Chevy Volt Charges Past Fisker Karma in Car and Driver Comparison

WARWICK, R.I. (10/04/2012)(readMedia)-- Few consumers will cross-shop the 2012 Chevrolet Volt and the 2012 Fisker Karma, but Car and Driver decided to compare the two range-extended electric vehicles to see if the Karma's pumped-up price could hold a charge against the more attainable Chevy. After testing was complete, Chevrolet's much-discussed electric offering proved more efficient and convenient than the luxury-market Karma, showing that price doesn't always dictate effectiveness.

Attracting high-profile buyers like Justin Bieber has earned the Fisker Karma some Hollywood buzz, but when it came to efficiency, the $111,000 EV returned an equivalent of just 61 miles per gallon in Car and Driver testing compared to the Volt's equivalent of 112 miles per gallon. Editors also noted the Volt's ability to charge in much less time, juicing up in four hours with 240 volts versus roughly six hours for the Karma, and the Chevy gained more favor for having a dash indicator for remaining charge time. While the Karma received criticism for its limited space for rear passengers, the Volt was lauded for having ample head- and elbowroom for all four passengers.

"The Chevy Volt and Fisker Karma may be in different market categories, but the Car and Driver comparison shows just how advanced the Volt's electric technology is, even when compared against a vehicle that is supposed to be worth two and a half times as much," said Robert Phillipo, general manager of Balise Chevy of Warwick, a Rhode Island Chevy dealership. "The real strength of the Volt is that it offers incredible efficiency without affecting comfort and convenience, which, as the Fisker Karma shows, is a lot more difficult than it sounds."

Though the 2012 Volt may already be a winner in Car and Driver's eyes, Chevy put in the work to make improvements for the 2013 model year. A new Hold mode allows the driver to choose when to use the electricity stored in the Volt's battery pack, which has also been revised to boost all-electric range to 38 miles, an increase of three miles. Now available at dealerships, the 2013 Chevy Volt also returns 98 MPGe, good for four more miles per gallon than the 2012 model.

The Volt isn't the only Chevy sedan receiving revisions for the 2013 model year. Later this fall, Chevy's popular Malibu will gain a Turbo trim that utilizes a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Ecotec engine to deliver 259 horsepower. One of the most power-dense units on the market, the engine is also tuned to provide 90 percent of its 260 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 to 5,800 rpm, allowing for more seamless acceleration in any gear.

Drivers of the 2013 Malibu Turbo will be able to race from a standstill to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph. Despite the Malibu Turbo's impressive performance, the midsize sedan still returns 30 mpg on the highway, due in part to Chevy reducing engine friction by up to 16 percent with new technologies like a variable-displacement oil pump.

"Chevy is dedicated to building cars that don't force customers to make compromises, and the new Malibu Turbo is a great example of their efforts," added Phillipo. "Its turbocharged engine provides acceleration like a V6, but once you're on the highway, its efficiency is similar to small-displacement four-cylinder powerplants."

About Balise Chevrolet of Warwick:

Balise Chevrolet of Warwick is committed to helping Rhode Island Chevy fans find the vehicle they need at the right price. A member of the Balise Auto Group, the Warwick, R.I. Chevy dealer has a large inventory of new and used Chevrolet vehicles, including the Chevy Silverado, Cruze and Camaro. Plus, their team of factory-trained technicians performs expert Chevy repairs and maintenance at the dealership's state-of-the-art service center to keep their customers' vehicles running in top condition. Visit Balise Chevrolet at their showroom at 1338 Post Rd. in Warwick, browse their online inventory at www.balisechevroletofwarwick.com, or call them at 877-214-6563. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/balisechevroletwarwick.