DUBAI: If supercars bore you, then let your imagination run loose with the Fisker Karma, the so-called iPhone of eco-friendly cars.
That, however, would set you back Dh5,000 per day in rent. The Fisker Karma is described as one of coolest hybrid cars currently driven only by the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and George W. Bush.
There is only one copy in Dubai at the moment. In fact, thre’s just one in the whole of Asia, according to Mazen Al Toukhi, Managing Director of Green Car Rental, a pioneer in eco-friendly car rental, which recently air-lifted the 19th copy of the 2012 Fisker to Dubai.
The sleek hybrid joins its fleet of hybrid and electric vehicles – which also includes an all-electric Tesla supercar (for rent at Dh2,500 per day).
The Finland-made Fisker has made heads turn due to its design and green credentials.
“It delivers both on driving luxury and green-consciousness. It does not compromise on either as it is made of 100 per cent recycled material, from the engine to the body and controls,” said Al Toukhi.
He has a stable of about 25 Chevrolet Volts, Nissan Leafs and the Tesla for rent – to tourists and residents.
The Fisker, his latest addition, can go from zero to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, and has a top speed of 201 km/h.
It comes with an “EVer” powertrain comprising a 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo petrol engine, a 175 kW electric generator and a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Two electric motors at the rear wheels generate up to 1,330 Nm of torque from zero rotations per minute.
In “Stealth” mode (electric only, which can cover up to 80km), its lithium ion battery gives the oomph of 235 horses. In Sport mode, this goes up to 403 horsepower. The Karma carries a price tag of over $120,000 (about Dh400,000).
Two Fisker Karmas were reported to have caught fire in the US since last May (the latest being the one reported on August 12) in California. Reuters quoted Fisker engineers as saying that the fires did not originate from the batteries or from the engine compartment. Both fires also occurred while the cars were not being charged but engineers said the probe continues, focusing on the specific origin located forward of the driver’s side front tyre.
Fisker recalled 239 Karma cars in December last year to fix a defect in the battery, made by A123 Systems Inc., that raised the risk of a fire.
