like a very heavy car being hustled around faster than it really wants to. Seems to be a fair bit of understeer at points as well.

G

[SystemParanoia]

knocked over a cone 2nd time through as well lol

[skylinecrazy]

What's the song in the video?

Dammit.

[GPT]

skylinecrazy said:

What's the song in the video?

Dammit.

Republica - Ready to go.

Edited by GPT on Monday 18th May 13:41

[Mr Gear]

skylinecrazy said:

What's the song in the video?

Dammit.

Republica - Ready To Go

[skylinecrazy]

Thanks guys.

Not heard it in ages..

Great song.

[Craigy_97elise]

SystemParanoia said:

knocked over a cone 2nd time through as well lol

It looks like it understeers like a pig. I wonder if it's got the weight distribution of a pub dart?

C

[Frimley111R]

I've never seen a car LOOK heavy! That's got a real challenge ahead of it.

[BBS-LM]

2109kg kerb weight.

[richie_mck]

wobbletastic! thats the first time i've felt sea sick watching a car!

[Johnpidge]

I suppose throw enough money at it and anyone can make a hybrid - but what kerb weight and for how much - could anyone make a 2 + 2 type coupe hybrid that looks good and goes well for £15k - wasn't someone going to take on the old Smart Coupe's and do something with them - Gordon Murray??

Edited by Johnpidge on Monday 18th May 14:40

[[AJ]]

BBS-LM said:

2109kg kerb weight.

So it has a 2 litre turbo charged engine and two motors and it still isn't any quicker than a 2.0 hot hatch to 60 mph? 125 mph top speed.. more under steer than a buss and it weights about as much as one. Lets hope it does 80mpg.

[Lil' Joe]

Good grief, 2 tonnes!?! that is ridiculous, yes it might be ok "for a two ton car" but thats still not great for something marketed as sporty. Disapointed with that actually as I have always liked the sound of this car. When will they grasp that lightness is key to all?

[forzaminardi]

Its absurdly heavy and I'm sceptical as to any hybrid, but it's a lovely looking machine. If some American eejits can make a big saloon this sleek AND fit in hybrid gubbins, why can't Aston or Porsche?

[Frimley111R]

BBS-LM said:

2109kg kerb weight.

As much as an Evora AND an Elise S1!

[dxg]

Johnpidge said:

I suppose throw enough money at it and anyone can make a hybrid - but what kerb weight and for how much - could anyone make a 2 + 2 type coupe hybrid that looks good and goes well for £15k - wasn't someone going to take on the old Smart Coupe's and do something with them - Gordon Murray??

Edited by Johnpidge on Monday 18th May 14:40

Ahem: http://www.gordonmurraydesign.com/T25.html Not a hybrid but achieving similar goals through a different appraoch; as you woudl expect from that studio...

[vz-r_dave]

[AJ] said:

BBS-LM said:

2109kg kerb weight.

So it has a 2 litre turbo charged engine and two motors and it still isn't any quicker than a 2.0 hot hatch to 60 mph? 125 mph top speed.. more under steer than a buss and it weights about as much as one. Lets hope it does 80mpg.

Yes it weighs a lot but your point makes no fking sense what so ever, tell me how many 2.0 hot hatches can do less then 5.8 seconds to 60?

125MPH top speed, well why on earth would they produce a Hybrid that goes any faster. Especially considering its state side and the speed restrictions are fairly strict.

I dont understand the negativity against one of the only hyrbid's on the market that is fairly focused. Afterall you only have to look at the recent post as regards to the electric car for le mans. If this is the way forward then we should be supporting cars like this.

I will look forward to it on the road.

[White-Noise]

Why oh why do people put music on these things!! If theres nothing to hear then I dont even find that out.

Still, I like hearing about these things, but a 2 litre turbo petrol engine does not seem like the kind of thing I expected from this sort of car