Of course, the purpose of my visit with the Fisker Karma was to drive it, at least a little while. We headed for Manhattan's West Side Highway and turned north.
At first, I kept the Karma in so-called "Stealth" mode, driving on electric power only. (That solar panel takes a load off the battery by feeding the car's climate control system and other accessories.) The Karma was whisper-quiet, of course, despite being fitted with winter tires, which tend be nosier than warm-weather tires.
Getting the Karma moving took a greater-than-expected jab at the gas pedal and, even when underway, there was a sense of heft to the car. In "stealth" mode, the Karma felt compliant and comfortable, but there was no eagerness to sprint.
The brakes, doing double-duty as electricity generators as well as car stoppers, performed their duties well. The electrically-assisted steering felt nicely weighted but perhaps a little numb.
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