[SomeRandomer123]

The Fisker Atlantic will was revealed earlier today and it uses the N20 engine in 28i spec. It will cost £40,000 and be a direct rival for the 5 Series and Audi A6. Like the Karma, the engine doesn't actually provide the direct drive, but is instead used as a generator to charge the batteries which turn the electric motors to provide drive, either at the rear wheels or all four depending on your needs, wants and budget! Although it is an amazing piece of engineering and looks absolutely gorgeous to the point where I want one even if it runs on caviar and diced children, why would it need so much power and such a fantastic engine that is used in multiple BMW's to provide direct drive, just to be used as a generator to charge some batteries? Don't get that bit... Surely Fiat's little 2 cylinder TwinAir would be better as it is smaller, more fuel efficient and save a hell of a lot of weight. Somebody will need to explain that bit to me!

So which would you rather have? So far, from the very first details, I wish I hadn't gone with the F30!! But reliability for the Fisker WILL be an issue, as will most likely be motorway speed as the electric motor high pitched whistle may be most annoying (80mph means a hell of a lot of revs). So maybe the wise person would go with the 328i, and the adventurous would go with the Atlantic. Either way, its a fabulous looking thing and I wish Fisker all the success with it, as I think electric is the way to go. Just not powered solely by batteries that need recharging every 5 miles. Their idea is good, albeit not sustainable as obviously, that N20 needs some juicy petrol (or gasoline if you're American at home) but it will mean the oil should last longer as the economy should be very impressive. Hell, we're supposed to get 40mpg (UK MPG) with the N20 connected to the road!

Obviously, the poll I've posted will give biased results as this is a BMW forum, but it would be interesting to see who is a fan of the Fisker Atlantic.

More information here on the Top Gear UK website: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/n...-show-2012-4-2

[bcl0328]

the fisker is like 20k more and the karma is already tanking. no thanks.

[Feanor]

Why will 80mph mean an electronic whine? I don't think other electric cars whine at high speeds and I see no reason why an electric motor should be any louder than an internal combustion engine at any speed.

You're right though, reliability is likely to be a problem initially. Once the technology has matured electric cars should be far more reliable as they have far fewer moving parts but early adoption with any technology is a risk.

I can't wait for leccy car technology to mature and come down in price though. It has so much potential, and I'd love to be able to "refill" for not much money while also feeling less guilty about contributing to global warming.

[KneeDragr]

Unless you are obscenely rich and just buying one for your collection, I dont think a Fisker is a good choice at this point in time.

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by KneeDragr

Unless you are obscenely rich and just buying one for your collection, I dont think a Fisker is a good choice at this point in time.

Sadly, I agree. If I had money to burn, I would, I'd perhaps even invest in the technology but for the average joe, nah, it would be very good, briefly. Not ready yet I believe, but not far off.

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by Feanor

Why will 80mph mean an electronic whine? I don't think other electric cars whine at high speeds and I see no reason why an electric motor should be any louder than an internal combustion engine at any speed.

You're right though, reliability is likely to be a problem initially. Once the technology has matured electric cars should be far more reliable as they have far fewer moving parts but early adoption with any technology is a risk.

I can't wait for leccy car technology to mature and come down in price though. It has so much potential, and I'd love to be able to "refill" for not much money while also feeling less guilty about contributing to global warming.

Ever heard the Tesla Roadster at 80mph? Horrendous whistle! The Fisker may be refined enough to avoid this however - time will tell!

It'l be great once the true potential is tapped from EV cars! All about torque for them - must feel ace!