Fisker Karma

[Lee Willis]

I was looking through the latest Motor Trend and noticed that the Fisker Karma was an entry in the Car of the Year competition. MT's write up talked about if it was really a production (or pre-production car) but went ahead and included it. It did not win, or even make it into the final 10, I think. I was glad to see it alone with a couple of other electrics in the competition.

What struck me though, was the Karma's weight: 5400 lbs! Wow - hope that is a mis-print. I had considered waiting and getting a Fisker, only because I respect Fisker tremendously: he did the BMW Z8, which I like, and designed the Aston Martin Vantage which I consider the most beautiful and perfectly styled car in current or recent production (I regret greatly trading mine a year and a half ago). Anyway, I considered the Fisker months ago and decided that the lines were not that elegant and passed. Glad I did now. 5400 lbs!! If I drive a car that heavy it will be a Bentley Continental or nothing else!

[voltage692]

I wondered if surveyed how many people would list "weight of the car" as a key buying criteria. Most people seem to go for more relevant specs that account for weight: top speed, cornering, braking, 0-60, gas mileage, safety, etc.

Weight has been linked to safety. If you weigh more than the other guy, you win.

[bonaire]

It just won Top Gear's luxury car of the year...

http://www.egmcartech.com/2011/12/01...he-year-award/

Weight is not a miss print. I thought it was 5700 lbs.

[stuart22]

I love how Fisker brags about his 'American car' when it's about the least american 'American' car I can think of.

As pretty as it is, there's a lot of crude design work in it. Its porky weight is a tipoff, as is the limited luggage/people space in relation to its size. The Tesla Model S seems to be a far better thought out body design.

[Noel Park]

Fisker = LOL.

[Lee Willis]

I know I am in a minority, but weight matters to me, as it is a measure of efficiency in doing the job.

I think the most elegant and sibaritic car available is the Bentley Continental. I love everything about it, a lot, except that 5300 lb weight -- for a 2+2 coupe that struck me as ridiculous - I passed and bought a Ferrari F430m (same $$, 3050 lbs) instead and am happy with that. The Volt, at 3800 lbs is heavy, but efficient for what it does.

[MTN Ranger]

I wondered if surveyed how many people would list "weight of the car" as a key buying criteria. Most people seem to go for more relevant specs that account for weight: top speed, cornering, braking, 0-60, gas mileage, safety, etc.

Weight has been linked to safety. If you weigh more than the other guy, you win.

You should see the guys who post on AutoblogGreen who obsess about car weight!

That said, the Karma is a big car: 196.7" length and 78" width. Not too surprising considering two beefy 201 brake horsepower motors, 22kW battery and 2.0L ICE too.

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...r-karma-13.htm

[DonC]

I agree with voltage692. To me extra mass is a bonus so long as the vehicle has decent handling and performance. Up to a point of course.

Fisker = LOL.

You are consistent my man!