VIDEO: Karma flies, sounds like jet
We were telling you recently about the Fisker Karma showing up in fake camo stickers as part of a PR campaign. This being the 21st century and all, video, as well as the still photos, was taken and now is available on YouTube. Said video is equipped with sound and has the Karma accelerating to the tune of something akin to twin turbines. Having heard previously that an actual running prototype of the car wouldn't be seen until closer to the sunset of 2008, we have to wonder what it is
[Source: YouTube]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
dan 8:55PM (5/18/2008)
Sounds like a curtis PMC 1.5khz whine
Reply
Kevin Nugent 5:41PM (5/16/2008)
It really does sound like it is powered by jets
Reply
GoodCheer 5:46PM (5/16/2008)
There's a lot going on in the audio there.
I definitely hear something that sounds like the gear whine of an electric power train (electric drives are loud because the gears are cut to a different shape to transmit power in two directions, unlike ICE gears).
Most of the sound is just wind blowing over an un-sheltered mike.
Reply
EVan 6:49PM (5/16/2008)
It could be the whine from the DC to AC inverter. These can make a lot of noise, are usually high pitched, and their frequency is related to the rotational velocity of the motor.
That's my guess.
Reply
Mik_Cal 12:16AM (5/17/2008)
It's the combination of wind noise on the mic, the whine of the AC motor and tire noise.
Reply
pauln 1:50AM (5/17/2008)
No, seriously, I think there a jets driving that car. Sounds just like a MIG taking off. Maybe Fisker has a deal for surplus Russian jets.
Reply
MetroMPG.com 8:59AM (5/17/2008)
Typical AC drive "Jetsons" sound.
Google "EV1 goodies" and watch (listen to) the quicktime vid of the EV1 accelerating from inside the car: "Hear the unique sound as we accelerate to 40 mph."
Very similar turbine like sound, minus the aerodynamic/tire noise in the Fisker clip.
Reply
Igor Braverman 4:53PM (6/07/2008)
I'm pretty sure fisker has specifically mentioned external speakers to make noise for the "safety of the pedestrians". Because the car is very quiet.
Reply