Minneapolis Street Sighting: Fisker Karma

I'm a big fan of new energy sources--and I'm a big fan of daring design; quite often, the two don't quite mesh. It appears that this is changing for the long term. Henrik Fisker got his first big break launching upscale, coach-built versions of BMW's 6 Series coupe and convertible, as well as competitor Mercedes Benz's SL-class coupe and convertible. He is also noted for his stunning Aston Martin designs, as heralded as one of the most exquisite designers for the famous BMW Z8 roadster, which I absolutely love. With his previous design experience, he set out to launch his own car company called--you guessed it--Fisker. The first vehicle is the electric/hybrid Karma sedan. While it does look polarizing in pictures, I have to say it does have street presence--and lots of it, I might add. Numerous people stopped to take pictures, so I guess that's a sign that the Karma is not necessarily a car-guy car. Everyone from mothers with kids, older people, and a few Guidos stopped to look at this "exotic beast" as one man called it.
















From the front, it's clear its got an Aston Martin-esque feel to it. The grille evokes spirits of mid '90s Aston Martin, with a slight hint of BMW mixed in for good measure. The headlights sit flush with the hood, a bit higher than normal, but the overall effect is pleasant--a nicely filled fascia that leaves no bare material--but it's also a fascia that could easily be marred by rock chips and parking lot mishaps.
Out back, the situation is a bit different; wide trunk, gunslit taillights, and a vast array of material. On the upside, this means the taillight damage will be minimal in a rear end collision should lenses be overly expensive. I do like the same diamond-airdam-diamond look that's repeated both at the front and rear, though. Rarely has doing repeat fascias worked so well.
On that note, I think the Karma is a daring car, but one that's needed. It's proof that green needn't be boring; would I own one? Not sure. Would I drive it? Probably. I like cars with class, cars that make people take notice, and the Karma does exactly that. High five to Fisker for creating a force to be reckoned with.